Pause

Authentic portraits.
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Ifyou get the chance to Michiel with Michiel , do it. Without hesitation. He is an incredibly professional photographer who knows exactly what he is doing. His eye for detail, calmness, and craftsmanship are guaranteed to produce beautiful results .”
— Babette Venmans

Portrait photographer & street photography

I create portraits. I also take headshots for companies throughout the Netherlands. I give workshops and lectures on street photography —a passion that has shaped my way of seeing and that I love to share with other photographers.

In June 2025, I was a guest on the RTL 4 program Het Perfecte Plaatje. My work has been exhibited from Domburg to Paris and Milan. I have written three books on photography, contribute monthly to Photofacts, and wrote columns for Focus Magazine for two years.

Mijn passie voor fotografie heeft daarnaast nog een andere grote uitlaatklep. Al meer dan 100 afleveringen lang maak ik met fotografievriend Niels de Kemp de podcast 30 Minuten Sluitertijd, inmiddels een vaste baken in het Nederlandse en Belgische fotografielandschap.

My experience as a street photographer is reflected in my portrait work: I quickly see what works, recognize the right moment, and know how to put people at ease. No stiff poses, just real photos you can be proud of.

Michiel how to capture beautiful moments from everyday life with surprising compositions and tasteful images.
— William Rutten
"Man, you take beautiful photos."
— Michiel
Foto door Anne van den Hoogen

Business portraits & headshots

I take portrait photos and headshots for medium to large companies. Team photos for your website, LinkedIn portraits for colleagues, portrait series for annual reports, or profile photos of the management team.

What makes my approach different?

I'll help you think about your overall look. Do you want to be approachable and warm, or professional and sleek? That choice will guide the location, lighting, and poses. We'll chat beforehand about what suits you best.

Quick, yet with plenty of time

When I do headshot sessions, I often photograph 15 to 20 people in a day. Even then, I make sure to keep things relaxed, no stress or rush. Everyone gets plenty of time to get a photo they're really happy with.

See you soon?

(Street) photography workshops

Besides my portrait work, I host workshops on street photography. These aren't just any workshops – I work conceptually. No random snapshots, but we work from a core word that gives your photography structure and depth.

From individual images to a story

In my workshops, you get to choose your own keyword: Solitude, Interaction, Reflection, Rhythm. That keyword acts as a filter for your perspective, helping you look more intentionally. You'll go home with the start of a series that really feels right.

Small and personal

Maximum of 5 participants per workshop. This allows time for questions and personal feedback. After the workshop , you workshop me five photos, which I will review and discuss at my leisure.

You can find the schedule for my workshops here

Portraits with attention

Through my street photography, I have learned that you should not judge a book by its cover. Every person has their own story, and only after knowing that story can a photographer create a true portrait.

Coffee and cameras

During my Pause , we take the time to talk. In a half-day session, the first two hours may be spent just getting to know each other and building mutual trust.

A summary of the conversation

The relaxed portrait that follows is a summary of the conversation we have. You will see that you radiate calmness and confidence, without an awkward look.

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Motivational and inspiring lectures

I regularly give lectures on street photography, in which I take you through my process and overwhelm you with lots of examples. I tell my stories from the street and explain why I never encounter any problems when photographing people.

De Wet van de Straat

Of course, the legal side of things will also be discussed. The large gray area and the things that are crystal clear. What constitutes secret photography and why it is not allowed, for example. And what exactly is privacy anyway?

Conceptually hitting the streets

After all my experiences, I now approach the street differently, conceptually. Fewer photos, and more focused. In the lecture, I explain how I see and approach this.

For photography clubs and study groups

I really enjoy working for these fantastic companies.

Poelmann van den Broek Advocaten
Merlet College
NMG Wonen
Van Winssen Personeel
ITV Studio’s

Briskr / Radboudumc
Atelier Meer²
ROC Nijmegen
Gemeente Nijmegen
CBT Noord-Limburg

Museum Hilversum
Frans & Dave Verzekeringen
Eigen Haard
DAR
Want to collaborate?

Please contact me

Want to collaborate? Need a new portrait? Pause? Or perhaps you have questions about my workshops or lectures?