by Cristina Stoian

Caffeine & Confidence: A Morning in the Cristina Stoian Portraits Studio

It’s 9:30 A.M. at the studio loft at Cristina Stoian Portraits. The crew is still adjusting the window lights, casting a honeyed glow over the distressed white walls. An assistant—hired just for the morning—works quietly in the corner, the hiss of the coffee machine cutting through the murmur of pre-shoot chatter. The air smells of freshly ground coffee, dark and rich, the kind that kicks your senses awake.
Two stylists orbit you, one dabbing a last bit of highlighter along your cheekbones, the other fussing with the drape of your blazer. The photographer, a brisk girl in all black, scrolls through test shots on her camera, nodding to herself. You take a slow sip from the blue porcelain cup—black, no sugar—feeling the caffeine hit your veins like a jolt of quiet confidence.
Outside, the city is still shaking off its dawn haze. But in here, under the heat of the window lights, everything is sharp, deliberate. The stylist steps back, satisfied. The photographer lifts her head. “Alright,” she says, raising the camera. “Let’s make them look twice.”
You set the coffee down, square your shoulders, and turn toward the lens — ready.

in Confidence / Empowerment / Shoot with Cris / Studio 0 comments
 by Cristina Stoian

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?

Learn More

in Amsterdam / Confidence / Empowerment / Photo Reveal / Shoot with Cris 0 comments
Amsterdam photographer
 by Cristina Stoian

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?

My Amsterdam photography sessions start at 269€ ex BTW and include professional hair/makeup, wardrobe guidance, day light studio.
Collections of digital files start at 800€ ex BTW for 5 portraits of your choice and go up from there.

“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

 

 

 

 

in Amsterdam / Empowerment / Resilience / Shoot with Cris 0 comments
 by Cristina Stoian

A mother’s love knows no bounds: spending time with my daughter making memories

A daughter’s love knows no bounds as well, but few can match the love of a mother’s heart. This unbreakable bond between mother and daughter often grows even stronger as the years go by, and no matter how old your child becomes, it will always be one of the strongest relationships in your life. Here are some ideas on how to spend quality time with your mom this weekend, strengthening your bond together while making memories that will last forever.

People are busier than ever before. In today’s society, it seems that families are getting smaller, and parents don’t have as much time to spend with their children as they would like.

It’s not about how much time you spend, but what you do while you are together. Rather than taking your daughter shopping or to a restaurant, go on a hike or camping trip together and make it into an adventure. You’ll both enjoy yourselves far more, and create some great new memories as well.

The joy of spending time with mum while getting your portrait taken.

in Feminine Energy / Mom-Daughter / My muses 0 comments
 by Cristina Stoian

How does it feel to get your portrait taken

Getting your Portrait taken is nothing short of magic.

 

Last year I have done a self portrait, this year I wanted to experience a full portrait experience like the one I give my clients.
Hair and makeup and the whole day pampering me. Pose training and dress change and expressions exercises.

 

I knew it was not going to be easy, let yourself go in front of the camera is not something that comes naturally to me. Putting myself first is something I don’t do well.

 

For this reason, I decided to preach what I teach and get myself this experience.

 

I can let you know that I understand it better now. It’s hard to let go of the daily tensions, stay focused for 4 hours, let yourself led by the expert, and just enjoy.

 

It’s like the holidays you take after a long year of work, you find it hard to de-tense and disconnect in the first few days.

 

What I realized is that the sooner you let go of control, (and boy, as an expert myself, is hard to do) the sooner you can achieve the results you want.

 

So what did this photoshoot teach me?

 

Well, it was easy to see, I am tense. Does this apply to you too?

 

I don’t take time enough for myself to enjoy time off, selfless time off for me, with me.
Like a massage, a spa day, a dinner alone reading a book, checking in with myself more often, how do I feel right now. Am I balanced? Or am I tense? Am I calm and grounded or am I all over the place? Am I clear and sharp in my thoughts or is it hard for me to focus. These are clues that tell you how far you are in your tiredness and stress. Being balanced is a trained muscle and one that you can develop.

 

So it was good to slow down and take some me-time and then reflect on it.

 

I learned how hard it is for me to let go of control. Can you relate?

 

This is something unhealthy, I think and possibly the reason I work for myself. Perfection doesn’t exist but good results can be achieved multiple ways. Sometimes is good to let someone else take the lead and let yourself flow with them.

 

I am shy. Shy to be watched, shy to connect with someone’s eyes for my own purpose, shy to hold the gaze.

 

So after all these preconceptions of how things should go, are let loose, that’s when the magic begins and the photographer can do its job.

 

I realize how hard this is for you and I will be ever more kind and allowing you more space to open for my future photo shoots.

 

I am pleased with this portrait, this is me at the age of 35. Even though it was a journey to achieve it, I recommend this experience to everyone because it is a valuable lesson of self-discovery.

 

in Self-Care 0 comments
 by Cristina Stoian

Mother Daughter

Portraits for me, speak about self- love and loving your body.

 

So many women struggle with their image, as we are judged on impossible standards of appearance.

 

This insecurity is passed from generation to generation. This is why it is so important to teach your daughter to love herself now, the way she is. The message is: “I love myself, therefore my daughter loves herself.”

 

In my practice as a photographer, I offer a ‘mother-daughter day’, so when Allison asked me to be a ‘selfie advisor’ for this event for mothers-and daughters, it felt that I should be part of it. I knew I could pass on some fun tips about photography and also help mothers start a conversation about self-love with their teens.

 

A new study says that girls (65%) feel increasing pressures from advertising and media to reach an unrealistic standard of beauty. This is the key force in driving their appearance anxiety.

 

Low body-esteem is causing the majority of women (85%) and girls (79%) to opt out of important life activities – such as trying out for a team or club, and engaging with family or loved ones – when they don’t feel good about the way they look.

 

Additionally, 7 in 10 girls with low body-esteem say they won’t be assertive in their opinion or stick to their decision if they aren’t happy with the way they look, while 9 out of 10! (87%) women will stop themselves from eating or will otherwise put their health at risk.

 

“This latest research shows that low body confidence is a global issue,” says Dr Nancy Etcoff of Harvard Medical School.

 

This is why we need to empower our girls now, increasing body – confidence education.

We can start by having meaningful conversations around the body – image, how they perceive their own appearance.

I had a girl in my studio the other day, she was so beautiful, my heart was melting, but she stayed so serious the whole shoot. I realized while photographing her, she was uncomfortable with her teeth, so she avoided smiling. It took a lot to make her smile and she was only 7!!

Our own perceptions of ourselves start so early, it is important to educate our girls in the right direction. Make the first step. Come to our shoot and we’ll start a conversation while taking portraits.

 

Enjoy this mother-daughter day and portrait reveal of this beautiful mother-daughter pair.

 

 

 

Start a meaningful conversations around body-image

You're so beautiful

Schedule a chat

 

in Mom-Daughter / Photo Reveal 0 comments
 by Cristina Stoian

It’s a celebration

I have been in a celebratory mode lately.
Summer is here, flowers are in bloom, sun shines high.
Me and my husbands’ 5 years anniversary happened, and we celebrated it in style. My husbands’ birthday happens to be at the same time, we had a double anniversary. Holidays are near.

Being in this mood, I seemed to attract clients that celebrate their birthdays with a photoshoot. What an honor for me to partake to this wonderful celebration. Life is to be celebrated. Don’t let those special moments pass without marking it.
Last month I had Veronica in my studio, a gorgeous Paraguayan woman with Russian roots, architect, wife, lover of life and Amsterdam. She decided to mark her last day of her 20’s with a photoshoot.  A gift to herself.

This is what she said about our Glamour Experience.

 

“It was a wonderful experience, I discovered I love a side of myself I felt insecure about. The photo shoot made me feel comfortable with myself.
I was amazed, I couldn’t recognise myself in some pictures and now I feel more confident. I would definitely recommend this experience, it met and exceeded my expectations.”

 

 

cristinastoianportraits
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Celebrate your birthday in style

Mark this moment in time

Schedule a chat

in Feminine Energy 0 comments
 by Cristina Stoian

My 5 minutes of fame

Last week I had the crew from NL Supervrouwen TV documenting my team and I for their Me-Time Program. They sent over a gorgeous woman, Sonya Dias, to participate in the Glamour Experience and then share her thoughts about it.

This initiative belongs to Wendy Broersen – she is starting a new online TV program where she talks about women entrepreneurs and their journey; super-women, as she calls them. Some of the names she has interviewed so far are: Ariane Inden, Genevieve van Meerburg, Marielle Sijgers and Louise Beduwe.

I love the idea and the female energy around this. It reminds me of my time being a partner at CRAVE, where we published a book of women entrepreneurs and made an online directory full of awesome businesses, owned by women.

The day went by fast and I was nervous having to talk in front of the camera, having to manage everyone and keep the energy high. Sony was a super-star, she managed to focus and actually relax into it and enjoy the experience fully.

Here are some behind the scenes made by amazing photographer Teresa Hulst from California Girl (CG). 

Make-up by: Lorena Ciubotaru
Styling/Art Direction: California Girl (CG)
Photographer : Cristina Stoian Portraits
Model: Sonya Dias

 

Here’s the Me-time video that went on to NL Supervrouwen TV. 

 


And here are my photos that I took of Sonya.

 

In her real life Sonya is an amazing speaker and presentor, she comes from Cape Verde and lives in Rotterdam. She is so enthusiastic and full of energy, she filled up the whole room with her smile. I photographer her in her capeverdian feather designer dress and various colourful national accessories. She’s magnificent to watch.

Enjoy her beautiful photos!

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Book your session Now

Booking Fall

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in Feminine Energy / Inspiration / Positive Body Image / Shoot with Cris 0 comments
 by Cristina Stoian

Mother and Daughter Day

The mother and daughter relationship is the biggest there is, the biggest bond. It has a powerful connection that goes beyond words and physics.
Scientists say: “Each of us takes in at a cellular level how our mother feels about being female, what she believes about her body, how she takes care of her health, and what she believes is possible in life.” (Dr. Christiane Northrup).

 

Spending time with your daughter, creating memories together, will impact the rest of your daughter’s life. “I’m a big believer in mother-daughter time,” Anglicare WA’s Jennie Hannan says. “I think we underestimate how important it is for mums and daughters to do things together in those early years. Doing that builds a foundation that will help you get through adolescence.”  (Karen Fingerman)

 

If there’s something I miss the most while moving to another country to live, is spending quality time with my mother. Even thinking about it now, makes me feel peaceful and full of joy. I can remember her smell and I can feel the way she plays with my hair, the stories she tells me and how mesmerised I am, looking at her. My mum is the most beautiful woman there is, for me.

 

This is why, this year, launching on Mother’s Day, I have designed a session called the Mother and Daughter Day, which allows you to spend time with your loved one, getting pampered in my studio and creating a memory that lasts a lifetime.  You both come in and get your hair and makeup done, while you chat over coffee and snacks. Then, the photoshoot session starts and you get to be yourself and cuddle, kiss, hug in front of the camera. Mother hugs are the best ! At the end, you will both look so gorgeous, that you will want to go out, dining at your favourite restaurant. The photos of yourself will be printed and presented to you on a wall, like an exposition of yourselves. You get to pick the ones you love, these will stay in your family for 100 years.

 

Celebrate your relationships. Create memories that will last. Exist in photos for people who love you.
Bookings and enquiries info@cristinastoian.nl

 

 

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in Amsterdam / Empowerment / Feminine Energy / Mom-Daughter / Photo Reveal / Shoot with Cris 0 comments