My name is Marchien Heidstra, 46 years old and living in a small village in the Netherlands. For as long as I can remember I have felt a connection with animals and nature. By photographing animals, with and without little children, i found my purpose, my soul, the sparkle in my heart. Animals are always pure at heart, without any judgment or expectations. Living in the moment. They give me peace and an intense happy feeling. I also like a little magic. Call it the magic of nature. I try to capture it in my photo's. This gives them a dreamy, somewhat fairy tale look. In my work i want to tell a story or share emotion. Enjoy the moment together. Each animal has its own personality. They are beautiful, sweet, can be naughty, funny and goofy. When we respect them, respect their boundaries and allow them to be themselves, we get to see those beautiful individual characters and capture them forever.