Photographer in Montreux & the Swiss Riviera
i craft natural portrait sessions, thoughtfully planned proposals and unforgettable experiences beside Lake Geneva and in the nearby Swiss Alps
For couples, families and solo travellers who want beautiful photographs—without turning the whole experience into one long, awkward photoshoot.
Based near Montreux, photographing portraits and proposals throughout the Swiss Riviera, bespoke adventures in the nearby Alps, and elopements across Switzerland.
You want beautiful photos. You just don’t want the awkward photoshoot part.
You want to remember how this chapter of your life actually felt—the laughter, the nerves, the wind messing up your hair at precisely the wrong moment, and all the little things you didn’t realise you’d want to hold onto.
But maybe being in front of a camera isn’t exactly your favourite hobby. Maybe you don’t know what to do with your hands, how to “act natural,” or which beautiful Swiss location would actually suit you.
Good news: you don’t need to figure any of that out alone.
This isn’t about performing for the camera or recreating somebody else’s Pinterest photos. It’s about giving you the guidance you need, the space to be yourselves, and photographs that bring you right back to the moment—not just what it looked like.
Choose the experience that feels like you
Relaxed outdoor photos for couples, families and solo travellers in Montreux and around the Swiss Riviera.
One beautiful location, gentle guidance and a photo-focused experience that won’t leave you wondering what on earth to do with your hands.
You handle the question. I’ll help with the plan.
From finding the right setting to creating a discreet communication plan and capturing the big moment, your proposal around the Swiss Riviera or nearby Alps will feel personal, seamless and completely yours.
For when you want more than a traditional portrait session—but hardcore hiking isn’t necessarily on the agenda.
Together, we’ll shape a personalised experience in the Swiss Riviera or nearby Alps, whether that involves a mountain train, a panoramic walk, a lakeside picnic, fondue with a view or one spectacular location worth slowing down for.
An intimate wedding day shaped around the two of you—not a list of traditions you feel obliged to follow.
From peaceful lakeshores to dramatic mountains, I photograph intentional elopements across Switzerland with gentle guidance, thoughtful planning and plenty of space for you to experience the day fully.
Most people think they’re booking a photoshoot.
They’re not.
They’re booking the thought that goes into everything before I even pick up my camera.
With more than 20 years behind the lens and 15 years spent planning real-life events, I notice the details that can completely change how an experience feels—from the light and location to timing, access, weather and all those small logistics you probably didn’t realise needed thinking about.
Depending on the experience you choose, I can help you:
• Find a setting that genuinely suits you—not simply somewhere that looks pretty on Instagram
• Plan around the best light, atmosphere and season
• Feel comfortable in front of the camera, even if you usually avoid it
• Prepare for the weather and have a backup plan when needed
• Coordinate the extra details behind a proposal, adventure or elopement
So when the moment arrives, you’re not worrying about what happens next or whether you’re “doing it right.”
You can simply live it. I’ll take care of capturing it.
What it actually feels like to be on the other side of my camera
You’ve heard me say that you don’t need to know how to pose, that I’ll guide you through it, and that the experience will feel relaxed. But obviously, I would say that.
So here’s what the people who have actually done it have to say:
She made the whole experience feel easy and joyful.
We had such an incredible experience — Maaike made us feel comfortable from the start and created such a fun, relaxed atmosphere. The photos are a genuine, joyful snapshot of our time together. I would highly recommend her, especially for families.
Julia
Portrait Session
We couldn’t have asked for anyone better to capture it.
Looking through the photos took us right back to the moment — all the little emotions, reactions and everything that made it feel so special.
We’re genuinely SO happy with everything. You didn’t just take photos, you captured the feeling of the entire day.
Viraj & Shreya
Surprise Proposal
It felt relaxed, natural, and effortless from start to finish.
Maaike really listened to what we wanted and adapted everything to us. The whole experience was easy and enjoyable — and it truly shows in the photos.
Filip & Caro
Elopement
It was more than a photoshoot — it was a real human experience. Maaike truly listened, guided me with care, and made me feel completely at ease. She captured something real and meaningful — it felt like a timeless moment I’ll never forget.
Xavier
Bespoke Adventure
From your first message to your final gallery
Simple, supportive and thoughtfully planned—without turning your inbox into a second full-time job.
1. You reach out & we lock it in
Send me an enquiry with your date, the experience you’re interested in and anything you already have in mind.
You don’t need to arrive with a perfectly formed plan. After reviewing your ideas, I’ll recommend the best next step and answer any initial questions.
Once your contract is signed and the booking fee is paid, your date is officially yours.
2. We create a plan that fits you
This looks slightly different for every experience.
For a portrait session, we’ll choose the location, timing and outfits that suit you. For proposals, bespoke adventures and elopements, we’ll go deeper into the logistics, timeline and all the behind-the-scenes details needed to make everything flow naturally.
You’ll know where to be, what to bring and what happens next—without having to organise everything alone.
3. You show up & live it
When the day arrives, you don’t need to perform or arrive with a secret collection of poses saved on your phone.
I’ll guide you gently when you need it, give you space when you don’t, and keep an eye on the light, weather and practical details along the way.
Your only real job is to be there and enjoy it.
4. Relive it all
Within 48 hours, you’ll receive your first sneak peeks—because waiting several weeks to see whether I captured the moment would be mildly cruel.
Your full gallery will follow, carefully edited and ready to bring you straight back to how it all felt.
Meet Your Switzerland Photographer
Hey, I’m Maaike
Half Swiss, half Dutch, based near Montreux and mildly allergic to awkward photos.
I’ve spent more than 20 years with a camera in my hands and 15 years planning real-life events—which means I’m just as interested in how your experience feels as I am in how it photographs.
I’ll guide you when you need help, quietly step back when the moment belongs to you, and probably get far too excited when the light does something beautiful. Whether we’re beside Lake Léman (Lake Geneva) or heading into the nearby Alps, you’ll have someone who knows the region, thinks ahead and genuinely wants you to enjoy the whole experience.
Because the best photographs don’t happen when everything looks perfectly posed.
They happen when you feel comfortable enough to forget about the camera.
A few things you might be wondering
Because choosing a photographer can come with approximately 47 questions—and I’d rather you had the answers before worrying about them.
If you want a relaxed, photo-focused session at one beautiful location around Montreux or the Swiss Riviera, a portrait session is probably the perfect fit. These are available for couples, families, maternity sessions and solo portraits.
If you’re planning to ask a rather important question, my surprise proposal experience includes help choosing the setting, planning the moment and creating a discreet communication plan—followed by a short engagement session once you’ve heard the “yes.”
A bespoke adventure is for anyone wanting something more personalised or immersive. It might include a mountain train, a panoramic walk, a picnic, fondue with a view or simply more time to explore a spectacular location in the nearby Alps.
And if you’re planning an intimate wedding day that feels completely like you, my elopement experiences are available across Switzerland.
Still unsure? Tell me what you’re imagining, and I’ll point you in the right direction.
Perfect. You’re very much my kind of people.
Most of my clients tell me they feel awkward or have no idea how to pose. You don’t need to arrive knowing what to do with your hands—or having secretly practised in front of the mirror.
I’ll give you gentle direction when you need it, keep things moving naturally and create space for the real moments to happen. The goal isn’t to make you perform for the camera. It’s to help you feel comfortable enough to forget it’s there.
Yes. I’ll guide you towards locations that fit the experience you want, the season, accessibility, light and how much—or how little—you would like to walk.
Detailed, personalised location planning is included with surprise proposals, bespoke adventures and elopements. Portrait sessions take place at one of my recommended locations around Montreux and the Swiss Riviera.
I don’t simply send everyone to the latest Instagram-famous viewpoint. I want the location to suit you and provide the atmosphere and experience you’re actually hoping for.
Not at all. “Adventure” means something different to everyone.
Your experience could involve hiking into the mountains, but it could just as easily mean taking a panoramic train, riding a gondola, enjoying a lakeside picnic or exploring one beautiful location at a relaxed pace.
I’ll always consider your comfort, mobility, experience and preferred level of effort. You never need to pretend you enjoy hiking uphill for two hours if, deep down, your idea of adventure involves a view and a conveniently located fondue.
Portrait sessions take place in Montreux and around the Swiss Riviera, including selected locations near Vevey, Lavaux and Lake Geneva—also known locally as Lac Léman.
I photograph surprise proposals throughout the Swiss Riviera and at selected locations in the nearby Alps. Bespoke Adventures are available around the Swiss Riviera and within approximately two hours of Montreux, including parts of Vaud, Valais and Fribourg.
Elopements are available across Switzerland.
I keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your experience, but Swiss weather—particularly in the mountains—occasionally enjoys creating unnecessary drama.
Clouds, wind or a little rain don’t automatically mean we need to cancel. They can create beautiful atmosphere, and we’ll prepare accordingly. If the conditions could affect access, safety or the overall experience, I’ll discuss the available options with you, whether that means adjusting the timing, choosing an alternative plan or rescheduling where possible under your agreement.
You won’t be left staring at three different weather apps and trying to make the decision alone.
As soon as you know your preferred date, particularly if you’re planning a proposal, elopement or experience during the busy summer and autumn months.
Portrait sessions can sometimes be booked at shorter notice, depending on availability. More involved experiences require time for planning, so reaching out earlier gives us more flexibility with dates, locations and logistics.
Your date is only secured once your contract has been signed and the required booking fee has been paid.
You’ll receive your first sneak peeks within 48 hours, so you can relive a little of the magic while it still feels fresh—and, in the case of a proposal, share the news without relying exclusively on a blurry phone photograph.
Your complete gallery will follow within the delivery timeframe included in your chosen package and confirmed before booking. Every selected photograph is carefully edited and delivered through a private online gallery.
Portrait sessions around Montreux and the Swiss Riviera begin at CHF 320.
Swiss Riviera surprise proposals begin at CHF 650, while Alpine proposal experiences begin at CHF 920. Bespoke Adventures begin at CHF 990, and elopement photography begins at CHF 4,800.
The final investment depends on the type of experience, duration, location and planning involved. You’ll find full details and package options on each individual service page.
Begin by sending me an enquiry with your preferred date, the service you’re interested in and anything you already know about what you would like.
I’ll review everything personally, confirm whether I’m available and recommend the most suitable next step. For more involved proposals, bespoke adventures and elopements, we may arrange a relaxed discovery call to talk through your ideas.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Helping you turn the initial idea into a plan is part of what I’m here for.
If you’re already picturing it, let’s talk
Maybe it’s an easygoing portrait session beside Lake Geneva. Maybe there’s a ring currently hidden somewhere very safe. Or perhaps you’re dreaming about disappearing into the Swiss Alps for something a little more adventurous.
You don’t need to have the location, timeline or every tiny detail figured out before getting in touch. Tell me what you know so far, and we’ll take it from there.
I accept a limited number of sessions and experiences each month so I can give every one the attention it deserves. If you have a date in mind, it’s always worth checking whether it’s available.
Prefer to talk it through?
For proposals, bespoke adventures and elopements, you can also book a relaxed discovery call to share your ideas, ask your questions and see whether we’re a good fit.
No awkward sales pitch. Promise.
While you’re here…
Explore Planning & Adventure Resources
Whether you’re choosing a location, wondering what photographs well at different times of year or quietly planning a proposal without giving the game away, these resources will help you get started.
Portrait, Surprise Proposals & Adventure Resources
Elopement Planning Resources
Sustainable & Leave no trace certified
Proudly Practicing Leave No Trace Values – the earth is worth it
Ongoing Elopement Education
Committed to continuous education so your elopement gets the care, creativity, and expertise it deserves.