Sometimes you meet a photographer who not only captures beautiful images, but also feelings, memories, and the special bond between two people. Naomi Schanstra from Sol Fotografie is one such photographer: her work breathes tenderness and purity. Naomi's love for photography began at an early age, as a quiet admiration for light, composition, and capturing the perfect moment. However, it wasn’t until she became a mother to Indie and Otis that her passion for photography truly came alive. In this blog post, she shares everything about her work, reveals a few of her pro tips, and talks about her experience with our daylight studio.
How the love for photography began
"When I became a mum myself," Naomi explains, "I truly realised the value of photographs — the importance of capturing small details that are so easily forgotten in the chaos of family life." In her photos, Naomi manages to freeze those small, fleeting moments. "Every photograph is a thread that reconnects us to our memories," she says. "Memories that might otherwise slowly fade away."
The beauty of transformation
For Naomi, maternity photography is about so much more than simply capturing a growing bump. "The female body is so fascinating," she explains. "But what moves me even more is the inner transformation from woman to mother. There is so much that happens when new life is expected – and it is an incredible honour to be able to capture that."
Newborn shoots also move her time and again. "There is no greater gift than bringing a child into the world. During a shoot, I see that raw, pure transformation: a man and a woman becoming parents. I see the love in their eyes — not only for their baby, but also for each other, all over again. That new life brings people closer together, and it’s magical to photograph."
For Naomi, maternity photography is about so much more than simply capturing a growing bump. "The female body is so fascinating," she explains. "But what moves me even more is the inner transformation from woman to mother. There is so much that happens when new life is expected – and it is an incredible honour to be able to capture that."
Newborn shoots also move her time and again. "There is no greater gift than bringing a child into the world. During a shoot, I see that raw, pure transformation: a man and a woman becoming parents. I see the love in their eyes — not only for their baby, but also for each other, all over again. That new life brings people closer together, and it’s magical to photograph."
How Naomi creates a relaxed atmosphere during photoshoots
When you look at Naomi’s work, you immediately notice how natural and relaxed her photography feels. This atmosphere doesn’t happen by chance; Naomi takes her time to make her clients feel comfortable. "We start by getting to know each other a little, having a casual chat. Then I simply start taking photos, without too much posing. Just the occasional small suggestion, but mainly: just be yourself. That’s where the real beauty lies."
Naomi’s experience at the daylight studio of Atelier Oost Amsterdam
Recently, Naomi photographed a session in our daylight studio. "The studio is absolutely beautiful," she shares. "There’s light everywhere, the styling is impeccable, and the different corners offer so many options for varied shots. The style of Atelier Oost Amsterdam fits my way of working perfectly: natural, light, and soft. Being able to play with the intensity of natural light also feels so organic."
Tips for your maternity and newborn shoot
For those booking a maternity or newborn shoot, Naomi has a few heartfelt tips. "Clothing in neutral tones always works beautifully, allowing the focus to stay on the people, not on what they are wearing," she advises, "And do pay attention to small details like nail polish — bright colours or chipped polish can be distracting in photos. Other than that: simply be yourself. That’s always enough."
Since following her passion for photography, Naomi has learned one important lesson: technical knowledge makes a big difference. "Truly understanding your camera gives you so much more freedom and creativity. You grow — not just as a photographer, but also in your ability to capture real moments."
To anyone starting out in lifestyle photography, she shares one golden piece of advice: "Stay true to yourself. Focus on real life, the small moments. Don’t over-direct, but capture what simply is. Authenticity shines through in every photograph."
For those booking a maternity or newborn shoot, Naomi has a few heartfelt tips. "Clothing in neutral tones always works beautifully, allowing the focus to stay on the people, not on what they are wearing," she advises, "And do pay attention to small details like nail polish — bright colours or chipped polish can be distracting in photos. Other than that: simply be yourself. That’s always enough."
Since following her passion for photography, Naomi has learned one important lesson: technical knowledge makes a big difference. "Truly understanding your camera gives you so much more freedom and creativity. You grow — not just as a photographer, but also in your ability to capture real moments."
To anyone starting out in lifestyle photography, she shares one golden piece of advice: "Stay true to yourself. Focus on real life, the small moments. Don’t over-direct, but capture what simply is. Authenticity shines through in every photograph."
