Why hiring a Personal Branding Photographer in the Netherlands is a smart move in 2025
Jan 12
3 min read
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If you're an expat professional working in the Netherlands, personal branding photography can help you create a strong first impression online. Whether you're based in Amsterdam, The Hague, or working remotely, a professional headshot can make all the difference.
In 2024, LinkedIn reported that users with high-quality profile photos received up to 21x more views and 36x more messages. That trend isn’t slowing down in 2025.
In the Netherlands, where remote work, international networking, and digital-first impressions are common - especially for expats - how you present yourself online can influence the opportunities that come your way.
That starts with a strong visual identity.
Personal branding photography helps you present a clear, consistent, and trustworthy image across platforms.
What is personal branding photography?
Personal branding photography is a collection of professional images that show who you are and how you work.
Unlike standard corporate headshots, these photos are more personal. They’re designed to reflect your personality, environment, values, and professional identity.
They're commonly used on:
LinkedIn
Personal websites or online portfolios
Speaking engagement bios
Media coverage or guest features
Business development materials
Email signatures
If you're an expat professional working in the Netherlands, these photos help build familiarity in a market where your name and background might not yet be known.
Why personal branding photography matters?
People often form their first impressions based on what they see online. In a highly international, digital-forward culture like the Netherlands, your visual presentation speaks before you do.
Professional photos can help with:
Credibility – Images that show confidence and clarity help establish trust.
Recognition – Consistency across platforms builds familiarity with potential clients, employers, or collaborators.
Connection – People are more likely to reach out when they feel like they already have a sense of who you are.
Simple case: a real impact from one image
A career coach based in Amsterdam had years of experience but wasn’t attracting the right clients. Her photo didn’t reflect the professionalism she offered. After updating her visuals with a personal branding shoot, her profile engagement increased by 40%, and she brought in three new clients within a month.
This is common. I’ve seen freelance designers book multi-thousand-euro contracts after one solid update to their personal website image.
Common misunderstandings
“It’s too expensive.”
You don’t need dozens of images to see value. Even one well-planned, well-produced image can serve you across platforms and pay off quickly.
“I can just take a selfie or use my phone.”
Phone photos can work in some contexts, but branding photography is about more than image quality. It’s about intention. A photographer helps plan the location, style, lighting, and visual tone to match your professional goals.
Who this is useful for?
Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Job seekers, especially in the Dutch or EU job market
Coaches, consultants, and speakers
Freelancers and creatives
Tech professionals working remotely or across borders
These roles rely heavily on trust, visibility, and digital presence - all of which are supported by clear, professional imagery.
Choosing a personal branding photographer in the Netherlands
Look for someone who understands how visuals affect brand perception. Consider:
Portfolio: do they shoot in a way that matches your style and profession?
Process: do they offer a strategy session or planning call before the shoot?
Deliverables: are the files optimized for social, print, and websites?
Experience with expats or international clients: this can make a difference in communication, planning, and styling choices.
If you're based in the Netherlands, choosing a local photographer who works with international professionals is a plus - they’ll understand how to present you for both global and local audiences.
A good personal branding photographer in the Netherlands will take time to understand your industry, your audience, and how you want to come across - whether you’re a freelancer in Amsterdam or a coach working remotely from Utrecht.
A quick thought to wrap up
Take 30 seconds and look at your current LinkedIn photo. Ask yourself:
Does this represent how I want to be seen today?
If not, a few updated images could help bridge the gap between where you are — and who you're trying to reach.
Your next opportunity could start with one great photo.
Don't let it pass by.
Want help planning your personal branding shoot?
Let’s talk about your goals, and see how your online presence can reflect your current path with clarity and confidence.
