Portrait photography

in the studio or on location

A portrait is more than a photograph of your face. It is a snapshot of who you are, with all your stories, your experience and your emotions. Whether it is a personal portrait, a fine art portrait or an editorial portrait for an article or an interview, my aim is to make images that stay with you.

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Whether you are looking for a portrait for yourself, for a publication, for your work or for later, you do not want a standard snapshot. You want a portrait that is right. Made with attention. With character. And with you in it, exactly as you are.

In my studio in Wijchen near Nijmegen, or at a location that suits you, I make portraits that are personal, quiet and strong. In black and white or in colour. Simple or layered. As a fine art portrait or as an environmental portrait. But always together.

I work calmly and with attention. No rush, no forced poses. Just you, the way you are.

Close-up of a woman with green eyes, holding her hand with pink nail polish in front of her nose and mouth.

Portrait photography: relaxed and natural

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

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

Portrait photography is far more than simply recording a face. It is about capturing a personality, catching emotion and creating a moment that outlasts the day. A good portrait tells a story; it gives you a glimpse of the character of the person in front of the lens. And there should be something left to guess at, of course. What sets my portrait work apart is my focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere in which you feel completely at ease. That leads to portraits that are not only good to look at, but that also show who you really are.

If you have ever been photographed yourself, you know how awkward it can feel. Knowing that every detail is being recorded creates tension, and that tension is usually visible in the photo. But it is exactly that tension that gets in the way of a natural look. So my aim is to have you completely relaxed during the shoot. When you feel comfortable, it shows, and you see it back in the portrait. The result? A portrait that is real and natural, and that reflects your true self.

Close-up of a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a shirt with a colourful pink, orange and blue pattern, in the studio against a light green background.

Close-up of a man with a short beard and short, cropped hair, sitting outside against a green, leafy background.

Portrait of a man with short curly hair and a beard, wearing a black shirt, against a blurred natural background.

Why relaxed portraits work best

Being relaxed in front of a camera does not come naturally to everyone. The idea of being photographed makes a lot of people nervous. You suddenly become aware of your posture, your smile, even what your hands look like. That is completely understandable, and it is my job as a photographer to take that tension away and make sure you feel at ease. Because when you are relaxed, you get portraits that genuinely show who you are.

A relaxed posture makes a world of difference. When you are relaxed, the tension and the nerves disappear from your face and your body. That gives you natural, unforced expressions that bring out your real character. The best portraits are the ones in which the person comes across as honest and natural. Genuine smiles, soft eyes and a relaxed posture all come out of a pleasant, stress-free atmosphere during the shoot.

In my experience these are the things that make a portrait special. When the person in front of the camera feels comfortable, their real personality comes through, and that is what makes the photo strong. And that strength is what makes a portrait stay with you, what makes it resonate with the people who see it.

How I help you relax during a shoot

I do not believe in quick portrait shoots or fixed poses. Yes, if your whole team has to be photographed. Then I work fast. But a good portrait always comes out of trust.

We talk, we try things, we look for what works. Sometimes a portrait happens in the first ten minutes. Sometimes it takes an hour. That does not matter. You do not have to perform. All you have to do is show up and be yourself as much as you can. That gives me a job to do as well, as the photographer.

I look, I listen, I adjust. And together we make sure something happens that is right. A portrait that is not only beautiful, but true.

By understanding what matters to you, I can make sure the shoot goes the way that suits you and that you feel good about.

During the shoot itself I take the time to put you at ease. That means keeping things as natural as possible and never forcing you into stiff poses. Instead I give you room to move, to laugh and to be yourself. Sometimes that means we have a conversation while we shoot, so you are distracted from the camera and feel more relaxed. Other times it helps to shoot somewhere you feel good, outside in a park or at your own home.

It is all about creating an experience that is comfortable for you, so that you appear in the photo as you are, without the tension you may have expected to feel. The result? Portraits you want to share, that you put on your website or your social media with confidence, because they show not only what you look like but also who you are.

Close-up of a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, wearing a shirt with a colourful pattern in pink, orange and blue, standing in the studio against a light green background.

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

Who are my portraits for?

My portraits are for people who are willing to pause. Who feel it is time for a good portrait. Not rushed, but made with attention. Not staged, but honest.

You do not need any experience in front of a camera. You do not need a strong idea either. All you need is the willingness to be seen.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a creative, a parent, a speaker, a writer, a journalist or the person being interviewed: if you are looking for a portrait that really shows you, or for a good editorial portrait for a publication, you are very welcome.

I also make shorter studio sessions: PLAY for theatre makers, musicians and actors, and polaroids for models, or a TFP shoot.

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Studio portrait session (8 images)

✔️ An hour and a half shoot ✔️ One change of clothes ✔️ Choose your images on the spot ✔️ Eight edited photographs included

€ 385

Including 21% VAT

Studio portrait session (14 images)

✔️ An hour and a half shoot ✔️ One change of clothes ✔️ Choose your images on the spot ✔️ Fourteen edited photographs included

€ 545

Including 21% VAT

Portrait session on location

✔️ An hour and a half shoot ✔️ One change of clothes ✔️ Choose your images on the spot ✔️ Fourteen edited photographs included

€ 465

Including 21% VAT

Black and white photo of a laughing woman with curly hair looking out from behind a wall or curtain.

Studio portrait: the power of simplicity

My studio in Wijchen has everything you need for a strong studio portrait. Strobes, light shapers, reflectors, and more importantly: calm, attention, time.

You do not need experience. No perfect outfit. No plan. We build the portrait step by step. All you have to do is show up. I will take care of the rest.

A studio portrait is often simpler than you expect. And that is exactly where its strength lies. The background is neutral. The focus is on you. And it works.

Fine-art portrait: the art of looking

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

I often work in black and white, because it puts a little more distance between the image and 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.

Environmental portrait: more than just a face

Sometimes the place says as much as the expression. That is when we go for an environmental portrait. A portrait photograph that shows not just you, but also the space where you work or live.

We make an environmental portrait on location. In your home, your workspace, your studio. Or outside, in a landscape that suits you. We look for the right angle, the right light, the right atmosphere. Here too, the portrait is something we create 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 commissioned by 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 somewhere that says something about you or the subject. Your workspace, a favourite location, or a street you frequent. The result is a portrait that shows not just you, but a piece of your world.

I work quickly and efficiently when a deadline demands it, but I always take enough time to make sure the image is right.

Why choose me as your portrait photographer?

There are a great many photographers who make portrait photographs, 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 is naturally comfortable in front of a lens, so I take the time to get to know you and help you unwind. My goal is not simply to take a portrait photograph, but to make an image that says 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 photographs for your website, or a large company with a team of dozens of employees, I can tailor the shoot to your needs. Working on location means the session runs smoothly and the portraits are made in an environment where you feel comfortable.

When can you expect to hear from me?

Portrait photography is a powerful way to capture both personality and professionalism. With a relaxed and easy-going approach, I make sure your portrait not only produces a visually compelling image, but genuinely shows who you are.

Whether you need portrait photographs for personal use or for your business, I'm ready to help you achieve them in the best possible way. My studio in Wijchen is fully equipped, welcoming and easy to visit. My mobile studio is fully kitted out to ensure the shoot runs smoothly and professionally.

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

I look forward to working together and creating something special.

Contact me today to discuss the possibilities and plan a shoot. You can call me on 06-263 263 16 or send an email to mail@michielheijmans.com.

Black and white photo of a woman with long hair in a blouse, seated on a chair against a plain background.

Black and white portrait of a young woman with shoulder-length wavy hair falling forward, in a long-sleeved shirt, looking straight ahead against a dark background.

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