Honest portraits

Portrait photos

in studio or on location

Almost no one feels relaxed in front of a camera. That's fine. I take the time to get to know you, so the moment when you stop thinking about the photo comes naturally.

In my studio in Wijchen, or at a place that suits you, I make portraits without any fuss. Calm, personal and edited as little as possible. Not a version of who you should be, but an image in which you recognise yourself.

Get in touch with me directly →

Close-up of a woman with green eyes, covering her nose with a pinky finger wearing nail polish, showing her carotid artery.

A portrait session, or more time for yourself?

Portrait session

€ 365

1 to 1.5 hours · 12 edited photos · for your website and LinkedIn

Plan your portrait session

PAUSE

€ 495

A conversation first, all the time you need · fifteen portraits that are about you

View PAUSE

Headshots

First portrait € 250

Every further portrait that day € 100. Both excl. VAT.

View headshots

Portrait photography: relaxed and natural

There are a thousand reasons to have a portrait made. Maybe you want a portrait photo of yourself for your website, a book, an interview or an anniversary. Maybe you want a portrait precisely because something in your life is changing. Or because you feel: it's time to pause. To look. At who you are. At how you look. At what you radiate.

A portrait shows something you may not have seen in yourself yet. And that's what makes it valuable.

Portrait photography is much more than simply capturing a face. It's about capturing a personality, catching emotions and creating a moment that transcends time. A good portrait photo tells a story; it offers a glimpse into the character of the person being photographed. And there's room for a bit of mystery, 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 true reflection of who you really are.

If you've ever had your photo taken, you know how uncomfortable that 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 help you fully relax during the shoot. When you feel comfortable, you radiate that, and you see it reflected in the portrait photo. The result? A portrait photo that is genuine and natural, and that reflects your true self.

You’ll find more portraits in my portfolio.

Portrait of a young woman with long, light brown hair, blue eyes, outdoors with a green and blue sky background.

Close-up of a man with a short beard and a short, cropped hairstyle, sitting outdoors with a green, tree-filled background.

Portrait of a man with short greying curly hair and a full beard, in a dark green shirt, with blurred dunes and sea behind him.

Why relaxed portraits work best

Being relaxed in front of the camera doesn't come naturally to everyone. The idea of being photographed can make many people nervous. You suddenly become aware of your posture, your smile, or even how your hands look. This is completely understandable, but it's my job as a photographer to take away that tension and make sure you feel at ease. Because when you're relaxed, you get portrait photos that truly show your real self.

A relaxed posture makes a world of difference. When you're relaxed, the 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 the ones where the subject comes across as genuine and natural. Genuine smiles, soft eyes, and a relaxed posture are the result of a pleasant, stress-free atmosphere during the shoot.

In my experience, these are the elements that really make a portrait photo special. When the subject feels at ease, their true personality comes through, and that's what gives the photo its power. And that power is what makes a portrait photo stick, what makes it keep resonating with the people who see it.

How I create a relaxed atmosphere during a shoot

I think it's important that you feel at ease during a portrait session. We have 1 to 1.5 hours, so we can take our time. A good portrait photo always comes from trust.

We talk, we try things, we look for what works. Sometimes a portrait emerges in the first ten minutes. Sometimes only after an hour. It doesn't matter. You don't need to perform. You only need to show up, and be as much yourself as possible. That's also a task for me, as the photographer.

I watch, I listen, I adjust. And together we make sure something emerges that feels right. A portrait that isn't just beautiful, but true.

By understanding what matters to you, I can make sure the 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 room to move, to laugh and to be yourself. Sometimes this means we have a conversation during the shoot, so you're distracted from the camera and feel more relaxed. Other times it helps to hold the shoot at a location where you feel at home, such as outside in a park or at your own house.

It's all about creating an experience that's comfortable for you, so that you appear in the photo as you really are, without the tension you might have expected to feel. The result? Portrait photos you're happy to share, that you confidently put on your website or social media, because they don't just show what you look like, but who you are.

Portrait of a woman with blonde hair, blue eyes and a blue blouse, smiling, against a green background.

Who are my portraits for?

My portrait photos are for people who are willing to pause. Who feel it's time for a proper portrait. Not rushed, but made with attention. Not staged, but honest.

You don't need any experience in front of the camera. You don't need a clear idea either. The only thing you need is the wish to be seen.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a creative, a parent, a speaker, a writer, a journalist or an interviewee: if you're looking for a portrait photo that truly shows you, or for example a good editorial portrait for a publication, you're very welcome.

I also do shorter sessions in the studio: PLAY for theatre makers, musicians and actors, and polaroid photos for models, or a TFP shoot.

Get in touch with me directly

A portrait session in my studio

Beforehand, we put together a moodboard together. The portrait session lasts 1 to 1.5 hours and you get 12 edited photos. That costs € 365.

View the portrait session

Black and white photo of a laughing woman with shoulder-length curls in a sleeveless roll-neck top, leaning out from behind a dark door frame with a velvet curtain.

Studio portrait: the power of simplicity

In my studio in Wijchen, everything is in place for a strong studio portrait. Flashes, light shapers, reflection screens, but more importantly: calm, attention, time.

You don't need any experience. No perfect outfit. No plan. We build the portrait step by step. You just need to be present. I take care of the rest.

A studio portrait is often simpler than you'd think. And that's exactly where its strength lies. The background is neutral. The focus is on you. And that works.

Fine-art portrait: the art of looking

A fine-art portrait is all about the art of looking. These are portraits in which light, composition and atmosphere come together to create something timeless. They call for calm, concentration and an open attitude.

I often work in black and white, because it creates just that bit more distance from reality. That leaves room for interpretation, for imagination. But colour works too, if that suits who you are or the story we want to tell better.

Environmental portrait: more than just a face

Sometimes the place says just as much as the look in your eyes. Then we choose an environmental portrait. A portrait photo in which you show not just yourself, but also the space where you work or live.

An environmental portrait is made on location. In your home, your workspace, your studio. Or outdoors, in a landscape that suits you. We look for the right angle, the right light, and the right atmosphere. Here too: the portrait is created together.

I guide, you are yourself. And together we capture not just a face, but a context.

Editorial portrait: you in the right context

An editorial portrait is often made on commission for a newspaper, magazine or online platform. It supports an article or interview, and shows you in a context that fits the story.

This can be in my studio, but I often photograph at a place that says something about you or the subject. Think of your workspace, a favourite location or the street you often walk. This creates a portrait that shows not just you, but also a piece of your world.

I work quickly and efficiently when the deadline calls for it, but I always take enough time to make sure the image feels right.

Why choose me as your portrait photographer?

There are plenty of photographers who make portrait photos, so why choose me? What sets me apart is my commitment to making sure everyone who stands in front of my camera feels relaxed and at ease. I understand that not everyone naturally feels comfortable in front of the camera, which is why I take the time to get to know you and help you relax. My goal isn't just to make a portrait photo, but a photo that tells something about who you are and reflects your personality.

I also offer flexibility and convenience through my mobile studio. Whether you're a small business owner who needs portrait photos for your website, or a large company with a team of dozens of employees, I can adapt the shoot to your needs. By working on location, I make sure the shoot runs smoothly and that the portraits are made in an environment where you feel comfortable.

When will I hear from you?

Portrait photography is a powerful way to capture both personality and professionalism. By working in a relaxed and smooth way, I make sure your portrait photo not only looks visually appealing, but also truly shows who you are.

Whether you need portrait photos for personal purposes or for your business, I'm ready to help you achieve this in the best possible way. My studio in Wijchen is fully equipped, cosy and easy to access. My mobile studio is fully equipped to make sure the shoot runs smoothly and professionally.

I warmly invite you to get in touch. Let's discuss together how we can turn your vision into beautiful portrait photos that tell your story.

I'm looking forward to working together and creating something beautiful.

Get in touch today to discuss the possibilities and plan a shoot. You can email me at mail@michielheijmans.com.

Black and white photo of a woman with long hair, wearing a blouse, sitting on a chair with a neutral background.

Black and white portrait of a young woman with shoulder-length, wavy hair hanging forward, wearing a long-sleeved shirt, with a serious look, against a dark background.

Black and white photo of a smiling woman with dark hair placing her hand behind her neck, against a calm background.