Yanka Van der Kolk, Imaging and Photography
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Yanka's original approach to image and photography has garnered her a wide reputation for excellence from both the corporate and entertainment worlds - she is an image artist with a very special philosophy.
Yanka believes that everybody is photogenic in their own unique way, but it takes understanding and commitment to deliver that for the camera. Her many years in front of the camera as Canada's No.1 fashion and photography model, often referred to as "the girl with a thousand faces", have taught her virtually everything there is is to know about personal visual communication and about how to project beauty and personality in a portrait.
In the relaxed atmosphere of her home studio, Yanka works with clients to help them understand how their inner feelings manifest themselves on the outside and how a conscious self-image enhances the visual image. She coaches face and body language; is a brilliant make-up artist, and advises on hair and wardrobe as needed. With her partner, Henk Van der Kolk, Yanka further directs the clients in the set, making the encounter an enjoyable and rewarding one - the session tends to last about 3 hours and the quality of the results are virtually guaranteed.
Henk's lifelong fascination with film and photography and his innovative spirit, prompted them to embrace the new digital photography medium enthusiastically. They create the portraits as digital files for the web and for traditional prints as well as for archival media and canvas with state of the art equipment.
Their client list includes the crème de la crème of the Banking, Financial, Insurance, High Tech, Broadcasting, Entertainment, Public Relations and Fashion industries and just about any other industry one could mention.
In all, Yanka has had over 4000 people, who needed to tell the world about themselves, before the mirror and the camera lens. She also conducts workshops on her program, "Power of Self Image" and is a frequent speaker.
The joy Henk and Yanka derive from their work is infectious and their commitment and attention to detail have made them valuable collaborators on many corporate and creative teams.
"You showed me the link between the real essence of beauty and other parts of myself. And since then, I have used my spiritual side to bring much more of my beauty to the surface."
- Heidi Rothfels, Dimensions for Growth