At Atelier Oost Amsterdam, we regularly welcome inspiring creatives who embrace the power of natural light. One of them is Sophie Oelrich – a personal branding photographer for purpose-driven female entrepreneurs. Sophie has a unique gift for creating impactful images – not by following the latest trends, but through her intuitive vision and deep connection with the women in front of her lens. In this interview, she shares her journey, her experience with our daylight studio The Loft, and why real visibility truly matters.
From a child with a camera to a high-impact photographer
“My love for imagery started early,” Sophie begins. “As a child, I was fascinated by watching my father take photographs. I had a camera in my hands from the age of sixteen – but it wasn’t until I was 26 that I dared to say: this is my path.” After spending time in the corporate world – and completely losing touch with herself – she made a life-changing decision: she quit her job. “Everything in me said: this is not my road. I started doing what I love most: taking photos, creating, telling stories.”
Amplifying visibility as a female entrepreneur
As a personal branding photographer, Sophie works primarily with what she calls “high-impact entrepreneurs”: women with a clear mission, vision, and voice. “To me, a personal branding photographer is more than someone who takes pretty pictures. I think along, I work conceptually, and I tune into who you truly are – so your images aren’t just beautiful, but also strategically aligned.” She prefers long-term collaborations, allowing the visual identity to evolve alongside the business.According to Sophie, a powerful brand isn’t built on trends, but on truth. “Your face is your brand. Your voice, your energy, your story – that is your personal brand. And once you understand that, you’re not just visible – you’re magnetic. You’ll attract the people who are truly aligned with you.” For Sophie, visibility as a female entrepreneur means showing up as you are, not as you think you should be.
Creative freedom and strategic insight
Where many assume creativity and strategy are opposites, Sophie sees the opposite. “Creativity needs to flow, yes. But without strategy, it stays a fleeting moment. I instinctively sense what works and what doesn’t. That’s because I work intuitively – but also because I understand what an image needs to do." She creates content that not only resonates but also converts – which is evident from her client list, ranging from LINDA and RTL Nieuws to thought leaders like Tineke Zwart and Merel van der Wouden.
Photography is also a spiritual and intuitive practice for Sophie. “I don’t work with fixed poses or scripts. I tune in to your energy – and then something magical happens. It’s softer, more real, more free.” The result? Images that don’t just strike a chord but bring you closer to yourself. “I reflect what I see. Lovingly, but honestly. I ask questions, I observe, I hold up the mirror. That’s when the magic happens: women truly start to see themselves.”
Where many assume creativity and strategy are opposites, Sophie sees the opposite. “Creativity needs to flow, yes. But without strategy, it stays a fleeting moment. I instinctively sense what works and what doesn’t. That’s because I work intuitively – but also because I understand what an image needs to do." She creates content that not only resonates but also converts – which is evident from her client list, ranging from LINDA and RTL Nieuws to thought leaders like Tineke Zwart and Merel van der Wouden.
Photography is also a spiritual and intuitive practice for Sophie. “I don’t work with fixed poses or scripts. I tune in to your energy – and then something magical happens. It’s softer, more real, more free.” The result? Images that don’t just strike a chord but bring you closer to yourself. “I reflect what I see. Lovingly, but honestly. I ask questions, I observe, I hold up the mirror. That’s when the magic happens: women truly start to see themselves.”
The power of connection in imagery
A photoshoot with Sophie doesn’t feel like simply having your photo taken. Clients describe it as warm, relaxed and deeply human. “I know how vulnerable it is to be in front of the lens – I’ve felt it myself. That’s why I create a safe space where you can show up as you are – without judgement.” A shoot starts with the right energy – and the setting plays a key role in that. Sophie chooses locations that reflect her aesthetic and elevate the experience for her clients. One place she keeps coming back to is The Loft at Atelier Oost Amsterdam.
Sophie: “Originally, I trained as an interior designer. I have an eye for beautiful spaces, and I believe aesthetics are an extension of your brand. The Loft is such a space: light-filled, minimalist yet warm – it just works.” Its open layout, abundant natural light, and calming style make it the ideal setting for her branding sessions. personal branding shoots.
“The daylight is magical. You don’t have to manipulate it – it just supports you. And you can see that in the images: natural, pure, authentic. My clients feel at ease here – and it shows in their presence.” For her female clients – often entrepreneurs with a personal mission – that sense of ease is essential. The studio helps them loosen up, unwind, and become truly visible – exactly what Sophie aims for in her work. “I often hear: ‘it felt like coming home.’ And to me, that’s the greatest compliment.”
A photoshoot with Sophie doesn’t feel like simply having your photo taken. Clients describe it as warm, relaxed and deeply human. “I know how vulnerable it is to be in front of the lens – I’ve felt it myself. That’s why I create a safe space where you can show up as you are – without judgement.” A shoot starts with the right energy – and the setting plays a key role in that. Sophie chooses locations that reflect her aesthetic and elevate the experience for her clients. One place she keeps coming back to is The Loft at Atelier Oost Amsterdam.
Sophie: “Originally, I trained as an interior designer. I have an eye for beautiful spaces, and I believe aesthetics are an extension of your brand. The Loft is such a space: light-filled, minimalist yet warm – it just works.” Its open layout, abundant natural light, and calming style make it the ideal setting for her branding sessions. personal branding shoots.
“The daylight is magical. You don’t have to manipulate it – it just supports you. And you can see that in the images: natural, pure, authentic. My clients feel at ease here – and it shows in their presence.” For her female clients – often entrepreneurs with a personal mission – that sense of ease is essential. The studio helps them loosen up, unwind, and become truly visible – exactly what Sophie aims for in her work. “I often hear: ‘it felt like coming home.’ And to me, that’s the greatest compliment.”
What does true visibility mean – beyond likes?
For women contemplating a shift to a creative or independent career, Sophie has a clear message: “Just do it. Speak your doubts aloud, explore the in-between. You don’t have to change everything at once – but you do get to start. A small step can change everything.” In a world full of filters and perfectly curated feeds, Sophie’s perspective is refreshing. “Visibility isn’t about aesthetics – it’s about impact. People buy your energy, not just your services. That’s exactly what I showcase in my work. No façade – just real connection.”
Who is Sophie Oelrich behind the lens?
Sophie lives in Rotterdam with her partner Emiel, and loves yoga, running, and dancing at parties – always with a glass of wine in hand. In five years, she has photographed more than 500 women and continues to evolve as a creator, mentor, and human being. Want to work with Sophie? Follow her on Instagram or explore her work on her website.
Ready to strengthen your personal brand with powerful imagery in our daylight studio? Book a shoot at Atelier Oost Amsterdam and choose from three beautiful, daylight-filled studios.
Sophie lives in Rotterdam with her partner Emiel, and loves yoga, running, and dancing at parties – always with a glass of wine in hand. In five years, she has photographed more than 500 women and continues to evolve as a creator, mentor, and human being. Want to work with Sophie? Follow her on Instagram or explore her work on her website.
Ready to strengthen your personal brand with powerful imagery in our daylight studio? Book a shoot at Atelier Oost Amsterdam and choose from three beautiful, daylight-filled studios.
