Portrait photography

Whether you're looking for a new profile photo for social media or your company's team page, I'm happy to help. I am happy to come to you with my mobile studio.

Portrait photography: relaxed and natural

Portrait photography is much more than simply capturing a face. It is about capturing a personality, capturing emotions and creating a moment that transcends time. A good portrait photo tells a story; it offers an insight into the character of the person being photographed. And something may be left to guess, of course. What sets my portrait photography apart is my focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere in which you feel completely at ease. This leads to portrait photos that are not only visually appealing, but also a good representation of who you really are.

If you have ever been photographed yourself, you know how uncomfortable it can feel. Knowing that every detail is being captured can cause tension, and that tension is often visible in the photo. But that very tension can get in the way of a natural look. That's why my goal is to get you to relax completely during the photo shoot. When you feel comfortable, you radiate that and it shows in the portrait photo. The result? A portrait photo that is real and natural, reflecting your true self.

Why relaxed portraits work best

Being relaxed in front of the camera does not come naturally to everyone. The idea of being photographed can cause nervousness in many people. You suddenly become aware of your posture, your smile, or even how your hands look. This is completely understandable, but my job as a photographer is to remove that tension and make sure you feel at ease. Because when you are relaxed, portrait photos emerge that really show your true self.

A relaxed posture makes a world of difference. When you are relaxed, tension and nervousness disappear from your face and body. This results in natural, unforced expressions that bring out your true character. The best portrait photos are those in which the person portrayed comes across as sincere and natural. Sincere smiles, soft eyes, and a relaxed body posture are the result of a pleasant, stress-free atmosphere during the photo shoot.

In my experience, these are the elements that make a portrait photograph truly special. When the person portrayed feels at ease, their true personality comes to the fore and that makes the photo powerful. And that power is what makes a portrait photo stick, that it continues to resonate with those who see it.

How I ensure relaxation during a photo shoot

Creating a relaxed and comfortable environment is crucial to the success of any photo shoot. This starts even before we start working with the camera. I would rather spend three quarters of an hour having a good conversation and a cup of coffee, than spend an hour trying to put you at ease with a camera in front of you. We then take that photo relaxed within a few minutes. Over our cup of coffee or tea, we will discuss your wishes, expectations, and any concerns you may have about taking a portrait photo. By understanding what is important to you, I can make sure the photo shoot goes in a way that suits you and in which you feel comfortable.

During the shoot itself, I take the time to put you at ease. This means I keep the atmosphere as natural as possible and don't force you into stiff poses. Instead, I give you space to move, laugh and be yourself. Sometimes this means having a conversation during the shoot, so you are distracted from the camera and feel more relaxed. Other times it may help to have the photo shoot in a location where you feel comfortable, such as outside in a park or in your home.

It's all about creating an experience that is comfortable for you, so that you are in the photo as you are, without the tension you might have expected to feel. The result? Portrait photos that you are eager to share, that you post confidently on your website or social media, because they show not only what you look like, but also who you are.

The power of business portraits

I mainly take business portrait photos. On a company's website, portrait photos are often the first thing potential customers, partners or new employees see. These photos form the first impression of your company and can therefore have a major impact on how your organisation is perceived. A professional, well-made portrait photo not only exudes reliability and competence, but also puts a human face on your company.

With a history in website optimisation, I would even dare say that a good portrait photo on the homepage of your website can make the difference between getting a customer or not.

Business portraits can enhance a company's image by creating a sense of accessibility and professionalism. When a company's employees are presented in a relaxed and natural manner, customers and partners can better identify with the company. This is especially important at a time when online communication is increasingly important and personal distances are growing. A good portrait photo on your website can make the difference between a customer clicking onwards or deciding to get in touch!

Branding and presentation

A good portrait photograph is more than just a pretty picture; it is an important part of your company's branding and presentation. It helps put a face to your organisation and can contribute to a positive and professional image. Whether it's a portrait photo for your website, social media, or print materials, a well-crafted photo reinforces your brand and can help build trust with your target audience.

Investing in professional portraits not only gives your company a face, but also shows that you have an eye for detail and quality. These are qualities that are appreciated by customers and partners, and contribute to the success of your business. A good portrait photo shows who you are, what your values are, and what your company stands for.

Group feeling and internal culture

In addition, business portraits can contribute to a company's internal culture. They help build a strong team feeling and make employees feel connected to the organisation. A certain uniformity in the photos he;lps to reinforce that feeling. All too often, I see photos from a photo shoot complemented by a "quick on the phone" portrait. Don't!

Portrait photos of employees can be used in various ways, for example on the website, in e-mail signatures, on internal communication platforms, and in marketing materials. This reinforces the company's identity and contributes to a consistent and professional image.

Portrait photography for small and large teams

Whether you need portraits for a small team or a large company, I take them with equal care and attention. Each person is unique and deserves a portrait photo that reflects that. Therefore, I make sure that each photo shoot is tailored to the specific needs and wishes of the team. Capturing each team member's personality contributes to a stronger team dynamic and a better representation of your company to the outside world.

I work with a mobile studio at your office/in your company. This means that I bring all the necessary equipment to your business location, so that the photo shoot can take place on the spot. This is not only convenient, but also ensures that the employees are in a familiar environment, which contributes to the relaxed atmosphere needed to take good portrait photos.

What to expect with an on-site mobile photo studio

When I'm with a mobile studio on location work, I provide all the equipment needed to take professional portrait photos. I work with one or more Profoto flash units, which are known for their reliability and excellent light quality. Good light is essential for a good portrait photo, and with this equipment I can ensure that the light is always perfect, regardless of the conditions on location. I also bring reflection screens if needed to optimise light and soften shadows.

For companies that want a uniform background for their portrait photos, I can also bring a mobile backdrop. This ensures that all portraits have a consistent look, which is especially useful for use on the website or in other marketing materials. The mobile studio allows me to quickly set up and adapt to the space, so we can shoot without many interruptions. This is especially important with larger teams, where time can be an important factor.

By using a mobile studio, we can organise a photo shoot that fits seamlessly into your company's working environment, without compromising the quality of the portrait photos. This makes it easy and comfortable for everyone to participate in the shoot, ensuring that the end result is exactly what you had envisioned.

Time investment of the portrait shoot

If you want a business portrait of yourself in multiple situations, indoors or outdoors, count on about an hour for three situations. On the other hand, if you want a whole team in the photo, I count on an average of about seven minutes per portrait. Some people are ready in a few minutes, others need a bit more time to feel comfortable. I'm happy to take that time for them. So seven minutes, in the same setting, on average.

Why choose me as your portrait photographer?

There are very many photographers who do portrait photography, so why choose me? What sets me apart is my dedication to ensuring that everyone in front of my camera feels relaxed and at ease. I understand that not everyone is naturally comfortable in front of the camera, which is why I take the time to get to know you and help you relax (even in the aforementioned seven minutes). My goal is not to take just any portrait photo, but one that tells something about who you are and reflects your personality.

In addition, I offer flexibility and convenience through my mobile studio. Whether you are a small business owner who needs portrait photos for your website, or a large company with a team of dozens of employees, I can tailor the photo shoot to your needs. By working on location, I ensure the photo shoot runs smoothly and that the portraits are taken in an environment you feel comfortable in.

When will I hear from you?

Portrait photography is a powerful way to capture both personality and professionalism. Working with a relaxed and smooth approach, I ensure that your portrait photo not only provides a visually appealing image, but also truly shows who you are. Whether you need portraits for personal purposes or for your business, I am ready to help you realise them in the best way possible. With my mobile studio, I will come to your location, fully equipped to make sure the photo shoot goes smoothly and professionally.

I cordially invite you to contact me. You can do so by phone via 06-263 263 16 or by e-mail at mail@michielheijmans.com.

Let's discuss together how we can turn your vision into beautiful portraits that tell your story. Whether it's individual portraits or group photos of your entire team, I look forward to working together and creating something beautiful. Contact me today to discuss the possibilities and schedule a photo shoot. I look forward to meeting you!

Looking forward to seeing you soon!