Artist’s note
As a professional painter, I approach photography the same way I approach a canvas — with attention to light, color harmony, and composition. In Valkenburg, I wanted to keep the images warm and cinematic, balancing winter grey with golden highlights, and turning real weather into atmosphere.
I also love sessions where people don’t need to “perform.” Anya was incredibly strong and calm in the rain, and that quiet confidence allowed the story to feel natural — like a walk, not a staged shoot. My editing style is part of that: clean color work, gentle skin retouch, and deeper retouch only where it helps the final image feel polished but still true.
The story behind this session
This session took place at the Valkenburg Christmas Market, almost a month before the holidays ended — on one of those evenings that feels cold, grey, and a little rainy… yet somehow magical.
We photographed under soft street lights and warm shop windows, with a small Christmas tree held like a bouquet — a simple detail that turned the whole walk into a story.
The weather wasn’t “perfect” on paper: rain, wet streets, and changing light. But that’s exactly what gave the images their mood — honest winter atmosphere with warm highlights and cinematic depth.
We spent nearly three hours walking and shooting — not rushing, but letting the story unfold naturally. We made small breaks, changed locations, and followed the best light as the evening moved forward.
Because it was already dark, we used two small flashlights to gently lift shadows on the face while keeping the scene natural and moody.
And yes — the rain became part of the process: we went through three different wrapping papers for the little tree bouquet because everything kept getting wet. (The most attentive viewers might notice the paper changes — a tiny detail from a real winter night.)
Valkenburg is perfect for storytelling sessions: narrow streets, glowing windows, reflections on wet pavement, and that festive energy everywhere around you.
Some frames are classic Christmas-market portraits — warm, romantic, timeless.
Others are more conceptual: Anya standing still while passers-by blur into motion, turning a crowded place into something poetic and calm.
This shoot is a reminder that celebration isn’t only a date on the calendar — it’s a feeling you can keep.
This session was photographed as: “Signature Experience” — Christmas Market Storytelling Session
€300
A cinematic winter portrait story created in the heart of the Valkenburg Christmas Market — warm lights, gentle rain, and that quiet feeling that the holidays are still close.
Session format:
- approx. 2.5–3 hours of shooting
- 50 edited photos (carefully curated & fully retouched)
- multiple locations (market streets, canal, arch, shopfront lights)
- consultation + styling guidance before the shoot
- delivery in 7 working days
📍 Available in Rotterdam and across the Netherlands.
Natalia is an amazing artist. I couldn’t imagine a better photoshoot. The atmosphere was truly amazing, and I felt like I was meeting an old friend. I really recommend her.