Authors

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Ruben Drenth

Photographer

Ruben Drenth is a photographer known for his striking visual storytelling and unique perspectives, specialising in travel, outdoor and leisure. Ruben’s work has been published in WideOyster, National Geographic Traveler, Op Pad and Volkskrant Magazine, among others.
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137 Pillars

Photographer

Sebastiaan Bedaux
Sebastiaan Bedaux

Freelance writer & photographer

Sebastiaan Bedaux is a travel photographer and writer from Antwerp, Belgium. His photos and stories have been published in National Geographic Traveler, WideOyster Magazine, ELLE, Marie Claire, Knack Weekend, De Morgen Magazine, De Standaard Magazine, and more. Sebastiaan is the author of the coffee table trilogy Mountain View – Ocean View – Nature View and the co-author of Wish I Was Here.
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Dirk Wijnand de Jong

Freelance writer & photographer

Dirk Wijnand (Erik) de Jong is a professional adventurer with a weak spot for animals. Published in National Geographic Traveler and Lonely Planet. Author of @expeditieachtertuin and Roadbook Kroatië.
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Silvia Pisci

Travel Designer, WideOyster Journeys

Born in Italy and based in the Netherlands, Silvia is a seasoned luxury travel designer with 15+ years of experience. She creates personalised, immersive journeys rooted in regenerative values and curates high-end itineraries that uplift communities and foster meaningful connections. Fluent in four languages, she designs each trip as a collaboration between traveller and destination, weaving purpose, authenticity, and wonder into unforgettable experiences.
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Mikael Helsing

Winter Sports Photographer

After a few seasons working in the Alps, a young Swedish photographer decided to change scenery and travel with a group of friends to Spain to try to enjoy skiing and make a living from photography in the Pyrenees. It was the late 80’s, and what he didn’t know then was that he would stay and live in Spain, and that several decades later he would continue to enjoy skiing in its mountains, as well as making us enjoy his inspiring images of sport and nature. Enter, Mikael Helsing.
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Bas van Oort

Writer

Bas van Oort, a skilled travel writer, crafts immersive stories that blend adventure, culture, and nature. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for exploration, he brings destinations to life. His work is known for its depth, authenticity, and engaging narrative style, inspiring readers to see the world through a fresh lens.
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Jonathan Vandevoorde

writer & photographer

Jonathan Vandevoorde, a Belgian-born travel journalist, photographer, and certified mountain guide, is based in the Netherlands. He founded Bergen Magazine in 2007 and is editor-in-chief of Wandelmagazine and Oostenrijk Magazine. His work appears in National Geographic Traveler and Columbus Travel. Through his company, Mild Adventures, he also organizes and guides hiking tours.
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Hendrik Morkel

Technical Editor

Hendrik is WideOyster’s Gear Editor with years of experience testing and reviewing outdoor gear in real conditions. A storyteller, photographer, and adventurer with over 15 years in the outdoor travel world, he thrives on journeys that blend challenge and beauty, from ski tours in the Nordics to gravel cycling and backpacking. Based in Finland since 2002, he explores Scandinavia and beyond with camera, notebook, and a passion for sustainable travel.
Chloe Barneveld
Chloe Barneveld

Videographer

Chloe Barneveld (born 15 October 2000, Utrecht) is a dedicated and creative travel videographer, editor and graphic designer. Long before she studied at the Hanse University, she was already filming adventures. With a clear passion for concept, immaculate edits and superb creative skills, she embraces every chance to expand her global horizons. She is also a life guard and a perfect cook. Try her magic muffins if you get the chance.
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Barbera Bosma

Executive Editor-In-Chief

Known for her previous role as managing editor of National Geographic Traveler, Barbera Bosma joined WideOyster as Executive Editor-In-Chief in October 2024. With over 25 years of experience in media and (travel) journalism, she’s committed to and passionate about showing the beauty and variety of the world and its creatures through storytelling.
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Lola Ákínmádé

Photographer

Lola Ákínmádé Åkerström is a Nigerian-born, Sweden-based international bestselling author, travel photographer, and storyteller.
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Hans Avontuur

Editor-at-large

As a freelance travel writer and photographer (official Fujifilm ambassador), Hans Avontuur contributes to National Geographic Traveler, Wintersport Magazine, Moto73, and Méditerranée. Hans has a remarkable ability to uncover original and engaging story angles and is a true virtuoso in the art of storytelling.
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Simon Schöpf

Adventure writer

Simon is a passionate adventure journalist and photographer based in the heart of the Alps. Innsbruck, Austria. Never without his camera, Simon is also passionate about combining beautiful outdoor photography with engaging storytelling. He's a mountain goat — whether he's skiing or rock climbing, his motto is: The steeper, the better!
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Malte Clavin

Editor-in-Chief German

Malte Clavin has exploration in his DNA. As a photographer and travel writer, he thrives on extreme and exotic destinations. 'Travelling for me is not about ticking off places on a list. It’s about diving headfirst into the unknown, letting go of plans, and embracing the unexpected.'
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Owen Barneveld

Photographer

Owen Barneveld is a Dutch-born, Utrecht-based, videographer, photographer, and video artist. He learned the ropes filming and photographing shooting stars in rock temples like Paradiso in Amsterdam, and De Helling in Utrecht. He's also a crazy good skier.
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Marco Barneveld

Global Editor-in-Chief

WideOyster Founder and Global Editor-in-Chief Marco Barneveld's travel stories have been published in magazines such as National Geographic Traveler, Lonely Planet, Sidetracked (UK), Newsweek (US), and Explore (Canada) since 2004. ‘I like to inspire people to enjoy our gorgeous planet,’ Marco says. ‘Our goal is to motivate and create wanderlust.’
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Frits Meyst

Creative Director, Owner

Frits Meyst is an adventure photographer and co-founder of WideOyster Magazine. A former documentary photographer, he now captures breathtaking outdoor experiences, culture, and remote destinations. Through WideOyster, he blends storytelling and photography, showcasing authentic travel, adventure, and nature to inspire exploration worldwide.
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Javier González

Editor-in-Chief Spanish

With over 20 years of experience as a sports and adventure destination journalist in different specialized media, Javier González is passionate about mountain and snow destinations and oversees the WideOyster Spanish edition for Spain and Latin America.

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