More Than a LinkedIn Photo: How a Professional Headshot Captured My Career Transformation

She Didn’t Need a New Headshot. Until She Realized She Wasn’t the Same Person Anymore.

Her old LinkedIn photo was fine.
Polished. Professional. Safe.

But here’s the problem: It was a relic.

A snapshot of who she used to be—not the leader she’d become.

Because somewhere between then and now, she’d outgrown it:
No longer just a marketer—but a strategist shaping visions.
No longer just a networker—but a community builder rallying change.
No longer waiting for permission—but writing her own rules.

And yet… her profile still showed the old her.

What She Thought She Was Updating:

A sharper headshot.
A more “current” look.
“Just something that that feels more up-to-date?”

What She Actually Gained:

A visual declaration—”This is who I am now.”
The moment she saw the shot and thought, “Yes. That’s the woman who’s building what’s next.”
Not just a photo, but proof of her own evolution.

Because here’s the truth no one talks about:

Your headshot isn’t just a photo.
It’s a timestamp of your ambition.
A mirror held up to your current self—not the version you’ve outgrown.

This Isn’t About Vanity

It’s about alignment—the kind that:
✔️ Makes clients say, “She gets where I’m headed” before you even speak.
✔️ Silences the inner critic whispering “Who do you think you are?” with “This is exactly who I am.”
✔️ Turns imposter syndrome into ownership.

The best part? She didn’t “level up.”
She just finally let her visuals catch up to her reality.

Portrait of Veronica Guguian taken by Cristina Stoian

Portrait of Veronica Guguian taken by Cristina Stoian

NewBeginnings  MarketingStrategist  CommunityBuilder  BoldVision  AuthenticityInAction”

 

Is your profile photo introducing you—or undermining you?

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Amsterdam photographer

The Best Amsterdam Photographer for High-End Headshots & Confident Portraits

In a city as dynamic as Amsterdam, your image shouldn’t hold you back—yet so many professionals settle for stiff, unnatural headshots.

Not everyone feels comfortable in front of the camera—and that’s where I come in. As a master poser, I’ve perfected the art of guiding you through every step of the process, from subtle adjustments to natural expressions. Whether you’re camera-shy or unsure how to pose, I’ll transform your experience into one of ease and confidence. Together, we’ll capture the authentic, powerful, and professional version of YOU—because your best side deserves to be seen.

As a leading Amsterdam photographer, I’ve mastered the science of flattering poses and authentic expressions. Whether you need LinkedIn headshots or luxury branding portraits, my Amsterdam studio is designed for high-end results.

Why Amsterdam Professionals Need High-End Photography 

Photo Is Your First Impression—Make It Remarkable

  • Blurry selfies or outdated corporate photos make you look unprofessional.
  • Posing awkwardly can undermine your confidence (and your brand).

Let’s face it: In today’s digital world, your photo is often the first handshake you never get to give. A blurry selfie or an outdated corporate headshot can make you look unprofessional, unrelatable, or worse—unmemorable. And in a city like Amsterdam, where innovation and personal branding thrive, settling for ‘good enough’ means fading into the background.

 
Amsterdam’s business scene is fierce—whether you’re pitching to investors on the Zuidas, networking in the creative hubs of De Pijp, or building a global personal brand. Your competitors are investing in their visuals. Shouldn’t you?

 
This is why I’ve dedicated my career to helping Amsterdam professionals look as powerful as they are. When your photo radiates confidence, doors open, opportunities arise, and, most importantly, you feel unstoppable.


Amsterdam’s competitive business scene demands polished visuals—whether you’re a startup founder, executive, or creative.
This is why I’ve dedicated my career to helping Amsterdam professionals look as powerful as they are.

 

What Sets Me Apart 

From Camera-Shy to Camera-Ready: The Master Posing Method

Most photographers hand you a stool, tell you to ‘smile naturally,’ and start clicking. But what if you don’t know what ‘natural’ looks like on camera? That’s where my method stands apart. I don’t just photograph you—I teach you how to own your presence. Through subtle adjustments (a tilt of the chin, a shift in weight, a relaxed shoulder), I help you discover poses that feel effortless yet powerful. No modeling experience required—just trust the process.

My Process:

  1. Pre-shoot consultation
    We plan your outfits, backdrops, and goals—so you walk into my Amsterdam studio feeling prepared.
  2. Pose coaching
    I adjust everything from your shoulder tilt to your gaze, ensuring you look confident, not stiff.
  3. Expression guidance
    Smirks, smizes, or serious CEO energy—I’ll help you find the right vibe for your brand.

Don’t take my word for it: Nicollete Lazarus, Womanship Founder & CC0 (Chief Connection Officer) said, <<I’ve never felt so at ease in front of a camera. For the first time, I love myself in my photos.>>

 

 Who Needs This?

Who Books a High-End Amsterdam Photographer?

  • Amsterdam entrepreneurs updating their LinkedIn to attract investors
  • Executives relocating to the Netherlands who need polished corporate portraits
  • Creatives and coaches building personal brands with standout visuals

    “If you’ve ever thought, ‘I hate photos of myself,’ you’re exactly who I love working with.. I live for those lightbulb moments when you see your final images and say, ‘Wait—that’s ME?!’”

 

Behind the Scenes: My Amsterdam Studio (located in the trendy Funenpark)

Where Magic Happens: A Luxury Photo Experience in Amsterdam

Located in the Center East, more precisely in Het Funen, in the neighbourhood of Oostelijke Eilanden/Kadijken, my studio offers natural light, premium backdrops, and a relaxed atmosphere—far from rushed, fluorescent-lit chains, here you’ll sip coffee, relax, and—dare I say—enjoy the process.

 

Pricing & Packages

Investment: Because Your Image Is Worth It

Let’s be honest: Cheap photographers exist. But when your image impacts your career, how much is ‘saving money’ really costing you?

“Compared to cheap Amsterdam photographers, my clients choose me for timeless quality—not just a quick snapshot.”

 

Ready to See the Difference a Master Posing Photographer Makes?

 

Book a free 15-minute consult to discuss your vision. Limited slots are available for [April/2025].
Reserve Your Amsterdam Photoshoot: Schedule a chat

Schedule a Chat

 

 

 

 

How do you choose a photographer

Why might you need a photographer, you ask?

In today’s world of smartphones and the evolving realm of photography, this question might seem perplexing. Why invest in a portrait photographer when you can snap a picture with your phone and share it on social media? Isn’t that what matters most nowadays?

Here at Cristina Stoian Portraits in Amsterdam, our mission goes beyond simply providing beautiful images. While our photography is undeniably stunning, it’s also profoundly impactful. It’s about more than just taking pictures—it’s about shaping perceptions. How do you want the world to see you? How do you envision yourself being captured? When was the last time you felt empowered in your own skin?

Think about the portraits of your grandparents and great-grandparents. What do they represent? They’re not just pieces of paper tucked away in albums; they’re a testament to your history, your lineage, and your legacy from those who’ve cherished you. That’s why you’re seeking a photographer and not just any photographer. You’re searching for someone who understands not only the technical aspects but also the art of connection during a shoot. Someone who can capture your essence and create artwork that reflects the beauty seen by those who love you most.

When is the right time for a professional portrait photographer?

You need one when you’re commemorating a milestone or a cherished relationship—whether it’s with your mother, daughter, sister, or best friend. You need a professional when you’re ready to create timeless artwork that your descendants will treasure. You need one when you want to capture and celebrate your family’s love today, creating heirlooms that adorn your walls and remind your children of the love surrounding them.

How do you choose a portrait photographer?

It takes research. Explore galleries of photographers in your area whose work resonates with you. Reach out to discuss your vision and the types of artwork you’re considering. Talk about products, service steps, pricing, and delivery methods. Educate yourself on your options before making an informed decision.

As for us at Cristina Stoian Portraits, we hope you’ll consider us for your portraiture needs. Check out our Q&A page for insights into our process, and feel free to contact us for a personal consultation.

Contemporary portraiture lies at the heart of our business. Capturing women at every stage of life, highlighting their beauty, and celebrating their legacy is our passion. I’m Cristina Stoian, and my work has been described as Celebratory, Feminine, and Beautiful. All-encompassing. Seeing the different sides of femininity. Not one-sided but many different faceted. I treat each client and session with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Why schedule a portrait session?

Because you deserve more than simply checking tasks off your list. Being photographed at your best is liberating. From the style consultation to the final click of the camera, it’s about embracing your confidence and beauty. Investing in yourself means recognizing your value and teaching your daughters the same.

Who do we serve?

Primarily, we work with women—though we’re not exclusive. Our clients wear many hats, they’re busy, decisive, and value-driven. They’re seekers of deeper meaning, and they understand the importance of self-discovery.

What will you gain?

You’ll rediscover your beauty and embrace it with confidence. Let’s embark on this journey together and find that inner spark once again.

If you find yourself resonating with our approach and we haven’t had the chance to connect, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re eager for the opportunity to capture your essence through our lens.

 

 

 

Q&A

 

What is your photography style?
My work is feminine, timeless and insightful, creating beautiful pieces of art.
I stand for women’s rounded self, powerful, dramatic and natural, it all deserves to be seen.

 

Who will photograph my sessions?
All photo sessions are photographed by me, Cristina Stoian, female photographer;

 

Where does the shoot take place?
Shoots are located at my studio. I have created an environment that is the most relaxing and warm for you to enjoy your photo shoot. Big studios and huge lights can be overwhelming and clearly does not create intimacy between photographer and client.

 

Are the women on your website models?
No, all the women on my website are clients and most of them have never had shoots before.

 

How long does a session last?
The Glamour Experience includes hair and makeup and will last 4-5 hours in total.

 

Who can I bring along at the photoshoot? 
If you would like to share the experience with your mum, daughter, sister, friend, you are welcome to invite them into the shoot. Make it a girls day out!

What will I gain from having a Portrait Session?

Lots of women are nervous when they first speak to me about having their portraits taken.  Afterward, I hear them saying “That is one of the best things I have ever done for myself”. Some, have portrait sessions for the man in their lives, others have them just for themselves… As women, we are so hard on ourselves and are often our own harshest critics. The self-confidence and self-esteem that can be gained from a portrait shoot are amazing.

One of my favourite parts of a portrait session is speaking to clients after they have viewed their images when they realise; actually, yes, they are beautiful, powerful, even sexy. “l  feel beautiful, powerful, renewed, empowered. It changed the way I see myself. Re-connecting with my Big Self, powerful, sexy, unstoppable. Amazing!” Blanca Vergara

 

How long should I book before my shoot?
If you want to give the folio box or prints as a gift, I would recommend booking 2 weeks in advance. It takes about 15 days to invite you to the reveal session, where you will pick your prints.

 

Do you retouch the images?
Yes, all your images are retouched, spots and blemishes are removed unless stated otherwise.

 

Do you offer hair styling and make-up?
Yes, definitely, I work with a wonderful, talented team of hair and make-up artists, which I trust with my image and yours.

 

What if I am not happy with my figure?
A question asked by so many women. “I am not ready yet. I need to lose 25 kilos before my session.” If we all waited until we lost weight and looked perfect we could be waiting a long time..everyone has perfections and imperfections that is what makes us unique. My job as a Portrait Photographer is to emphasize your many positives and to minimise any areas you may feel self-conscious about, through smart posing and direction.

 

What do I bring to the session?
I normally suggest about 4-5 outfits that work for you. All this is discussed in the consultation session.

 

How will I know how to pose?
I will work with you and show you the poses that will work for you and your body. I will direct your poses and you don’t need to have any prior experience.

 

When do I pick up my photos?
15 days after your shoot there will be a face-to-face session at my studio, I call the “Reveal”, where you will get to pick your printed and matted photos. How many you buy, it’s up to you.

 

Contact page

You can call me to discuss packages and any questions or queries about the shoot in more detail.

The woman I work for

One of my first clients and models in front of my camera for this new style of photography I embarked on, was Sunita Changoe.

 

“A versatile woman, who know exactly what she wants. A woman with a modus operandi. Making friends with patience has always been a challenge for her, like she always says: ‘If I knew where patience would be on sale, I’d let you know once I have purchased my own supply.’ Her mission is very clear: teaching everyone in a certain way to get back to the original state of power enabling one to embrace life with a fresh and clear vision. Therefore her vision is a world in which each individual takes and receives space to express his or her soul and thereby contributing value to the whole: life and thereafter.

The woman I work for is inspiring in the way she wishes everybody the best as an individual and as an entrepreneur. Being very social, she already connects the person she just met for the very first time with other people who could make this new acquaintance’s life more valuable.

The woman I work for is continually developing herself. She studies, follows courses so all the facets of her diamond, like she calls her life, are always illuminating and radiant.

People working with or for her know that her openness also has another side. She is very private. ‘In life one is entitled to have space for every aspect of yourself, so also for your family and relatives.’ She calls it her personal retreat. ‘There is no need to travel far, to get to yourself.’ She is spiritual, but knows that her body needs to be grounded: ‘’Released from your body and connected to all.’

Working with her sometimes is considered a serious challenge. Like she has the greatest expression of herself as a goal, she demands the same from the people she works with.

She is very allergic to the word ‘try’, Like Obi Wan Kenobi says: ‘There is no try’ and like her father taught her ‘Either you do it well or don’t do it at all.’ This places her in the category of woman with a ‘no-nonsense’ – mentality. She doesn’t see problems, but challenges to go inwards and shed a light on the valuable treasures one holds for him-/herself and the world.

As soon as I open my laptop I see the woman I work for. The picture was taken by the international photographer Cristina Stoian. She was able to capture her vulnerability, her power, her heritage and her essence at once and created with that her own legacy.

The woman that I work for with all my attention, love and passion, that woman … is me. ”

Cristina Stoian Photographer

 

Let's start designing your glamour experience.

Are you ready

Schedule a chat

 

 

My Team

Even thought we are small, we are a team of passionate professionals that are en love with what we do. I  work together with them to make you feel your best beautiful and help you relax in front of the camera.

 

My team consists of: Make-up Artists, Hair Stylists, Photo Retouchers, Assistants, Stylists, Videographers, Designers:

Lorena Ciubotaru

Alina Stefan

Cristina Stoian

Tammy Parrish

Kristina Nesterova

Daniel Smeets

Steven Dow

Kristina Kutena

Anna Oats

 

 

 

 

 

Studio Space

It’s been fun welcoming you into my home and creating portraits in my living room. I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my space with you. But sometimes it feels a bit small and photographing families is a bit more difficult in the space.

This is why, this year, one of my goals is to find a studio for my portrait photography.
I have created a moodboard to visualise my dream space and what sort of atmosphere I want to create in it. So, tag me, or let me know, if you see anything like this popping up in your way/timeline.

 

cris-mood-board_web

Embrace Your True Power

This summer I have photographed a truly inspiring woman, Zelda Hall.  I’ve met her through CRAVE Amsterdam, 7 years ago(!) and we kept in touch via social media. I’ve always admired her as a wise woman of our community as she talks about such important issues in our life.

She’s a psychologist and therapist in Amsterdam. She also gives lectures and workshops internationally.

Her belief is that the task of a therapist is to provide guidance which helps heal the wounds from the past and confirms our own ability to meet the challenges with which life presents us. She offers a safe space to explore with curiosity and compassion that which restricts your freedom to be truly yourself and to lead a joyful and meaningful life.

This November, she and some of her other colleagues will give a workshop in her series: ‘She Who Dares’, series for all women. I invite you to join them, as I think they are few of the authentic, original ‘guides of life’ throughout the city.

Zelda and her colleagues Jane Ridder-Patrick and Faye Blake will be guiding you to gain clarity on:

  • Where did I come from? How has my early life shaped me?
  • What am I aiming for in life?
  • And how are these two things linked? How does my past affect where I am heading in life?

Find info here.

Faye will look at directions in life. What are your desired goals? And how can an understanding of your background help you plot a course to enable you to reach them? Astrological symbolism can help you discover and enhance your reputation. What do you wish to be known for? What will be your legacy? But what happens when you change country? We will also investigate how a change of location can give the opportunity to redirect and refocus your life – especially when it comes to your career.

 

The emotional soil that we were rooted in as children has a profound impact on almost every area of our lives. Were your longings nourished or frustrated? What was encouraged and what was frowned upon? What was most emphasised or suppressed – feelings, ideas, identity or security? We each draw on long tangled threads of our forebears’ experiences and in this session we will explore the tap-root of our ancestral trees to discover the wellspring of our motivations, challenges and approach to the world of achievement.
The world needs women who are unafraid to embrace their true power.

 

Caught between the expectations in our upbringing and the norms of the outside world, staying grounded in our authenticity/integrity can take some doing.

 

As women we may find that simply having a female body leaves us open to all sorts of criticism and demands, and sometimes even traumatic violations.

We may find ourselves abandoning the feminine aspect of our nature to ‘get ahead’.  Whether it is ‘power dressing’ in a pinstripe suit, having voice training to sound more masculine (think Margaret Thatcher) or being cold and heartless to avoid the accusation of being overemotional.

In her workshop, Zelda will look at how to draw strength from our pasts and find the courage to create our futures as we negotiate the world as women while staying fully grounded in our bodies.

 

 Is Femininity a trap ? 

Femininity: The quality of being female; womanliness.
Feminism: The advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.

– Oxford Dictionary

 

” My notions of femininity and feminism have always existed in the interstices between race and class. Growing up in rural California in the 80s, and like so many of my peers at the time, I had the sky-high, hair-sprayed hair (thank you Aqua Net) and the ringlet perm that was so typical of the era. I wore some serious war paint for a few years….until I got serious about my future. Then it became clear that I would have to leave some things behind if I wanted to be taken seriously and, in my own mind, if I wanted to live true to the principles of feminism.

While my own mother wore no make-up, and god bless her, was and continues to be naturally beautiful (I know we all say this about our mothers, but in my case it really is true!), the image of the ruby-red lipstick wearing Latina was something Hollywood always made sure I was aware of.  Not wanting to be that spitfire stereotype, by the time I fulfilled my childhood dream of going to UC Berkeley, I quickly learned that there were a few no-no´s about my look:

 

  • Make-up? In the bin. Wearing it was succumbing to patriarchal notions of femininity. Besides, people should love you for what you have on the inside and not on the outside.

  •  Beautiful high heels? Toss ´em, another symbol of female subjugation. I became all about the Birkenstocks, flats, and sports shoes (though I didn’t exercise) 

  • Frilly dresses that gave any hint of the female form? Jeans were best but sweats a close runner-up. At one point, I had about 15 pairs of jeans. Dresses? No way. All of us, male and female, were the same and dressed only accentuated societal notions of gender. (And I will never forget a friend offering me a change of clothes when I showed up in my flowery dress…I can only laugh now!)

  • shaved legs and armpits? Natural was the only way to go. 

 

Interesting enough, the only class I took while at UC Berkeley that supported the idea that femininity and feminism could perfectly co-exist was one on Gender! But everything else about being at CAL made clear that my version of femininity was too backward. So I adjusted.

 

 

By the time I hit law school, my dress code was set in stone. I occasionally wore a dress if the situation merited it, and I immediately felt uncomfortable.  So it became permanent: I couldn´t shake the notion that my notion of femininity, as I had experienced it, equated weakness.

 

In the subsequent 15-20 odd years, I married, moved countries, had two children. During that period, my workplaces reflected my attitudes about femininity: jeans acceptable, little if any makeup, plain hair.

 

And amidst all this, in my early 40s, my husband and I had faced a serious crisis. After several years where the highs were incredibly high, and the lows incredibly low, we had become roommates…without benefits. We lived in stone cold silences, only to reconcile with the sweetest of whisperings, with my husband asking me why I was hiding that diamond inside.  Only to find ourselves feeling alone and lonely again a few days later. After seriously considering a divorce, we re-committed to one another.  And each of us set on a path of self-discovery in order to get that spark back (you can read about it on my website here).

 

The result of that emotional re-commitment made each of us face some hard truths about ourselves and about each other. One element for me was discovering that I had, indeed, squelched and smothered a diamond inside. That everything that made me wonderful was there, waiting to be discovered…not by anyone else, but by me. So it was that in my 40s, I began wearing make-up again. I learned how to walk in heels again. I got my first waxing treatment (I can still hear the hair removal specialist’s yelp…that’s another story).  I got my ears pierced at a jewelry store in Indischebuurt, where my very girly friend Ileana was only too happy to hold my hand. (I will forever be grateful to her).

 

Of course, wearing make-up and heels did not make me more feminine: I am a woman, I am feminine (see Oxford definition). I believe in equal rights for woman. I am feminist. But through the entire process, I learned that I don’t need to hide what makes me feel happy and feminine…and that includes rejoicing in my female form. Even Alicia Keys, a supporter of the no makeup movement, said on the Today show, an American morning show, that she has nothing against make-up. “I love make-up too…“It’s about how you feel. It’s about who you are. It’s about being who you are and not being told who you should be. This conversation shows our obsession with the standard we hold women and beauty.” Alicia and I are at the same time having reached the same conclusion. And I no longer buy my story that only makeup-free women are taken seriously. It simply is no longer my story, and I feel liberated. Free. My story is rejoicing in my newfound notions of femininity. And relishing in each and every one of them, high heels (well…2-inch platforms max) and all! And part of that was participating in Cristina Stoian’s amazing project.

That said, I also don’t let it all hang out. But even if I did, the decision to do so would be mine. And that is feminism and femininity at its best.”  Leticia Vasquez

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 Leticia Vasquez is a relationship coach.  She loves helping women to find lifelong romance without repeating themselves incessantly, whether by crying in rage, sulking, silently seething or fighting. Her approach is rooted in mindfulness and consists of six tools that can help any relationship be rooted in calm, peace…and passion. www.leticia-vasquez.com