A bit about me!
I'm Carmen, a Dutch/South African wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Leiden, The Netherlands. I moved here with my husband in 2021 from Stellenbosch, South Africa. A beautiful baby girl joined our family in 2025.
My real love for photography started when I traveled Europe for a year back in 2015. I wrote a blog twice a week and found that I really enjoyed writing stories and taking photos to share with my loved ones back in South Africa. This is also where I realised the power of photography and my love of storytelling.
Since then I have captured 100+ stories for people all over the world.
Here are a few facts about me:
- I have a Bachelor's degree in piano performance, and a Master’s degree in piano pedagogy
- I used to have an illustration business called Pens and Preludes
- My first paid shoot was in 2019
- I married the love of my life in 2020
- Together we moved from South Africa to the Netherlands in 2021
- I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in 2025
- I am a Christian
- I am fluent in Dutch, English, and Afrikaans
- I am wildly passionate about supporting local artists and small businesses
These things make me really happy:
- Children’s books (especially the illustrations), I have an impressive collection on my bookshelf
- Beautiful (ethically produced) clothing
- Traveling, hiking, road trips, and camping
- Decorating my home
- Flowers, always
- Beautiful light
- Dancing
- Craft markets
- Live concerts
- Spending time with friends and family
Creating is part of who I am. I absolutely love what I do, and there is nothing that gives me more energy than capturing people’s stories. I forget the time and get lost in the moment.
If you are interested in hearing more about me and my work, send me an email! I look forward to hearing from you, and hopefully meeting you soon!
x
Carmen
