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Hello, my name is Maikel Lonis.

Like every great story, mine begins at the very start. From a young age, I was drawn to nature. My grandparents lived deep in the heart of the Netherlands’ largest forest, and I spent my childhood surrounded by towering trees, curious wildlife, and the gentle rhythm of the natural world. That environment sparked a deep curiosity in me—a curiosity that only grew stronger with every walk through the woods.

It wasn’t long before I felt the need to capture what I saw, to share those hidden wonders with others. My first camera was a simple Canon A80 point-and-shoot, which accompanied me on every nature walk, hunting for tiny creatures and fleeting moments. Each click deepened my love for photography—and for the wild itself. Photography and nature became inseparable passions.

In 2005, I took the next step with my first “serious” camera: the Samsung Digimax Pro 815. A new world opened up. I could zoom further, capture more detail, and tell richer stories with my images. Photography courses followed, and I quickly realized a vital truth: photography isn’t just about pointing a camera or mastering settings—it’s about truly seeing. It’s about noticing moments others might miss and capturing them in a way that speaks.

Guided by this philosophy, I sought more creative tools and eventually landed on the Olympus E-410 with a few Four Thirds lenses. That setup allowed me to experiment and grow. Around the same time, I began collecting second-hand books on photography and nature—so many, in fact, that my library now holds nearly 400 volumes. Maybe a little over the top, but each book has been a source of inspiration and knowledge.

As my skills matured, I developed a passion for bushcraft and started venturing into the wild with confidence. South America was my first major destination, with Colombia leaving an unforgettable mark: breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and warm hospitality. Later, I explored Cuba and numerous European countries, always with my camera in hand.

Even while working in logistics, I never stopped chasing the wild. Trips to Iceland, the North Cape, and countless hidden corners of Europe allowed me to refine my craft as a wildlife photographer. Over time, I tested a wide range of camera systems—Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Fujifilm, Panasonic, Sony, and Olympus (OM System). Each had its strengths, but I ultimately found my match with Fujifilm, perfectly aligned with my style and approach. Around this time, I was honored to become an ambassador for Re-Own, a company I admire for its commitment to high-quality photography gear and sustainability. Working with them allows me to combine my love for photography, adventure, and responsible gear use in a way that feels meaningful.

Gradually, small assignments and personal projects began to accumulate. What started as a hobby was evolving into something bigger—something I had been building toward for years.

Now, I’m ready to take the leap. I want to share my passion, perspective, and the beauty I see in the natural world with all of you. Through my YouTube channel, I’ll take you along on wildlife adventures and nature journeys, while also reviewing the gear that makes it all possible.

If you love the thrill of the wild, the art of capturing it, or are simply curious about the cameras and lenses behind the images, I invite you to follow along. Subscribe to my YouTube channel, follow me on Instagram, and stay tuned here for blogs, reviews, and stories from the field.

Thank you for taking the time to read my journey—I can’t wait to share the next chapter with you.