About Me

I studied media to tell stories. And social work to truly understand people and systems. Today, I combine both.

I'm not just interested in well-told stories. I believe that real connections develop when we dare to show vulnerability. Then we realize we are not alone in our experience - and the people we are truly here for can find us.

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My Journey

Marie Ortsiefer -  filmische Impressionen, Imagefilme und Interviews für Frauen in helfenden Berufen
  • …giving me a quick nod, usually in a hurry, glancing at their watches. One program after another ran on the screens, and more and more stories accumulated inside me. I kept so many of my interviews to myself for a long time - especially when they touched on existential or spiritual dimensions. I often felt that topics you couldn't easily explain didn't have a place in everyday media life – too out of touch with reality.

    I learned a lot from those who found trust again after a crisis. Especially when life turned upside down or doubts were particularly loud, it felt good to listen to women who had found themselves. And I wanted to share that.

  • ...I analyzed films and media formats, worked with media technology, and immersed myself in the principles of effective storytelling.

    At the same time, I was deeply engaged in inner processes: Over more than two years, I trained in body- and perception-based methods of self-reflection and process facilitation. I sharpened my sensitivity to moods and nuances, learned to recognize underlying belief patterns, and to see people from different perspectives.

    Some might say I learned to get to the root of things, to balance energy centers, or to manifest more clearly. Looking back, it was mainly about on thing: to deepen my perception and to align with intention.

    I was always most touched by people who had access to what cannot easily be put into words. At the same time, staying grounded was essential to me, which is why I rarely told anyone that I meditated for two hours a day.

Marie Ortsiefer - Vortrag über Nachhaltige Skalierung von gemeinnützigen Organisationen – Kooperationen mit Kommunen
  • …Precisely because I was working in a world where academics discussed broadcasting times, ratings, and the next television award, I didn't allow myself to show the side of me that dealt with less tangible realities for a long time. It was a part of me that I preferred to keep to myself – for fear of not being taken seriously.
    Over time I did realize that the connection between inner worlds and down-to-earthness is my place. And that there are people who long for exactly that: to be seen and taken seriously in all their facets.

    Especially in educational, social, and cultural contexts, I see this form of listening and making experiences visible as essential, because social change begins where people feel seen and experience themselves as capable of making a difference.

    So I started conducting interviews outside of this newsroom environment. Without a broadcast format, without time pressure, simply out of the moment. Some interviews can't be planned anyway. They arise spontaneously, from a gut feeling: this woman has been through a lot. I want to know more.

    Today, I combine my journalistic experience with a sensitivity to nuances - through interviews, films, and photographic work that give people space to show themselves authentically.

I portray women in social professions: social workers, therapists, coaches, and founders of social organizations, who want to make their offers, projects, and stories visible.

Women who feel: I have lived what I speak of. I want the right people to find me. I want my clients to understand who I am and how my journey has shaped my work.

I bring your story to light – through photos, films, and in your own words: for your website, social media, funding proposals, or marketing materials. So others can see themselves in you and feel trust in your guidance.

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Education

My journey into visual language began with an analog camera and black-and-white film in the darkroom. I learned to see and to make the essential visible. During my studies, I discovered film production and found what has stayed with me to this day: the connection between visual design and stories that encourage people to explore new paths, to show themselves, and to change the world.

2009: Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies (University of Siegen)

2024: Master's in Clinical Social Work (MSW, Saint Louis University, USA, Doerr Fellowship for Equity and Inclusion)

Additional training:

2020: Strategic Content Marketing Manager (6 months, Social Media Academy)

2022: Mindfulness Trainer (6 months, EBS/TLEX)

2025: LTC – Cert. Life Trust Coach®. Veit Lindau (721 hours)

Work Experience

2009–2012: Video Producer at Greenpeace Germany, Hamburg.

2012–2017: TV Journalist for Hessen Broadcasting Corporation (Family, Education & Service) and documentary formats for ARD, Frankfurt.

2016–2020: Head of Marketing, Press, and Public Relations for a nationwide educational program at Stiftung Zuhören (Listening Foundation), promoting a culture of attentive listening, Frankfurt.

2021–2022: Project Manager in the “openTransfer Accelerator” scholarship program at Stiftung Bürgermut (Citizens’ Courage Foundation), supporting the strategic development of social organizations, Berlin.

2022–present: Program development, sales, and fundraising for the nationwide Bücherkoffer Programm (Bookcase Program) at coach@school e.V. – a program for educators, parents, and children that promotes multilingualism, joy of reading, and cultural diversity, Hamburg.

Since 2016: I have been supporting nonprofit foundations and organizations. I work in areas where words and strategy matter most: program development, fundraising, marketing, and public relations. At the same time, I am behind the camera, portraying women – in their familiar surroundings, in nature, while traveling, in workshops, and during retreats.

I offer photography, film, and storytelling across Germany – with a focus on Frankfurt am Main and Berlin. On request, I also accompany international retreats, projects, and documentary work.

What I offer

Frau in weißem Kleid mit pinkem Umhang in der Wüste, Sanddünen und blauer Himmel
Photo Shoot for Women
Retreat-Dokumentation von Marie Ortsiefer - mit Lainie Love Dalby
Retreat Documentation
Film & Interviews

For women who feel:
My story holds gold and I am ready to bring it to light.

I look forward to meeting you!

Work with me