Category: General

31 Dec
Like this

Welcome 2026 – Grateful, Grounded & Ready to Soar

Rense / General, Update / / 0 Comments
Vibrant fireworks illuminate the sky at sunset with birds, a dog, a cat, and outdoor gear, symbolizing celebration and adventure for welcoming 2026.

✨ Welcome 2026 – Grateful, Grounded & Ready to Soar ✨

2025 flew by way too fast — but what an incredible year it was.

Through the highs and the hard moments, my parents and my girlfriend Sylvia were my absolute rocks. Their love, support, and belief in me carried me through challenging times. I love them with my whole soul and feel deeply grateful to have them in my life.

Professionally, 2025 was a year of real growth and achievement. Working with Pfisterer products led to great results and milestones I’m truly proud of — proof that dedication and teamwork pay off.

Not all memories are easy. This year I had to say goodbye to two great friends, my cats Diezel II and Sniper. Their loss left a quiet space behind, and they will always be part of my story.

Thankfully, life continues with warmth and energy. My dog Yaz and cat Wodan are still by my side, ready to help make 2026 a year to remember.

Photography is gaining momentum like never before. Creativity is flowing, passion is growing, and the journey is far from finished.
The 200 bird species list is getting close — only 29 species to go — and every new sighting feels like a small victory.
Down below you find the final list.

Behind the scenes, big improvements were made as well. Thanks to my new hosting provider Cloud86 (https://www.cloud86.io
), my website is faster, more stable, and running better than ever.

If you haven’t visited yet, take a look:
👉 https://shiftynl-photography.nl

With gratitude for what was, strength from what I learned, and excitement for what’s ahead, I step into 2026, Welcome 2026 – Grateful, Grounded & Ready to Soar, focused, inspired, and ready for new adventures.

Here’s to growth, love, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
Happy New Year! 🥂📸🐾

2025_Afstreeplijst_Final
2025_Afstreeplijst_definitief
17 Oct
Like this
Birds perched on leafless branches near a body of water with boats blurred in the background. Progress of the 200 birds challenge

Progress of the 200 birds challenge

Rense / General, Wildlife / / 0 Comments

Progress of the 200 birds challenge.

February this year I told you about a new challenge was taking to find 200 birds in The Netherlands.

Well, it sure has been a challenge!

So far, I’ve managed to spot 151 bird species across the Netherlands. That means I still have 49 to go to reach my goal of 200. Will I find them all? Probably not—but that’s perfectly fine. This journey has already taken me to places I never would have visited otherwise, and it’s been an incredible experience filled with learning, discovery, and connection with nature.

Help from a True Bird Geek

One of the biggest boosts to my progress came from my neighbor—a true bird enthusiast. His deep knowledge of bird behavior and habitats helped me identify and locate species I might have missed on my own. I also joined several excursions and guided trips in nature reserves across the Netherlands, which led to some unforgettable sightings, including the Osprey, Eagle, and the Crested Cormorant—a rare visitor just passing through.

But the most special sighting for me? The Purple Swamphen. Only three have ever been recorded in the Netherlands, and I was lucky enough to see one!

Tech Meets Nature

Besides good company and expert guidance, I’ve relied heavily on technology to support my birdwatching efforts. Several apps have helped me locate birds in specific areas and log sightings with GPS coordinates. Pretty neat, right?

Of course, birds aren’t always easy to spot—but they do make noise! Identifying them by sound was a challenge at first, especially since many birds sound quite similar. But with the help of the BirdNET app, I was able to recognize most of them and log them accurately.

Even during my holiday in France, I kept the apps running. That’s how I found a whole bunch of Bee-eaters! (Sadly, those don’t count for the challenge, since it’s focused on birds in the Netherlands only.)

Tools I Use

Here are some of the apps and platforms that have helped me along the way:

  • ???? BirdNET – Identifies birds by sound
  • ???? Picture Bird – Visual bird identification
  • ???? ObsMapp – Mobile app for logging sightings
  • ???? Waarneming.nl – Dutch nature observation platform

And because I got really excited about all this, I even started building a small computer using a Raspberry Pi to identify birds 24/7 by recording their sounds. It’s not up and running yet—it’s all Linux-based, which is still new territory for me—but I’m working on it!

More Than Just Birds

This adventure hasn’t been limited to birds. I’ve also encountered stunning butterflies and dragonflies, which you’ll see in the monthly photo galleries I post. Nature has so much to offer when you take the time to look.

Migration Season Is Here

The birding season isn’t over yet! The autumn migration is in full swing, and I’m hoping to add a few more species to my list in the coming weeks. Every outing brings new possibilities.

Follow the Journey

I’ll be posting my full list of spotted birds—both in Dutch and English—so you can see what I’ve found so far. Find them down below.

Progress of the 200 birds challenge is still in progress, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.

???? Stay tuned and follow me on my social media channels to keep up with the latest sightings, photos, and updates. It’s been a wild ride—and it’s not over yet!

#Birdwatching #200BirdsChallenge #NaturePhotography #BirdsOfTheNetherlands #WildlifeAdventure #BirdNET #ObsMapp #WaarnemingNL #PurpleSwamphen #ButterfliesAndDragonflies #MigrationSeason #BirdNerd #RaspberryPiNature #LinuxBirding

Flying bird soaring above green leafy trees against a neutral sky, capturing nature's wildlife in a serene outdoor setting, emphasizing moments of freedom and beauty in the natural environment, perfect for outdoor photography portfolios and wildlife enthusiasts.

Crested cormorants

Progress of the 200 birds challenge. Diving birds flying over a calm blue water surface with reflections, capturing a serene moment in nature wildlife photography.
2025_Afstreeplijst_Rense
2025_Afstreeplijst_Rense_Engels
14 Feb
Like this
Seagull standing in calm water during golden hour, with soft reflections and serene atmosphere.

A Challenge to Photograph 200 Birds

Rense / General, Update, Wildlife / / 0 Comments

Capturing the Wings of the Netherlands: A Challenge to Photograph 200 Birds

It’s been a while since my last post on October 31, 2023, about the Belgium Air Force Days. Time really flies when you’re having fun! And to think I mentioned in July that I was slowing down… Well, that only applied to posting photos on my socials – I never actually stopped taking them! ????

In 2025, I’m taking on a new challenge:

A Challenge to photograph 200 birds in the Netherlands!

From winter visitors and migratory birds to those that call this country home year-round, this challenge is the perfect way to explore the incredible birdlife the Netherlands has to offer. And we’re talking about 200 different spicies ????

From colorful songbirds to powerful raptors, the country is home to an amazing variety of species, and I can’t wait to capture them through my lens. Whether I’m out in the field as a passionate birdwatcher or behind the camera as a photography enthusiast, each sighting will bring me one step closer to my goal.

I’m excited to see how many bird species I can photograph in 2025.
Join me on this adventure as I explore the wild, documenting the beauty and diversity of the winged creatures that grace the Netherlands! ????????

You can follow me by following me on Instagram or one of the other social media channels

#BirdPhotography #BirdWatching #Netherlands2025 #AvianChallenge #NaturePhotography

16 Jul
Like this

Slowing down on my daily photo posts

Rense / General, Update / / 0 Comments

Slowing down on my daily photo posts.

In a world where everything seems to be moving at a rapid pace, I have decided to take a step back and slow down on my daily photo posts. As a passionate photographer, capturing moments has always been a joyful pursuit for me. However, recently, I have come to realize that in my quest to share the beauty of the world with others, I have neglected to fully immerse myself in the experiences that lie beyond the lens. So, with a cheerful heart, I have made the decision to embrace a new rhythm and savour each photographic adventure to its fullest.

Yes, I’m slowing down on my daily photo posts

Gone are the days of hastily snapping a photo just for the sake of meeting a self-imposed deadline. I have come to appreciate that photography is not just about the end result, but also about the journey that unfolds before me. By slowing down on my daily posts, I now have the opportunity to truly connect with my surroundings and find beauty in the simplest of moments.
I think this is important. In my last post, I’d welcome the summer. It’s finally here but staying behind the laptop, scheduling the posting of photos, is not showing the world around you.

I had a beautiful week in Drenthe last week with a photoshoot of bee-eaters and more birdies

Last week, I embarked on a captivating adventure to Drenthe, where I was greeted by the enchanting world of bee-eaters and other magnificent bird species. The vibrant colours of these feathered creatures, harmonizing with the lush green backdrop, were truly a sight to behold. With each click of my camera, I not only captured their exquisite beauty but also felt a profound sense of gratitude for being able to witness these magical beings in their natural habitat.
It was also amazing to see the Waxwing, Penduline Tit, Wryneck, Red-fronted Serin and the Beach lark. Just to name some of the species I saw.

Slowing down on my daily photo posts

Next 2 weeks I’ll have the rest of my Holiday before going back to work

As I scroll through the photos from my recent adventure, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for the next two weeks of my holiday. With no work commitments looming over me, I have the luxury of devoting myself entirely to my passion for photography. Whether it’s exploring hidden gems in my local area or venturing further afield, I am eager to let my lens guide me through moments of awe and wonder. These precious weeks offer the perfect opportunity to recharge, reconnect with my creativity, and find inspiration in the world around me.

But, it will not be photography alone.
I planned 2 visits to the cinema and, this will be very exciting for my son, skydiving!

Taking photos is still going strong

Although I may be slowing down in my daily posts, my love for photography remains as strong as ever. In fact, this decision has allowed me to approach each photo shoot with renewed enthusiasm and a fresh perspective. By taking the time to immerse myself in the art of capturing moments fully, I have discovered a whole new level of joy and fulfilment. Whether it’s the gentle rays of daylight filtering through the trees or the candid smiles of strangers, I am reminded that life’s most extraordinary moments are often found in the simplest of frames.

Embracing a slower pace in the world of daily photo posts has proven to be a delightful journey of self-discovery. By loving the experiences behind the lens, I have learned to appreciate the beauty that unfolds in front of it. So, as I embark on the next phase of my photographic adventure, I invite you to join me in savouring each moment and finding joy in the art of slowing down. After all, we indeed come alive in these moments of stillness and that’s why I’m slowing down on my daily photo posts. (for now).

Y’all take care and enjoy my site and the galleries!

23 Jun
Like this

Summer is finally here

Rense / General, Update / / 1 Comment

Summer is finally here

Summer is finally here! Let’s celebrate the sun

Summer is finally here and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the sun. Whether you’re at the beach, park, or just hanging out in your backyard, there’s always something to do in the sunshine. Take a dip in the pool, go for a bike ride, or have a picnic with friends and family.
Don’t forget to capture these moments with your camera. The sun provides plenty of natural light for your photos, making them bright and colourful.

Summer is finally here

How to make the most of your summer days with your camera

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with your camera. Take advantage of the bright and colourful scenery by trying out different angles and compositions. You can play with the aperture and shutter speed to create unique effects. You can also experiment with different lenses to capture landscapes, portraits, and action shots. Don’t be afraid to get creative, and remember that the more you practice, the better you’ll get.

Use your camera anytime you can!

Don’t wait for a special occasion to use your camera. Take it with you wherever you go, and snap photos of anything that catches your eye. Whether it’s a colourful sunset, a blooming flower, or a funny sign, there’s always something worth capturing. Remember, the best camera is the one that’s always with you.

Summer is the perfect time to unwind, have fun, and capture memories with your camera. Whether you’re at home or on vacation, make the most of your summer days by celebrating the sun, experimenting with your camera, and taking photos whenever you can. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to have a summer filled with fun and unforgettable memories.

In my previous post, I wished you all a happy photographing so take your chance while you can 😉
Summer is finally here so make it worth it.

What else?

In my previous post, I mentioned that I ordered a Drone with a 4K camera.
Well, it was no success as it had some flaws.
I tried it in the living room (not a good thing to do) and it mowed some plants of mine.

I attempted to fly it again in the garden but for some reason, it had a mind of its own.
With a hard turn to the right, it flew straight into the hedge, all the way up.
After I tried it again it banked hard to the left and went straight into the hedge on the other side of the garden. (oops)

You can imagine that it was not worth the money so I’d send it back and received a refund.
End of the drone story. (for now)

31 May
Like this
flower power car

All galleries are back online

Rense / Aviation, General, Street, Update, Wildlife / / 1 Comment

All Galleries are back online

All galleries are back online.

It took a while to find all photos of the last few years, which I posted and showed in a gallery. But I made it.
The first galleries from July 2018 and onward are available again. Last year in October and November, something went wrong with my provider.
Attempting logins from non-existing users, galleries no longer available, actually a total website breakdown.
But all galleries are back online, and the 2023 May gallery is online too.

In the meantime

In the meantime, everything went on as usual. After having the site back functioning, I could go on as if nothing had happened.
I started making more back-ups of everything to make sure this is not happening again in the future.
Maybe I’ll change my provider and move to one with a cloud solution.
Anyway, that’s something for later.

Taekwondo

My son Edze is practising Taekwondo, and I’ve been asked to take photos during training sessions and tournaments.
Because of some privacy issues, I’m not posting them on my site and have them available for everyone but only for the Taekwondo participants.
Making indoor sports photos is something I’m not used to. So some experimenting is in order. I recently bought a new Fujifilm body. The X-H2…..
What a beast of a machine that is!!

The Fujifilm X-H2

I’ve been using the Fujifilm X-T3 for years and am very happy with it. Compared to the Nikon D7200 I bought in 2016, it is a fantastic camera.
I was orienting myself on a full-frame body, but in the end, it became the Fujifilm X-H2.
This decision was made because of the lenses I already owned for the Fujifilm bodies. To have more benefits from a full-frame body from Nikon, I also needed to look for other lenses with an F 2.8.
Of course, a full-frame body has advantages, but after reading some tests, I think the X-H2 will be fantastic to work with indoors.

And after doing some photography with the X-2H, I’m very impressed!

I’ll tell you more about the gear I use. Keep on the lookout 😉

What else?

This week I received the drone I ordered recently.
I’ll go with this bit of bird as some good weather is coming.
The drone has a 4K camera. I’m curious what that will give me.

Anyways, I hope to show some footage soon.

All galleries are back online, so look at my galleries and let me know what you think.

For now, take care and happy photographing!

02 Jan
Like this
2023 Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Rense / General / / 0 Comments

I might be a little bit too late with my best wishes but it’s better late than never.
So here you go, Happy New Year!!

2022 passed by so extremely fast that I really have to sit down and think about what happened last year.
Feeling the same way?

Stormy and difficult year

For me, it was a very stormy and difficult year as well.
My brother passed away as you might have read in this post.
It was June 5th 2022.
Although he did not see it that way, he lost a battle he never could have won.

The website

Obviously, as you could read in my last post, I’d need to build up my website again. That’s what happened for sure!
It totally crashed and I still don’t know why.
On the other hand, it gives me the opportunity to start a new clean site in a bit different way.

What’s next?

First of all, I have a few days off this week. A good start of a Happy New Year, right?
Obviously restoring my online galleries and getting one special post back online.
I’d post that after the passing away of my brother last year.

After that, it’s time to get back to work and of course, grab my camera again.
So stay tuned and please follow me on my social media accounts!

On the left bottom of the menu, you’ll find the links to all of them.
One of them is Facebook.

Take care and again, Happy New Year and may all your wishes come through.

The picture used above is designed by Hannazasimova - Freepik.com
22 Jul
Like this

Never forever a goodbye

Rense / General / / 3 Comments

This is a repost of a sad moment in 2022, the passing away of my brother Johan Sjoers.
The original post was published on July 22nd 2022.

never, forever, a goodbye

Never forever a goodbye,

Never forever a goodbye.

Today it’s July 22nd. Your birthday.

We’ll celebrate this day, the day of your 53rd birthday.

You’re no longer with us. A few weeks ago we had to let you go. In the morning I’ll eat sunray.

I want to make the most of the day.

Giving, without wanting anything in return.

To live, because I’m not afraid.

“I have taken it, accepted it and made the most out of it.”

The disease

June 5th, 2022

We did visit you the day before in the afternoon. I helped you to get back in bed, upstairs, even though there was a bed in the living room.

You were fighting yourself, keeping control of everything. As always.

3 years ago you were diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Boom….. The world is upside down for you and us.

Accordingly, surgery, chemotherapy, and a series of radiation treatments follow.

After a while, all seemed ok. Finally, recovery and picking up life again and the joy.

But no, fate decreed otherwise.

You felt it coming from afar. Something wasn’t right.

Again, visiting the hospitals, looking for solutions.

Surgery on the liver. Unfortunately, the disease had already spread too far.

No more options, other than chemotherapy and or radiation treatments.

You decided to go for quality instead of being sick of a treatment.

For another year and a half, You were with us.

You did everything that was possible, together with your family, children, grandchildren and friends.

Always stayed positive.

We have also learned a lot from that attitude ourselves.

Amazing how strong you have been.

It’s Sunday evening, the 5th of June when the phone rings.

We were getting ready for bed in our caravan.

It was 21.40 hrs.

The end

You died peacefully, surrounded by your dear girlfriend, your children, Twirre the dog, Tibbe and Jeske, the cats.

Due to your disease, you have been so tired the last few weeks.

As your big brother, and when I hugged you for the first time ever, you told me.

Your big brother who was always so far away.

Over the past year and a half, we have caught up with time.

Always too little time but intense moments when we were together.

Finally, you were able to let go.

It’s all right, little big man.

L’ultimo re lives on and will always have you in his heart.

You’ll not be forgotten. Never, forever, a goodbye.

I love you. I always have and always will.

Never forever a goodbye.

I’ll see you on the other side.

⚔️

L'Ultimo Re

Here is a link where you can find a story about my brother doing one of his greatest passions.

Not possible