Nature Portrait Sessions in Montreux & Riviera
For couples, solo travelers, and wild-hearted humans who want more than just “nice photos” from Switzerland.
Soft, natural, story-driven portraits in the most beautiful corners of the Swiss Riviera.
Not just how it looked.
Wind in your hair by the lake.
Golden light on the vineyards.
That quiet moment where everything just… clicked.
This isn’t about posing perfectly.
It’s about being fully there — and having it captured in a way that actually feels like you.
(aka: why this won’t feel like a photoshoot)
Because something shifts when you’re in nature.
You stop overthinking.
You breathe differently.
You move without even realizing it.
And suddenly…
you’re not “posing” anymore.
You’re just there.
The Swiss Riviera has this quiet kind of magic —
lakes that reflect the light just right,
vineyards that glow at golden hour,
little hidden corners that feel like they were made just for you.
And the best part?
You don’t have to perform here.
You don’t have to “get it right.”
You just get to exist in the moment…
while I capture it for you.
This is not your typical photoshoot.
No pressure.
No stiff posing.
No wondering what to do with your hands.
I guide you just enough so you feel confident…
and then let the real moments unfold.
Most of my clients start with
“I’m awkward in photos…”
…and end with
“Wait… that’s actually me?! 😍”
These sessions are perfect if you:
⇨ Want meaningful photos without a big production
⇨ Are celebrating something — or nothing at all
⇨ Are traveling through Montreux and want more than stiff tourist snapshots
⇨ Want your family exactly as they are right now
⇨ Want portraits that feel like you, not like a trend
You don’t need to know how to pose.
You just need to show up.
I’ll guide the rest.
If you’re planning a trip to Montreux, Lake Geneva, or the nearby Alps and dreaming of photos that feel as good as this place looks… you’re in the right hands.
I regularly work with couples, solo travelers, and families visiting Switzerland who don’t just want “nice pictures” — they want something that actually feels like their trip.
You don’t need to know where to go.
Or when the light is best.
Or how to make it all come together.
That’s my part.
I’ll help you:
⇨ Choose a location that fits your vibe (lake, vineyards, mountains, or hidden gems)
⇨ Plan around the best light and weather
⇨ Fit everything seamlessly into your travel schedule
⇨ Feel completely at ease in a place that’s new to you
You just show up and enjoy it.
I’ll take care of the rest.
With 20+ years behind the lens and 15 years in event planning, I know how to create experiences that feel calm, natural, and beautifully effortless.
You get:
– Gentle direction so you never feel awkward
– A relaxed atmosphere (even when kids or wind have… opinions)
– Local knowledge beyond Google Maps
– Clear communication from first email to final gallery
– Honest enthusiasm and zero judgement
And yes — Swiss chocolate occasionally appears.
You’re not just booking a photographer.
You’re booking someone who genuinely wants you to have the best time.
Simple. Thoughtful. Designed to feel effortless.
Every Portrait Session includes:
⇨ A relaxed, guided experience where you don’t have to think about what to do
⇨ Curated location suggestions in Montreux & the Riviera
⇨ Outfit guidance tailored to your setting
⇨ A gallery of hand-edited HD images
⇨ Private online gallery
⇨ Full printing rights
⇨ Sneak peek within 48 hours
⇨ Travel included within Montreux & Riviera
⇨ Leave No Trace commitment
⇨ A relaxed, fun experience where you forget the camera exists
No hidden fees.
No weird surprises later.
Just your story — beautifully captured.
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
Not all memories are created equal.
Some you just want a taste of…
Others you want to keep everything.
Optional Add-On
Upgrade to full gallery anytime after viewing your images. (Because yes… choosing is hard 😏)
A 50% non-refundable retainer secures your date.
The remaining balance is due before your session.
Portrait Sessions are intentionally designed for the Montreux & Riviera area.
Dreaming of Interlaken, Valais, Zermatt, or a higher alpine adventure?
That becomes a Bespoke Adventure Session, with extended planning and location scouting.
Kind Words
“We booked a winter adventure session with Maaike and honestly didn’t know what to expect… but it turned out to be one of the most magical experiences we’ve ever had.
From the very beginning, communication was so easy and open. Maaike helped us figure out the vibe we wanted, what to wear, and even how to prepare for the cold. We already felt taken care of before the day even arrived.
Then the snowstorm hit — and somehow made everything even more perfect. The forest turned into a winter wonderland, and instead of stressing, Maaike made it all feel fun and relaxed. We laughed the whole time. She showed up with a thermos of hot tea, warm blankets, and little things we didn’t even know we’d need… she thought of everything.
What surprised us most is how comfortable we felt. We’re both shy in front of the camera, but with her it felt like spending time with a friend who just happens to take epic photos.
We left with warm hearts, and memories we’ll treasure forever.”
– Andres & Solene
Simple. Stress-free. Fully guided.
We confirm your date, you sign your contract, and secure it with a 50% retainer.
Now it’s official. 🥳
We choose the perfect location, vibe, and outfits. I guide you through everything so you feel prepared and relaxed.
You breathe in the mountain air.
You laugh. You move. You live it.
I guide gently when needed, disappear when it matters, and capture the moments that feel real.
Then you receive a gallery that feels exactly like the day did.
You’ll never be exactly who you are right now again.
This version of your relationship.
Your family.
Your life.
It deserves to be remembered.
I take a limited number of sessions each month
to keep every experience personal and unhurried.
If your date is open — this is your sign to take it.
Hey, I’m Maaike — half Swiss, half Dutch, mountain-obsessed, and mildly allergic to awkward photos.
I believe portraits should feel like a memory, not a performance.
I know these landscapes like my backyard. I care deeply about creating experiences that feel calm, meaningful, and real.
On your session day, I’m your steady presence.
Your location scout.
Your calm energy.
Your hype woman when you need it.
If you want photos that feel like you lived the moment — not performed it — we’ll get along just fine.
If you’re dreaming of:
⇨ A sunrise proposal
⇨ A high alpine hike
⇨ A glacier adventure
⇨ Or an intimate mountain elopement
You might be looking for something more immersive.
Nope. This is your adventure, not a fitness test. We choose locations that match your comfort level.
Perfect. You’re my favorite kind of client. I guide naturally, keep things moving, and make you forget the camera exists.
Absolutely. Chaos is welcome. It makes the photos better.
I’ll guide you toward earthy tones and pieces that move beautifully — but comfort always comes first.
This is Switzerland. It happens. I build flexible plans and have backup options ready. Some of the best photos happen in “imperfect” weather.
As soon as you can — especially for summer and autumn. Even if your plans aren’t fully formed yet, reach out.
Still have questions?
Send me a message through the contact form. I’m an open book (and an even better snack dealer).
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