Montreux • Lake Geneva • Swiss Alps
For couples, families & wild-hearted souls who want more than just “nice photos”
Based in Montreux. Working across Switzerland.
I’m Maaike — a photographer based in Montreux, creating portrait sessions, elopements, and bespoke adventures across Lake Geneva and the Alps.
As a photographer in Switzerland, I focus on experiences that feel relaxed, effortless, and truly yours.
The wind tugging at your hair.
Your child’s laugh echoing off the trees.
The quiet breath before you looked at each other and thought, “Let’s never forget this.”
That’s what I capture.
Not stiff smiles.
Not Pinterest replicas.
But the kind of moments that bring it all rushing back.
Whether it’s just you, your favorite person, or your whole wild crew —
this is about connection.
“I want photos… but not something staged or awkward.”
– You want natural photos without pressure
– You’re visiting Switzerland and want something meaningful
– You feel awkward in front of the camera (you’re my people 😄)
– You care more about moments than perfect poses
You don’t need to know what to do.
I’ll guide you.

Relaxed outdoor photos for couples, families & solo travelers

Sunrise hikes, hidden locations, once-in-a-lifetime experiences

Intentional, intimate, wildly personal elopement experiences in Switzerland
Before we even meet, there’s already a plan.
I’ve spent 20+ years behind the lens and 15 years designing real-life experiences… so nothing about your session is left to chance.
I help you:
• Choose a location that actually fits your energy
• Plan around the best light (not just a random time slot)
• Feel comfortable, even if you hate being in front of a camera
• Adapt when weather or nerves decide to show up
So that when the moment comes…
You’re not thinking about the photos.
You’re just living it.
Most people tell me the same thing before we start…
and this is what they say after.
Simple. Guided. Thoughtfully designed from start to finish.
1. You reach out & we lock it in
You send a message, we chat about what you’re looking for, and make sure it all feels aligned.
Once you’re ready, you’ll receive your contract and booking details.
Your date is officially secured with a signed contract and retainer.
Simple. Clear. Locked in.
2. I design the experience with you
This is where everything starts taking shape. I guide you through the key pieces:
• Locations that match your energy
• The best timing for light and atmosphere
• What to wear so you feel confident
• A simple plan that fits your day
For more immersive sessions, I also take care of the logistics and details behind the scenes.
You get clarity, support, and a plan that actually works.
3. You show up & live it
The day arrives.
You breathe it in. You settle into the moment.
I guide gently when needed, step back when it matters, and capture everything as it naturally unfolds.
No pressure. No stiff posing. No overthinking.
Just real moments, as they happen.
4. You receive it all back
Shortly after your session, you’ll receive a sneak peek —
a first glimpse into everything we captured together.
Your full gallery follows, carefully edited and thoughtfully delivered.
Not just “nice photos” —
but images that bring you right back to how it felt.
Half Swiss, half Dutch.
Mountain-obsessed.
Mildly allergic to awkward photos.
I believe the best images happen when you feel safe, relaxed, and fully yourself.
On your day, I’m your calm presence, your guide, and your hype woman when needed.
If you want photos that feel like you lived the moment…
we’ll get along very well.
This trip.
This season.
This moment.
This version of your life.
It won’t come back.
I take a limited number of sessions each month to keep every experience personal.
If your date is open… take it.
Let’s make sure this feels right for you.
We’ll hop on a relaxed, no-pressure call to talk through your ideas, your vision, and what would make this experience truly yours.
👉 Ask anything
👉 Share your thoughts
👉 See if we’re a good fit
No pressure. No awkward sales pitch.
Absolutely not.
If you love long alpine hikes at sunrise — amazing, let’s go.
If your ideal adventure is a short walk to a scenic lake with a thermos of coffee — also perfect.
I design your session around your comfort level, not my ego. Switzerland has epic views that don’t require mountaineering skills (or oxygen tanks).
You tell me what feels good. I’ll handle the rest.
First of all — everyone says that.
Second of all — it’s my job to make you forget the camera exists.
I don’t do stiff posing or “tilt your chin 0.5cm to the left.”
I guide you naturally, give you simple prompts, and create movement so it feels real — not staged.
You’ll be laughing before you even realize I’m taking photos.
Not at all.
I photograph:
– Solo travelers
– Couples
– Families
– Surprise proposals
– Intimate elopements
If you feel connected to nature and want photos that actually feel like you — you belong here.
Yes — and it’s one of my favorite parts.
Whether you’re dreaming of a peaceful lakeside, vineyard views in Lavaux, dramatic Alpine ridges, or somewhere completely off the beaten path, I send curated location suggestions based on:
– The season
– The light
– Your comfort level
– The vibe you’re drawn to
I also include backup plans (because Swiss weather loves a plot twist).
We adapt.
Clouds? Dreamy.
Mist? Magical.
Light rain? Romantic.
Storm apocalypse? We reschedule or pivot locations.
I always build flexibility into the plan so you’re never stressed.
Honestly, some of my favorite images happened when the forecast looked questionable.
For elopements and bespoke adventures:
Ideally 3–9 months in advance (popular summer dates go fast).
For portrait sessions:
1–3 months ahead is perfect — but last-minute adventures sometimes work too.
If you have a specific date in mind, I recommend reaching out early. I only take a limited number of sessions each season to give each story my full attention.
Even better.
Most of my clients have never done a mountain session or eloped before.
You don’t need experience.
You just need openness.
I guide you step by step — from choosing the right location to what to wear to how to stand without feeling weird.
You won’t feel lost. Promise.
Yes.
After booking, you’ll receive styling guidance tailored to your location and season. I’m happy to review outfit options and suggest what works best in mountain light (spoiler: neutrals and movement are magic).
And no, you don’t need to look like Pinterest exploded on you.
Sometimes — especially for certain elopement locations.
For elopements and bespoke adventures, I guide you through permits, local rules, and Leave No Trace practices so everything is respectful and smooth.
For standard portrait sessions, I’ll advise if anything is required.
Every experience is different — because every story is.
Nature Portrait Sessions start at CHF 495.
Bespoke Adventures and Elopements are custom-designed depending on location, duration, and planning support.
After our initial call, you’ll receive clear pricing and options — no surprises, no pressure.
This is an experience designed with intention, not a quick “show up and snap” session.
Yes — all over Switzerland.
From the Swiss Riviera to Zermatt, Grindelwald, Valais, and hidden Alpine corners — if it’s beautiful, I’m probably already scouting it.
Travel fees are always transparent and discussed upfront.
Always.
I’m Leave No Trace Certified and deeply committed to protecting the landscapes we explore. Nature gives us magic — we treat her with respect.
Simple.
Reach out or hop on a relaxed video call.
We talk ideas.
You decide if it feels right.
No pressure. No awkward sales pitch.
Just two humans seeing if we’re a good fit for something unforgettable.
– What to Wear for a Mountain Photoshoot
– Sunrise vs Sunset in the Alps
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