Hi I'm Maaike

Your Swiss Adventure Photographer, Storyteller, and Mountain Mischief Maker
Your local Swiss expert helping you trade stiff poses for wild memories and breathtaking views.

If you’re the kind of person who believes photos should feel as real and joyful as the moment they’re taken, then hi. You’ve just found your new best friend behind the camera.

I’m here for the adventurers, the romantics, the ones who’d rather be laughing on a mountaintop than posing in a studio. I help you trade stiff poses for real moments — whether that’s a relaxed portrait by the lake, a sunrise summit adventure, or an intimate mountain elopement.

My mission is to guide you through an intentional outdoor photo experience in Switzerland with calm expertise and thoughtful planning, so that you can let go, be fully present, and have your story captured in a way that feels deeply authentic.

Where My Story Meets Yours

I’m Maaike — a half-Swiss, half-Dutch mountain junkie who never met a sunrise I didn’t love.

My camera and I have been inseparable since childhood (apologies again to my parents for the thousands of cat photos).

Before photography became my world, I spent 15+ years in event management — from rock concerts to international sports events. That experience taught me something invaluable:

Beautiful moments don’t just “happen.”
They’re designed.

Now I bring that same calm planning energy into every session I create — whether it’s a lakeside portrait, a surprise proposal on a ridge, or a multi-day elopement.

I don’t just show up with a camera.
I scout. I plan. I adapt. I keep things flowing.

So you don’t have to think about logistics — you just get to live it.

The Mountains Raised Me

I was two months old the first time my parents took me into the mountains. Thunderstorm. 2,000 meters. Sleeping bag burrito. Apparently I loved it.

Since then, the Alps have healed me, challenged me, humbled me, and reminded me how beautifully small we are in a big world.

That’s why I photograph here.

Because your most meaningful moments deserve backdrops that make you breathe a little deeper.

Yes, I Eloped Too

My husband and I chose a small, intentional wedding in nature.

No 200-person guest list.
No performance.
No complicated timeline stress.

Just connection. Quiet. Meaning.

So if you’re considering doing things differently — I understand that choice deeply.

And if you’re not eloping?
The same philosophy still applies.

How I Work

When you hire me, it’s not just about showing up with a camera.

Before we even meet at the lake or trailhead, I’ve already thought about the light, the timing, and how everything can flow naturally. I scout, I plan, I prepare — so that when your day arrives, you don’t have to think about logistics.

You just get to be there.

On the day itself, I’m calm. Even if the wind has opinions. Even if the weather shifts. Even if the kids decide today is the day to test everyone.

I guide gently when needed, but mostly I help you forget the camera exists. You’ll be walking, laughing, breathing in mountain air — and that’s when the real moments happen.

Because if it doesn’t feel good while you’re living it, it won’t feel good in the photos either.

And for me, the experience always comes first.

This isn’t just a photoshoot

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.

When I’m not photographing, you’ll most likely find me…

…still chasing adventure, just without a camera glued to my face. I’m a big believer that life’s too short not to soak up the good stuff — mountain air, cozy moments, and a little everyday mischief. Here are a few of my happy places outside the lens:

HIKING SOMEWHERE WILD & QUIET
If there’s a trail, I’m on it. If there’s a sunrise, I’m chasing it. If there’s an avocado sandwich in my backpack, life is perfect.
TRAVELING TO NEW PLACES
Catching flights, chasing views, trying new foods, and pretending I’m not already planning the next trip while still on the current one. Traveling keeps me curious, inspired, and slightly obsessed with Google Maps.
AT A ROCK FESTIVAL LIVING MY BEST LOUD LIFE
Letting my inner rock chick roam free. Give me good music, festival energy, and a summer sunset, and I’m in my happy place. There’s just something about loud guitars, dancing crowds, and that carefree vibe that fills my soul right back up.
TRYING TO CONVINCE MY HUSBAND TO WAKE UP FOR SUNRISE
I always pitch the magic of sunrise. He always votes for sleep 😆. So we found the perfect middle ground: I chase the sunrise, and we chase sunsets together — golden light, happy moods, and zero early alarms. Win-win.

What others like you say about me

“We had a lot of fun during this adventure with Maaike! She answered all our questions and listened to our wishes. Everything was very relaxed and it shows in the pictures. Maaike adapts without problems to you and your requests. The result is very beautiful and natural. It’s really an adventure to live!”

Filip & Caro

“Making the appointment was easy and thorough! She knew how to listen to my wishes and offered me exceptional places! More than a photo shooting, it was a human experience! Maaike is a very friendly and empathetic person! She knew how to reveal through her photos my true nature! She knew how to guide me and put me at ease!
Behind the camera, she is more than a photographer, she is a person who listens! This adventure was a bubble out of time immortalized by her camera and engraved in my soul! I highly recommend her”.

Xavier

Curious if we get along?

Wanna know who’s showing up with the camera (and probably snacks)? Here’s the quick lowdown on me:

‣ I’m married to a tall Danish Viking who’s my best friend and partner-in-crime (we also chose a non-traditional wedding).
‣ I’m obsessed with sunrises on mountain peaks…and sunsets too. Basically, if the sky’s glowing, I’m there.
‣ I love spicy food, rock music festivals, and tea spiked with rum.
‣ I used to have a pack of sled dogs (Siberian huskies/Greenland dog).
‣ I speak French, Dutch, English, and a little German—and I’ll teach you Swiss mountain slang if you ask nicely.
‣ People tell me they feel like they’ve known me forever. (And I’ll probably cry happy tears when you do your vows.)

Maaike Jansen - Elopement & Adventure Photographer in Switzerland

Ready to trade awkward posing for wild Swiss adventures?

fill in the form below and Let’s Plan Your Adventure

Tell me what you’re dreaming up.

A portrait.
An adventure.
A proposal.
An elopement.

Fill out the form below and let’s start creating something that feels fully alive.

Free planning Resources

Want to start planning your dream adventure right now?
Download my most-loved free guides below

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.

Plan Your Switzerland Elopement

Get my free Switzerland Elopement Planning Guide
Practical tips, locations, timelines, and everything you need to plan a meaningful elopement in the Alps.

You’ll receive the guide and occasional planning tips by email. Unsubscribe anytime.
No spam — you can read my Privacy Policy here.

Copyright © 2015 – 2026 MAAIKE JANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY