Professional Photographer
Marieke van den Berg
14 years capturing authentic portraits and family moments across Eindhoven
Senior Photography Expert at calmly B.V.
Get in Touch
The Story Behind the Camera
It started in 2010 with a simple camera and my nephew's first year. I wasn't thinking about becoming a professional photographer—I just wanted to capture those fleeting moments that families lose track of. But something clicked. Not just technically, but emotionally. I realized that what I was really doing was creating artifacts of love. Moments frozen in time that people would look at for decades.
After completing my degree in Visual Communication at the Willem de Kooning Academy in Rotterdam, I spent three years apprenticing in Amsterdam's portrait studios. That's where I learned the technical side—how light behaves, how to position subjects, the chemistry between photographer and client. But it wasn't until I opened my own studio in Eindhoven in 2014 that I found my real voice. Working directly with families and individuals taught me something no textbook could: people show you who they really are when they feel safe.
My approach isn't about perfection. It's about authenticity. I've always believed that the best photographs happen when subjects feel genuinely seen and valued. That means building rapport, understanding what matters to them, and knowing when to capture the unguarded moment rather than the posed one. Over the years, this philosophy has become the foundation of everything I do—whether I'm working with a young couple before their wedding, a family celebrating a milestone, or a professional seeking headshots that actually feel like them.
Professional Background
Education, experience, and recognition in contemporary portrait photography
Education
Visual Communication degree from Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam. Specialized training in family portraiture at the Photography Institute Amsterdam.
14 Years Experience
Professional practice since 2010. Studio established in Eindhoven since 2014. Thousands of families and individuals photographed across the Netherlands.
Recognition
Featured in Dutch lifestyle publications. Recognized in 2018 as one of the Netherlands' emerging talents in contemporary family photography.
Expertise Focus
Natural light techniques, studio lighting mastery, authentic posing, family dynamics, post-processing, and helping other photographers develop their craft.
What I Do
Areas of expertise and specialization
Portrait Photography
Individual and professional headshots that capture personality. I focus on finding the angle and lighting that makes people feel confident and authentic in their own image.
Family Sessions
Multi-generational family photography that celebrates connection. Whether it's a milestone moment or just capturing how things are right now, I create images your family will treasure forever.
Studio & Natural Light
Versatility across lighting environments. I'm equally comfortable working with controlled studio setups or finding magic in natural light. It's about choosing what serves the subject best.
Photography Education
Sharing what I've learned through 14 years of real client work. At calmly B.V., I develop content and strategy for photographers wanting to improve their craft and business.
Post-Processing
Subtle editing that enhances without overdoing. I believe in letting the photograph breathe—enhancing skin tone, refining contrast, and adjusting color without losing authenticity.
Client Direction
Making people comfortable in front of the camera. Half the battle is getting subjects to relax. I've developed techniques over years that help people drop the performance and just be themselves.
"The best photographs emerge when subjects feel genuinely seen and valued. My job isn't to make people look different—it's to reveal who they already are and help them feel confident in their own skin."
Why This Approach Works
People often come to me nervous. They're worried they'll look awkward or that the photos won't capture who they really are. That's completely valid. But I've learned that anxiety melts away quickly when you approach the session as a conversation rather than a performance. We talk about what matters to them. I show them the camera isn't something to fear—it's a tool to preserve moments they'll want to remember.
The technical side—lighting, composition, camera settings—that's my responsibility. What's your responsibility is just showing up and being yourself. When both things happen together, that's when magic occurs. Those aren't the stiff, forced smiles you see in bad family photos. Those are the images where you can see actual connection, actual joy, actual love. That's what people want. That's what they treasure.
This philosophy guides everything at calmly B.V. as well. When I'm creating educational content or advising other photographers, I'm always emphasizing the same principle: technique serves human connection, never the other way around. A perfectly exposed image of someone looking uncomfortable is still a failed photograph. An imperfectly exposed image of genuine joy is priceless.
Articles & Insights
Practical guidance on portrait and family photography
Posing & Comfort
Making Families Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Techniques I've developed over 14 years to help nervous families relax and be themselves. From conversation starters to posing tips that don't feel stiff, this covers the human side of photography.
Read Article
Studio Lighting
Essential Studio Lighting for Portraits That Stand Out
Studio lighting doesn't have to be complicated. I'll explain key light placement, fill ratios, and how different setups create different moods. Includes practical diagrams and real examples from my work.
Read Article
Post-Processing
Post-Processing Portraits Without Overdoing It
The difference between enhancing and transforming. I share my philosophy on subtle editing, color grading approaches, and how to keep skin tones natural while still making images pop.
Read ArticleReady to Work Together?
Whether you're interested in a portrait session, family photography, or learning more about improving your own craft, I'd love to hear from you.