About Pie’s Substack
Hi everyone,
I’m excited to welcome you to my newsletter about photography and how to find your own voice.
In recent times, I began to build an appetite for meaningful dialogue, the kind that most platforms don’t allow to truly foster. While Instagram has been a wonderful platform for sharing my work visually, I’ve long felt the need for a space that allows for more intentional connection with my community, more thoughtful reflection, and valuable conversation.
This Substack is that space.
Here, I’ll dive deeper into the stories behind my images, share the creative process, the inspirations that fuel my work, and the lessons learned along the way, far away from the superficial craziness that is social media. See it as a playground for those who want to go beyond the surface, experiencing a more intimate and detailed perspective on the journey that shapes what I create.
Your presence here means everything to me. I’m excited to connect with you on a deeper level.
With love,
Pie
Who am I?
When I was 7 years old, my father didn’t give me my first camera but somehow here we are. Now, 3 decades later, I am examining and questioning the oddly complex relationship between humans and the natural world in an attempt to explore why we seem increasingly disconnected from each other, ourselves, and our natural environment. In doing so, I consistently prioritize hope over despair, and coexistence over conflict.
I also firmly believe that art has the power to console, heal, and restore our lost connections. I therefore founded Prints for Wildlife, a fundraising platform that unites over 275 photographers from around the world to sell art in support of conservation. Since its inception in 2020, the platform has generated $2.1 million, all of which has been donated to the African Parks Network to support African communities and wildlife.
I live in Amsterdam with my wife and our daughter.
For more of my photography, you can follow me on Instagram:
To learn more about what drives me and the stories I aim to tell, watch this video.
Why Subscribe?
This Substack isn’t just about photography — it’s about growth, purpose, and impact. And above anything else, about finding your own unique voice. Whether you're a seasoned creative or just starting out, I aim to provide insights, encouragement, and inspiration for your own journey.
As a subscriber, you’ll gain:
Behind-the-scenes stories from client assignments and personal projects
Insights into the creation of my upcoming books, portfolio building, and project pitching
A look into my philosophy of photographic story-telling
Access to a decade of lessons learned and piles of hidden gems from my archive
Most importantly, you’ll become part of a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for creativity and connection.
Where Else Can You Find Me?
Website: www.pieaerts.com
Instagram: @BecausePeopleMatter & @PieAerts
Thank you for being here. Let’s build something meaningful together.
