About Michiel

Esther, Puck & Linde • Wijchen (NL) • 30 Minuten Sluitertijd • 35mm • City Trips

I'm really passionate about portraits and street photography. I love finding both emotion and quietness in these two areas. I aim to reveal what often goes unnoticed – whether it's in portraits, out on the street, or during those genuine encounters where being present and authentic truly matters.

Photography is fantastic, and taking photos is a big part of that. Besides shooting, always focusing on people, I've also written several books about street photography:

De Wet van de Straat (2025), e-book with Charlotte Meindersma
The Observer (2024), published by KOMMA Publishing
The Straatfotobijbel (2023), published by Photofacts Publishing

Whereas the Straatfotobijbel is primarily a textbook, The Observer is much more of an art book, presenting my vision of the street, of the NOW. The Wet van de Straat is an e-book containing all the rules, discussed in practical terms with examples by lawyer Charlotte Meindersma.

Since 2024, my friend Niels de Kemp and I have been happily producing the Dutch photography podcast 30 Minuten Sluitertijd, in which we discuss a wide range of photography topics in a lighthearted manner (YouTube, Spotify).

Guest appearance on Het Perfecte Plaatje

On June 18, 2025, I appeared as an expert on the RTL 4 program Het Perfecte Plaatje Reis(The Perfect Picture on Travel). The episode was set in Naples, where the contestants were given the assignment to take a spontaneous street photo related to Italian coffee culture. From the ITV Studios in Hilversum, I gave tips in a video clip on how to take photos on the street without interfering with the moment.

It was an honor to be asked, on the recommendation of photographer Evely Duis, and wonderful to see how much attention and care the team at Het Perfecte Plaatje has for photography and for the people who contribute to it. For me, it was a special experience that fits seamlessly with what I love to do: observing, sharing knowledge, and encouraging others to take their cameras out onto the streets.

Watch the episode here.

Because I love to combine visuals with text and a complete story, I was also a regular columnist in 2023 and 2024 for the renowned photography magazine Focus Magazine. Starting in 2025, I'll be writing monthly columns for the online course platform Photofacts.nl.

My studio

My studio is located in Wijchen, next to Nijmegen. I jokingly refer to my studio as my treehouse, because I look out over the meadows from two stories up. It's a place for coffee and cameras, a space that feels cozy but is large enough for all my portrait shoots. Everything is there: from different fabric backdrops to a steamer and, of course, all the lighting you would expect—both daylight and various continuous and flash lights. A cozy and relaxed atmosphere is my top priority!

My photo studio with a gray background, a wooden chair, a small round stool, and a few photos on the floor in the corner. Flash and softbox lighting on a tripod visible.

Portrait of Michiel, a man with glasses, a short beard, and short hair, sitting at a table, in black and white, with a slight shadow on the wall behind him.

As a photographer and visual storyteller, I really focus on people – how we present ourselves, how we move through the world, and what becomes clear when all the noise fades away. My work blends street and portrait photography, with an intuitive eye for what's real, the small details, and those quiet moments.
When I'm doing street photography, people in public spaces are always my starting point. I use a fixed 35mm lens and just go with the flow of the street. Little gestures, unexpected compositions, or a certain light that just feels right – I capture moments as they happen, without any warning. The street is my stage, and the people passing by are my main characters. I see this kind of photography as visual poetry: short, impactful, and honest.
I bring that same approach to my portrait work. Whether I'm shooting in my studio, at someone's home, or somewhere that tells a bit about who they are – for me, it's always about connecting with people. A great portrait starts with listening. It's about really paying attention to someone's story, their body language, and the vibe in that moment. I make sure to take my time, really see you, and connect, so you can truly show your authentic self – no rush, no pretense.
My portraits are meant to whisper. They're allowed to leave a little something open. It's exactly in that space that something real emerges: an image that doesn't just show what someone looks like, but also who they truly are. I see my role as guiding people through that. Not by directing them, but by slowing things down, reflecting, and offering a safe space where they feel truly seen. I often hear people say: “I don't usually like having my picture taken, but this felt different.” That's exactly what I'm aiming for. To create portraits that really stick with you – not just because of the final image, but also because of the whole process getting there.
Besides my own creative projects, I run workshops and offer mentorships for photographers looking to find their unique style. I'm not about quick tricks or strict rules; instead, I focus on mindful observation. When you learn to see with wonder, you'll not only capture better photos but also discover more about yourself.
I believe that genuine attention makes all the difference—in photography, in collaboration, in how you view people. Whether I'm taking a portrait, workshop a workshop , or wandering through an unfamiliar city with my camera, I'm always searching for authenticity. For what's really happening, without embellishment.
My work is all about slowing down and finding wonder. I want to highlight what often goes unnoticed: a gesture, a glance, an encounter that could have easily vanished. For me, photography isn't just a final product, but a way of seeing – and I love sharing that perspective.
I'm not a director, but an observer. Not a distant professional, but a passionate creator. I work with people, not models. With stories, not formats. And I truly believe that if you dare to really look, you'll always discover something special.

My photo studio with background, softbox lighting, photographic accessories, and plants, set up for photo shoots.

Room for creativity

Besides taking photos and writing, I often give talks and workshops, usually about street photography. You can find my upcoming schedule here.

Above all, I am the father of my daughters Puck and Linde and married to Esther, who still gives me the space to delve deeper into photography, even when I am away for a few days for a workshop (this year Zurich, Paris, Prague and London).

In een vorig leven hield ik me bezig met websites en zoekmachinemarketing, onder meer als COO en mede-eigenaar van het bedrijf Yoast, van de WordPress plugins (120 medewerkers op het moment dat ik stopte). Ik ben blij dat ik in 2021 ervoor heb gekozen van mijn bureaustoel af te komen en te gaan fotograferen. Het is een bijzonder rijke en gevarieërde wereld waar ik nog lang niet genoeg van heb gezien.

I now choose my assignments based on challenge and job satisfaction.

Please let me know how I can be of service to you!

Please contact me

My photo studio with large windows offering a view of the outside world. In the middle are two red chairs, a small table with decorations, and a small red stool.

A trainer from De Baak once said to me: if you don't do anything with people, it's a waste for those people. The best compliment, and one that I have always kept in mind.