Switzerland Photographer
Montreux • Swiss Riviera • The Alps
For wild-hearted souls who want to feel fully alive in front of the lens
From relaxed nature portraits to bespoke adventures and intimate mountain elopements — your experience with a Switzerland photographer should feel like more than a photoshoot. It’s your story, lived out loud.
Outdoor Portrait, Adventure & Elopement Photography in Switzerland
I’m Maaike Jansen, a Switzerland photographer based in Montreux, creating natural portrait sessions, bespoke outdoor experiences, and intimate elopements across the Swiss Alps and Riviera.
From Lake Geneva to high alpine ridges, I help couples, families, and adventurous souls turn meaningful moments into beautifully documented experiences in Switzerland.
This Isn’t About Perfect Photos. It’s About Feeling Fully Alive.
You won’t remember the pose.
Instead, you’ll remember how it felt.
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.
If You Wanted Awkward Studio Smiles, You Took a Wrong Turn.
You’re not here for stiff poses.
You’re here to feel something — and that’s exactly where the magic begins.
You want:
Freedom over formality.
Connection over choreography.
Moments that hit you in the chest years later.
Because the only thing worse than a bad photo… is not having the one that brings it all rushing back.
I’ve Got You
(From first call to final frame)
Before we run off into the mountains together, here’s something important:
You’re trusting someone with moments that matter.
And that deserves experience.
With 20+ years behind the camera and 15 years in event planning, I know how to design days that flow — even when weather shifts or nerves show up.
I’ve:
• Built timelines that actually make sense
• Scouted locations in every season
• Created backup plans for the backup plans
• Guided camera-shy humans into natural confidence
I’m fluent in French and English, Leave No Trace Certified, and deeply respectful of the landscapes we step into.
When you choose me, you’re choosing clarity, preparation, and calm.
And that means you get to relax.
Your Story, Your Way
Not every adventure looks the same.
Whether you want something simple and grounding or wildly once-in-a-lifetime — there’s an experience designed for you
NATURE PORTRAIT SESSIONS
For individuals, couples, and families who want to remember what freedom feels like.
Relaxed sessions in breathtaking Swiss landscapes. Gentle guidance. No awkward posing.
BESPOKE ADVENTURE SESSIONS
For dreamers who want more than photos — they want a story.
Sunrise hikes, secret proposals, glacier sessions. Fully planned, beautifully documented.
Surprise proposals
For dreamers who want more than photos — they want a story.
Sunrise hikes, secret proposals, glacier sessions. Fully planned, beautifully documented.
Intimate Weddings & Elopements
For couples who want a wedding day that feels grounded, intentional, and wildly personal.
Planning support. Location scouting. Timeline design. A day built around you.
What It’s Like To Work With Me
“We had such an incredible experience with Maaike! My four year old and I were visiting Switzerland from the US and wanted to have some photos taken to commemorate our girls’ trip.
Maaike was extremely communicative before our session and did a wonderful job scouting out a location. She was also a complete star with my daughter-she had lots of great tricks up her sleeve to get the best smiles out of her, and we both had such a wonderful time during the shoot! I couldn’t be more thrilled-the photos are beautifully composed and are such a genuine, joyful snapshot of our little girl gang.
I would highly recommend Maaike to anyone looking for a photographer in the Montreux area of Switzerland, but especially to families with young kids looking for some amazing shots!”
– Julia
Professional Experience. Mountain Soul.
Years capturing laughter, chaos & love
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Mountain trails explored
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Golden hours chased
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Thousands of real, unscripted moments captured
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How Your Adventure Becomes Reality
Because epic days don’t just magically happen — they’re intentionally designed (hi, that’s me).
Whether it’s a relaxed portrait session, a bespoke mountain adventure, or your intimate elopement — the process is simple, stress-free, and fully guided.
Step 1
We Dream + Lock It In
We start with a relaxed video call. You tell me what you’re envisioning (or we figure it out together if it’s still a blur).
Once we’ve shaped your idea into something exciting and doable, you’ll receive:
– Your contract
– A booking invoice
To officially reserve your date, you sign the contract and pay the booking fee.
That’s it — your adventure is now officially happening. (yuhuuu)
No maybes. No “we’ll see.” It’s yours.
Step 2
I Design, You Relax
This is where the magic behind the scenes happens.
Depending on your session type, I’ll send:
– Curated location options
– Personalized timelines
– Outfit guidance
– Planning tips
– Backup plans (because Swiss weather has main-character energy)
For bespoke adventures and elopements, I’ll also guide you through permits, logistics, and vendor recommendations.
You get clarity.
You get support.
You do NOT get overwhelm.
Step 3
You Live It, I Capture It
The day arrives.
You show up. You breathe in the mountain air. Then you laugh. You move freely.
And suddenly, you feel it.
I guide gently when needed, disappear when it matters, and document the real, unscripted moments as they unfold.
No stiff posing.
No pressure.
Just presence.
And afterward? You receive a gallery filled with images that feel like the day felt.
Simple. Intentional. Fully alive.
Meet the Human Behind the Lens
Meet Your Switzerland Photographer
Hey, I’m Maaike — half-Swiss, half-Dutch, mountain-obsessed, and mildly allergic to awkward photos.
I believe the best images happen when you feel safe, free, and fully yourself.
My husband and I skipped the traditional wedding too (zero regrets, 10/10 recommend). Choosing meaning over expectation changes everything — and that belief shapes how I guide every portrait, proposal, and elopement.
On your day, I’m your steady presence.
Your timeline whisperer.
Your calm when weather shifts.
Your hype woman when you need it.
And occasionally, the friend hanging off a ridge with frozen fingers to get the shot that makes you feel it all over again.
Because this isn’t just about photos.
It’s about creating something that feels like you — and remembering it that way forever.
Because These Moments Don’t Wait.
Someday you’ll look back and say,
“Remember that light on the peaks — and how we couldn’t stop smiling?”
That kind of moment doesn’t repeat itself.
And neither does this season of your life — which is exactly why capturing it now matters.
The way your family laughs right now.
The way your partner looks at you before you even notice.
The way the mountains feel when everything else goes quiet.
You don’t get those twice.
I take on a limited number of adventures each year — not because I like playing hard to get, but because your story deserves my full heart, energy, and planning support.
If your date’s open, let’s claim it before someone else does.
Book your discovery call below
A Few Quick Answers
(Because I Know You’re Wondering…)
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.
What's the next step?
Simple.
Reach out.
We 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.
While you’re here…
Explore Planning & Adventure Resources
Portrait & Adventure Resources
– What to Wear for a Mountain Photoshoot
– Sunrise vs Sunset in the Alps
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.
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