over Michael Graste

My Story

My story begins in 1987 in beautiful Boxtel. Growing up, I was surrounded by my wonderful older sister and loving parents who have always supported me.

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by movement and perspective. I view things from a distance, and I’m empathetic and observant. These qualities have been invaluable to me as a photographer and have only sharpened due to my hearing impairment.

Every disadvantage has its silver lining.

This became clear to me as soon as my photography career began. Although I was aware of my limitation, I managed to hide it well, especially in my early years, when bullying made me more self-conscious. Back then, I hid behind my camera, learned to read lips in the middle of dancing crowds and loud music, and focused on creating beautiful images.

It wasn’t until a conversation and a photography project with Kim Feenstra that I realized it didn’t have to be this way. If such a top model could wear hearing aids, be in the spotlight daily, and still be fully accepted, then maybe I could too.

A visit to a hearing specialist opened up a new world for me. Now I hear everything clearly, and I benefit daily from my heightened senses as a photographer.

My work is often recognized by the ultimate combination of natural light with flash, both in color and black & white, and in diverse settings—from dark locations to sun-drenched beaches.

Would you like to benefit from this unique perspective as well? Let’s connect!

For those who really know me:

• I am a proud father to the most wonderful girl in the world, Skye Graste, and a bonus dad to Baer.
• I spent 9 years living in 11 different places in Amsterdam.
• I have a strong aversion to people who aren’t honest and who don’t invest in themselves.
• My favorite travel destinations are Indonesia and, closer to home, Italy.
• You can wake me up for Nasi Goreng with satay any time.
• My ultimate photography dream is to capture a professional model in a red dress on an elephant in the African desert.
• I originally studied as a graphic designer and window display stylist.
• After 15 years with Canon, I switched to the Fujifilm GFX 100II
• I can’t work alone; I perform best with a team around me.
• I have a deep love for cooking, especially Indonesian food—Selamat makan!
• I practice Ashtanga yoga twice a week and combine it with Crossfit—the perfect combination.
• I am a huge fan of music, especially Deep House. My favorite DJ is Berlin’s Ben Böhmer.
• In March 2023, I published my first book, Gezien & Gehoord