In this post:
Best Locations for a Portrait Session in Switzerland
From lakeside sunsets to dramatic alpine views
Switzerland is unfairly beautiful.
Like… casually cinematic on a random Tuesday.
And if you’re planning a portrait session here — whether it’s with your partner, your kids, or just you stepping into a new chapter of life — the location matters more than you think.
Not because it needs to be dramatic.
But because it needs to feel like you.
As a Swiss-based outdoor photographer (and full-time mountain nerd), I’ve explored more corners of this country than I can count. So instead of just listing “pretty places,” let me walk you through the ones that truly work for portrait sessions in Switzerland — depending on your vibe.
Lake Geneva (Montreux & the Swiss Riviera)
If you want beauty without hiking boots, this is your place.
The Swiss Riviera around Montreux has this soft, golden, slightly Mediterranean energy. Vineyards above, calm lake below, mountains quietly showing off in the background.
It’s elegant without trying too hard.
At sunset, the light turns warm and glowy — the kind of light that makes everyone look like they sleep eight hours a night and drink enough water. (We both know that’s not always true.)
This location is perfect if you:
Want something accessible and relaxed
Are planning a family session with small kids
Love soft, romantic tones
It’s refined. Calm. Beautiful in an effortless way.
Zermatt & the Matterhorn Region
Okay. Now we’re talking drama.
Zermatt is where Switzerland turns the volume up.
The Matterhorn is not subtle. It doesn’t whisper. It stands there like, “Yes, I am iconic.”
Portrait sessions here feel bold and adventurous. Perfect for couples who love mountains, families who don’t mind a little walking, or solo sessions where you want to feel powerful and grounded at the same time.
And no, you don’t need to climb anything extreme. I promise I won’t drag you up a via ferrata unless you explicitly ask for it. (And even then, we’ll talk.)
If your heart beats faster when you see high peaks — this region delivers every time.
Lauterbrunnen Valley
Lauterbrunnen feels like someone designed it specifically for Pinterest.
Waterfalls cascading down cliffs. Wide green valley floors. Cozy little Swiss houses that look suspiciously perfect.
It’s playful. Fresh. A little magical.
I love this location for families — especially in spring and summer — because there’s space to move. Kids can run. You can breathe. We’re not balancing on cliff edges trying to look relaxed.
And for couples? It has this fairytale softness that feels romantic without being cheesy.
(We are here for connection, not awkward prom poses.)
Hidden Alpine Lakes (The Quiet Magic)
Now this is where things get special.
Switzerland has countless alpine lakes — some famous, some quietly tucked away — and at sunrise, they are pure magic.
Still water. Soft light. Fewer tourists. Real calm.
These sessions feel intimate. Intentional. Like you stepped out of everyday life for a moment.
They do require a bit more planning. Sometimes an early wake-up. Maybe a short hike.
But the result?
Photos that feel deeply personal and wildly beautiful.
This is where bespoke portrait experiences begin.
Alpine Meadows & Forest Trails
Not every portrait session in Switzerland needs dramatic peaks and helicopter views.
Sometimes the most meaningful images happen in quiet meadows. On forest trails. In tall grass with wind moving through it.
These locations are perfect if you want your photos to feel natural and movement-based. Especially for families. Especially if you’re thinking, “I’m awkward in photos.”
(You’re not. You just haven’t been guided properly. There’s a difference.)
These spaces allow you to walk, interact, laugh, breathe — and that’s where the real moments happen.
So… How Do You Choose the Best Portrait Location in Switzerland?
Here’s the honest answer:
The “best” location isn’t the most famous one.
It’s the one that matches your energy.
Do you want:
▸ Calm lakeside elegance?
▸ Dramatic mountain power?
▸ Playful valley magic?
▸ Quiet sunrise intimacy?
▸ Relaxed countryside connection?
We also consider season, accessibility, crowd levels, and how much adventure you’re up for. I help you figure all of that out — because planning the experience is part of what I do.
You don’t just show up somewhere pretty and hope for the best.
We create something intentional.
Let’s Create Your Portrait Session in Switzerland
Whether you’re dreaming of a family session in the Alps, a romantic couple shoot by Lake Geneva, or a solo portrait experience to mark a new chapter…
Switzerland gives us the backdrop.
I guide you through the rest — calmly, thoughtfully, and without making you feel like you need to know how to pose.
Because you don’t.
You just need to show up as you.
And maybe trust your local mountain nerd a little. 😉
Wherever you choose to begin, I’m already excited for you.
Switzerland holds some of the purest, most breathtaking scenery in the world — and I would be honoured to help you experience it in a way that feels personal, relaxed, and completely yours.
Switzerland portrait photos
Hey, I'm Maaike
Switzerland Photographer that specializes in Outdoors Portraits, bespoke adventures in nature and elopements in the Swiss Alps
I’m a born-and-raised Swiss mountain lover based near Montreux, specializing in outdoor portrait experiences, bespoke adventures in nature, and intentional elopements in the Swiss Alps.
Nature has always been my reset button. The place where things feel clearer, calmer, more honest.
That’s exactly what I want your photo experience to feel like.
Whether we’re walking along the lake at sunset, exploring a quiet alpine meadow, or heading up into the mountains for something a little more adventurous — I’m here to guide the entire process with calm expertise and thoughtful planning.
My background in event coordination means I think ahead.
Weather shifts? Backup plans.
Cable car schedules? Already checked.
Nervous about being in front of the camera? Completely normal — and I’ll guide you through it gently.
You don’t have to perform.
You don’t have to know how to pose.
You just get to be present — with your partner, your family, or yourself.
And I’ll take care of turning those moments into something you’ll hold onto for decades.
Hey there!
I’m Maaike Jansen
Your Swiss outdoor portrait & adventure photographer, mountain nerd, and calm-in-the-chaos guide.
I help couples, families, and wild-hearted souls create meaningful outdoor portrait sessions and bespoke photo experiences in Switzerland — from lakeside sunsets to alpine adventures and intimate elopements.
Based near Montreux and photographing all across the Swiss Alps, I combine local mountain knowledge, thoughtful planning, and natural storytelling so your experience feels effortless, intentional, and completely you.
Sustainable & Leave no trace certified
Proudly Practicing Leave No Trace Values – the earth is worth it
Elopement Education certified
Empowering intentional, meaningful elopements — because your love deserves more than a template.
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