About me

For a long time, I lived a different life. I spent decades in the automotive industry, chasing goals that eventually took a toll I didn't see coming. A few years ago, my world came to a halt. Illness and depression didn't just shadow my days; they brought me to a complete standstill.

Hitting rock bottom is a lonely place to be. But it was in that stillness—and that darkness—that I found a spark I had ignored for far too long.

Photography became my lifeline.

I didn't just pick up my camera to take 'pretty pictures.' I picked it up to reconnect with a world I felt I had lost. Walking into the nature of the Netherlands with my OM System gear wasn't just a hobby anymore; it was my way of healing. Every morning mist and every soft ray of light I captured was a step back toward myself.

Today, I work as a full-time photographer, but my 'why' has changed. I don’t just want to show you a landscape; I want to show you the atmosphere and the emotion of a moment. I want to tell stories of resilience—not just in nature, but in ourselves.

Finding Purpose

This journey led to the birth of my YouTube channel and my first book, 'Out of the Darkness.' What started as a way to leave a legacy for my children has grown into a community. When I share my videos or speak at events, I’m not just talking about shutter speeds. I’m talking about how a lens can help you see beauty even when things feel gray.

Whether I’m teaching a workshop, acting as an OM System Ambassador, or being honored by National Geographic, I carry those 'rock bottom' moments with me. They remind me to be grateful for the light, to be patient for the right moment, and to always put nature first.

I am Guido van de Water. I’ve seen the dark, and now I spend my life capturing the light. Let’s find that light together.

Beyond the Lens: Where to Find My Story

My journey from the darkness back into the light has been documented in many forms. Whether through deep-dive interviews, educational articles, or international recognitions, these are the places where I share the "how" and the "why" behind my work.

Voices and Conversations

In 2025, I had the honor of being a guest on Matt Payne’s "F-stop, Collaborate and Listen" podcast. This conversation is perhaps the most personal look at my life, my health struggles, and how photography saved me. It is watched and listened to by photographers all over the world.

• Listen: APPLE | SPOTIFY

• Watch: Full episode underneath here.