Are you looking for a portrait that shows who you are? A portrait at your office, in your company, at a place you like to visit, a portrait that really reflects you? Read on.
Sometimes the place says as much as the look. Think of a writer in his study. An actress in her dressing room. Or an entrepreneur in her favourite spot in the warehouse. That is exactly what an environmental portrait does: it shows you as you are, in the environment that suits you. At a time when we are overwhelmed by fast-paced images, an ambient portrait offers tranquillity, depth and context. It tells your story, with an eye for detail and a sense of atmosphere.
A good ambient portrait is powerful yet accessible. Businesslike, soft, or something in between. Always recognisable, always real. It's not just about how you look, but also about where you are and what that says about you. The background is not a backdrop, but part of the whole. It makes the portrait stronger. More than a head in the picture: a person in context.
om-ge-vings-por-tret (it; o; plural: environmental portraits)
An environment portrait is a portrait of a person in a place that says something about who that person is - such as a workspace, studio or living room. The environment enhances the story and makes the image personal, powerful and recognisable.
What is an environmental portrait?
An environmental portrait is a portrait of you, taken in a place that is meaningful. It could be your office, your studio, a library, or just your kitchen. The space tells the story. The light, the atmosphere, the details in the background - everything contributes to the story we capture together. And the great thing is: every portrait is unique, because so are your surroundings.
You can use an environmental portrait for your website, your book, an article or interview, or simply as a powerful image of yourself. Many of my clients also use their portrait on LinkedIn or on the back of their book. Because it makes sense. Because it feels like taking a peek inside someone's home. A good environmental portrait arouses curiosity and invites contact. It is an invitation to tell your story.
Some people find it exciting to be photographed. Especially in their own space. But that is often where the most beautiful images are created. Because you feel at ease. Because you are yourself. And that is reflected in the portrait. It is not for nothing that clients often say: this is really me. It feels natural, relaxed and powerful at the same time. And that is exactly what a good ambient portrait is all about.
I always make my portraits in consultation
We discuss in advance where we will shoot and why. Is there natural light? What do you want to radiate? Who do you want to see? As a photographer - and an entrepreneur - I know how important this is. We often start with coffee. No rush, but attention. And then the image emerges by itself. Your input is indispensable in this process. Together, we make choices about the location, the clothes, the atmosphere. No standard approach, but a personal one.
In some assignments I work in silence, in others I give guidance and feedback. It depends on what you are comfortable with. Together we look for the right moment, the right light, the right look. And if necessary, I take my mobile studio with me. So that we can create a powerful ambient portrait with studio quality even in low light. That makes the approach flexible and reliable.
Both business and personal portraits
An environmental portrait does not always have to be formal. Instead, it can be looser, softer, with character. But we can also go the business side: formal, powerful, convincing. What suits you? I help you choose, we start looking together. Because every person is different, and so is every portrait. Sometimes a minimalist environment works best, sometimes a space full of personal details. Think of a pile of books, an easel, a coffee mug, an instrument.
For professionals, an environment portrait is often a visual translation of their mission. A coach wants to exude confidence. A lawyer wants strength and clarity. An artist wants to show freedom and creativity. A writer seeks stillness. And what do those words mean for you? We include all these wishes in the preparation and execution. The result is a portrait that hits exactly the right note.
Environmental portraits are also growing in demand within larger organisations. Not only for board members, management or employees on the 'About us' page, but also for internal communication, annual reports, and presentations. Portraits with context literally give more image of the person behind the job. And make an organisation more human, more accessible.
First coffee, then a portrait
I have been photographing people on their own for years. Not a quick click, but a conversation, a moment of calm, and then: the portrait. That's what I'm good at. If something typifies you, I try to capture it. So that you recognise yourself, and others recognise you too. It doesn't matter whether you are used to having your picture taken, or find it exciting. We take our time, but remain efficient. There is no need to pretend to be bigger than you are. Just being yourself creates something real.
A good portrait requires confidence. And you build that with attention. So taking an environmental portrait is not only a technical task, but also a human one. That's why I prefer to start with coffee rather than the camera. Getting acquainted, landing for a while. Because when you feel at ease, you see that immediately in the picture.
I work for self-employed people, companies, artists, teachers, musicians, writers and other professionals. Some choose an environmental portrait in black and white, others in colour. Everything is negotiable. The important thing is that the image is right. That you think: this is me.
- Wondering if we can do something for each other? Feel free to contact us via this page. I like to think with you.
- Want to know more about my style and approach? Then take a look at the portrait photography page in which I elaborate on my approach.
An image with character
Whether you are a photographer looking for a new press image, a writer with a book in the making, or an entrepreneur who needs to be seen - a good ambient portrait helps. It impresses without overdoing it. It invites you to look. It is a powerful statement without being garish. A subtle way to portray yourself professionally and authentically.
A good ambient portrait sticks. Because it's right. Because it doesn't feel contrived. Because it sets an atmosphere that suits you. It is a portrait in which your context is palpable. And in which your story becomes visible.
Let me help you create that image. Together, we create a portrait that will continue to suit you, even a few years from now. Because a good portrait does not age quickly - it tells something essential.
Ready for a portrait that's right? Send me a message And we plan something.
"I can freeze time. What is your superpower?"
The above prices are for personal portraits. For team portraits I naturally charge different prices and we are not as long. Often I charge an average of 7 minutes per person, so several employees can be portrayed per hour. Contact us for prices and availability.