Calm, meaningful photography for families who want to remember how it felt
Home-based and in-home family, portrait & cake smash photography in Leiden and Leiderdorp — focused on connection, calm, and real moments.
A calm photography experience for families and children
I offer family, portrait and cake smash photography in a calm, home-based setting or in your own home. My approach is slow, gentle and child-led. No pressure to perform, no rushing — just space for connection and real moments to unfold naturally.
Photography sessions
FAMILY & PORTRAITS
Calm, connection-focused sessions for families, children and individuals.
Why a calm environment matters
Children don’t need big spaces or perfect setups — they need to feel safe.
By working in familiar, quiet environments, children relax faster and parents feel more at ease. This is where genuine expressions, closeness and meaningful memories come to life.
Over Soulshoots
I’m Alena Masselink, a photographer in Leiden and Leiderdorp. Soulshoots captures real emotions so your memories will last forever.
If you search for a stress-free and child friendly photoshoot in Leiden and the area, this is the place to be.
My work is my passion. I love to make posed and also unposed photos. My photos reflects your family bond, love, and your / your children’s personality.
All sessions take place in a calm, home-based setting or in your own home — intentionally designed to help children and families feel safe, relaxed, and completely themselves.
Are you looking for a photographer that can take beautiful photos of your family? I am here for you. My name is Alena Masselink. I am an award-winning portrait photographer based in the Leiden area, I am also a newborn photographer, maternity photographer, cake smash photographer in Leiden and in the area. Book your cake smash photoshoot today.
No pressure. No rushing. Just space to be yourselves.
Order your SCHOOL PHOTOS HERE.
What to expect during your session
- 1. Before the session - We’ll talk about your wishes, timing and any questions you have. You don’t need to prepare anything perfectly — I guide you.
- 2. During the session - The session is calm and unhurried. Children can explore, take breaks and be themselves. I gently guide when needed.
- 3. After the session - You’ll receive an online gallery where you select your images. Your final photos are carefully edited and delivered digitally.
Booking & payment
To secure your session, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is due before the session takes place.
Once your session is completed and payment is received, you will receive access to your online gallery.
Clear agreements create a relaxed experience — for you and for me.
Family photoshoot
Family Portraits: Capture the love, laughter, and connection between you and your family with our portrait sessions in Leiden and Leiderdorp. These sessions are perfect for all ages and milestones. Celebrate your family’s love with our personalized family portraits in Leiderdorp.
Cake Smash photoshoot
Cake Smash Photoshoot: Celebrate your baby's first birthday in Leiden with a fun, memorable cake smash photoshoot. I’ll create an exciting, adorable cake smash photoshoot that you’ll cherish forever. Learn more about our cake smash photoshoot in Leiden and book your session today!
Maternity photoshoot Newborn photoshoot
Newborn Photography: My newborn photography services in Leiden are gentle and focused on your baby’s comfort and safety. I capture those early moments with care.
Kids' photoshoot
Princess & Superhero
Family photoshoot
Children's Photography in Leiden and Leiderdorp: From toddlers to teens, our children's portraits in Leiden highlight your child’s personality in stunning detail. I capture each stage with care.
What Clients say
Book Your Photoshoot in Leiden & Leiderdorp Today
Ready to create lasting memories with Soulshoots? Whether you’re expecting a new addition, celebrating your baby’s first milestone, or capturing beautiful family moments, we’re here to help.
Contact Soulshoots today to book your session in Leiden or Leiderdorp. Learn more about our newborn, maternity, cake smash photoshoot, and family photography services. Let me help you create the perfect photo session that reflects your family’s love, joy, and special moments.
Where do the photoshoots take place?
Sessions take place in a calm, home-based setting or in your own home. I intentionally work in familiar environments because they help children feel safe and relaxed.
My home is small — is that a problem?
Not at all. I work with light, connection and guidance — not space. Small, lived-in homes often create the most meaningful images.
What if my child doesn’t cooperate?
That’s completely okay. My sessions are child-led, with space for breaks and emotions. There is no pressure to perform.
How far in advance should I book?
I recommend booking a few weeks in advance, as I work with a limited number of sessions to ensure quality and attention.
NEW BLOG POSTS by the photographer in Leiden
I Hand Babies a Cake and Let Them Destroy It (Leiden & Leiderdorp Cake Smash Photoshoot) 🍰📸
Yes, it’s my job.No, the cake never survives.And somehow, parents thank me afterward. I’m Alena from Soulshoots, a professional cake smash photographer in Leiden and Leiderdorp, and I specialize in documenting the exact moment a baby realizes cake exists — and that rules no longer matter. What Is a Cake Smash Photoshoot (Honestly)? A cake smash photoshoot is a first birthday session where babies are encouraged to do what they’re usually stopped from doing: touch the cake, eat the cake, become the cake. There’s no posing. No pressure. Just real reactions — confused stares, frosting-covered noses,
🎂 Cake Smash Fotoshoot: De Perfecte Eerste Verjaardag Vastgelegd
🎂 Cake Smash Fotoshoot: De Perfecte Eerste Verjaardag Vastgelegd De eerste verjaardag van je baby is een mijlpaal die je nooit meer vergeet. Wat is er leuker dan deze speciale dag vast te leggen met een cake smash fotoshoot? Bij Soulshoots verzorg ik professionele cake smash fotoshoots in Leiden en omgeving, waarbij plezier, spontaniteit en prachtige foto’s centraal staan. In deze blog lees je: Wat een cake smash fotoshoot precies is Wanneer je deze het beste kan plannen Wat je kunt verwachten tijdens de shoot Handige tips voor een geslaagde
Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday with a Cake Smash Photoshoot in Leiden and Leiderdorp
Capturing your baby’s first birthday is a milestone that deseves to be remembered forever. As Soulshoots, we specialize in cake smash photography in Leiden and Leiderdorp, offering a fun and memorable way to celebrate this special occasion.
5 Tips for a Stress-Free Family Photoshoot in Leiden
5 Tips for a Stress-Free Family Photoshoot in Leiden Family photoshoots are a wonderful way to capture memories, but the lead-up can feel a little stressful, especially if you’re not sure what to expect. If you’re planning a family shoot in Leiden/ Leiderdorp, here are five tips to help you stay calm and enjoy the process. 1. Choose the Right Location Leiden offers some stunning spots for family portraits, so it’s important to pick one that suits your family’s style. Whether it’s the classic charm of the canals, the
Your baby is turning one! Hipedepiphoera!
This guide is designed to help parents feel prepared and stress-free for their baby’s cake smash photoshoot, where everything (including the cake) is taken care of by the photographer. Enjoy the moment, and let your baby shine!
