Hi hello!

I’m Kailyn de Rooij, a 20-year-old travel enthusiast, photographer, and storyteller. Life for me has always been about exploring the world, capturing its beauty, and growing along the way.

A Life Full of Exploration

I’ve been lucky enough to have travel woven into the fabric of my life since I was a little girl. With 47 countries visited by the time I turned 18, I’ve been able to experience a wide range of cultures, and my curiosity about the world has only deepened. I’m what I like to call culture-curious, always eager to learn about different customs, traditions, and ways of life. Whether it’s through conversation, local experiences, or simply observing, every new place I visit teaches me something valuable.

My photography journey

My love for photography started early. At just 4 years old I was following in my dad’s footsteps and captured the same scenes he did. It didn’t take me too long to really get an eye for it. At 12, I entered a new chapter in my photography journey when I was nominated for the WWF Frans Lanting photo award. Out of thousands of applicants, my photo, taken on safari in South Africa, earned me a spot as one of 30 nominees, a moment that truly ignited my passion. In 2022, I took this passion to the next level by enrolling at the Dutch Academy for Image Creation. Though I left this formal path after a year, my camera never left my side.

As a young kid I also loved being in front of the camera, I struck dramatic poses in all kinds of places and I kept enjoying this long after too. In 2018 I learned about self portraiture and practiced this relentlessly, I think sometimes to the annoyance of my family members. For most of my projects I do the modeling myself to combine both of these childhood loves.

Photo I was nominated with for the award (reedited)

A Commitment to Sustainability

Alongside photography, I discovered a growing passion for sustainability while working at a sustainable retail company. It opened my eyes to how I can make a difference—not only in my creative work but in my personal life too. Now, I strive to make environmentally conscious choices in everything I do, from the products I use to the messages I share.

Where I Am Now

These days, I balance my creative work with a desk job at a photography company. When I’m not photographing or writing for my blog, I’m exploring planning my next trip with my partner & travel buddy. Together, we chase new experiences, create lasting memories, and continue to grow as we see the world through each other’s eyes.

Thank you for visiting my corner of the internet. I hope my journey inspires you to stay curious, follow your passions, and embrace the beauty of every moment.