Photography for your new chapter in the Netherlands

Maternity, newborn, family, headshot, and branding sessions crafted for expats settling into life, work, and new opportunities in the Netherlands.

Warm direction, clarity, and multilingual support in English, German, and French.

What brings you here today?

Photography for expat families

Maternity, newborn, and family moments

Why expats choose OLA LAB?

Moving to a new country can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. When you choose a photographer, you want someone who understands your journey, speaks your language, and makes you feel at home from the first moment.

At OLA LAB, I bring a calm, nurturing presence and a multicultural perspective to every session. You receive gentle guidance, warm connection, and photographs that celebrate the life you are building here.

A little about me

I am Carola, the photographer behind OLA LAB.
I grew up trilingual and have lived in several countries, so I know what it feels like to rebuild a life and find your place in a new country.

My photography is warm, calm, and connection-led, and my goal is always to help you feel comfortable, understood, and beautifully yourself in front of the camera.

What makes the experience different

Your family story, here in the Netherlands

In a place that is still becoming home, your family is growing, changing, and finding its rhythm. These photographs honour the moments you will want to remember.

Maternity photography for expat mothers

Motherhood in a new country brings a quiet kind of courage. My maternity sessions honour that transition with softness and calm direction so you can relax fully in front of the camera.

Whether outdoors in a peaceful Amsterdam location or in the comfort of your home, we create images that feel gentle, authentic, and deeply you.

Newborn sessions that feel like home

Newborns grow and change so quickly that the first weeks feel like a dream. My approach is slow, warm, and baby-led, with an emphasis on natural connection and emotion.

You do not need to prepare anything special. I guide you gently and photograph your family in the most tender version of your new life together.

Family photography for your life in the Netherlands

Whether you have been here for months or years, your life in the Netherlands is filled with meaningful small moments.
Your child’s laughter under Dutch skies, walks through your favourite neighbourhood, the quiet comfort of your home.

I photograph your family in a way that feels honest and joyful, with minimal posing and plenty of space to be yourselves.

Your professional journey in the Netherlands matters too

Life in a new country is more than family moments. Many expats also rebuild their careers, launch new projects, or update their professional presence.

Headshots for your Dutch career journey

A professional portrait is often the first impression you make in the Netherlands, whether you are applying for a new role, updating your LinkedIn, or preparing your CV for Dutch recruiters.

My headshot sessions are relaxed and guided so you look confident, approachable, and aligned with the visual expectations of the Dutch job market.

For the entrepreneurs shaping their story in a new country

Amsterdam is a city filled with international careers, new opportunities, and entrepreneurs launching something of their own.
Your brand deserves visuals that reflect your clarity, ambition, and the unique path that brought you here.

I create warm, intentional brand photography that supports the work you are building, whether you are a creative professional, a coach, a freelancer, or growing a small business in the Netherlands.
From portraits to product storytelling, your session is guided and relaxed so you can communicate who you are with confidence and ease.

TESTIMONIAL

What our client says

Carola made our newborn session feel calm and effortless. As a Bulgarian–Irish expat family, we felt completely at ease with her.

We were also able to order beautiful heirlooms for our families and have them sent directly to our home countries.

Expat family, Amsterdam

FAQ

Every family and every professional comes to a session with different needs, questions, and worries, especially when you are living in a new country.

Here are the answers to the most common questions my expat families and clients ask before their session.
If something is not covered, feel free to reach out. I am here to guide you.

Do you speak English, German, or French?

Yes. I speak all three fluently.

I grew up in a trilingual environment, which means communication flows naturally in whichever language you feel most comfortable.
This often helps expat families and professionals relax very quickly during our sessions.

How do I book a session?

Booking is simple.
Choose the type of session and package you want, then click through to the online booking tool. You can select a date and time that suit you and submit an inquiry. I will then confirm your request or propose an alternative if that slot is not available for any reason.

Once confirmed, you will receive a booking email with all details and a request for a 50% deposit. This secures your session and the remaining balance is due on the day of the session or upon receiving your final gallery.

If you cannot find a time that fits your schedule, please reach out. I am often able to adjust my agenda to make a session work.

Where do sessions take place?

It depends on the season and your personal style.
If you love the outdoors and do not mind the Dutch weather, we can create beautiful photographs in natural settings that reflect your life here.

Most maternity and newborn sessions take place at home because it feels calm, familiar, and comfortable for everyone.
If you prefer a clean studio look, I can also rent a studio as an add on.
For headshots, we can work indoors or outdoors, with or without a backdrop, depending on the aesthetic you want.

What should we wear for the session?

You will receive a tailored prep guide for your session type (maternity, newborn, family, headshots, or branding).
If you feel unsure, you can send me outfit photos on my WhatsApp before the session. I help you choose clothing that feels like you, looks natural on camera, and supports the mood of the photos we are creating.

What if I feel awkward or do not know how to pose?

Most people feel this way at first.
I offer gentle direction and simple prompts so you never feel stiff or unsure.
The focus is always on real connection, natural expression, and helping you feel grounded in front of the camera.

What if my baby or child does not cooperate?

This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Sessions are relaxed, flexible, and led by your baby or child’s rhythm.
There is always time for feeding, cuddles, pauses, or moments of chaos. These often turn into the most beautiful images.

Do you help with professional needs, like LinkedIn or job applications?

Yes.
If you are updating your LinkedIn, preparing for Dutch job applications, or refreshing your CV, I guide you toward a look that fits Dutch professional culture.
The result is a natural, confident, approachable portrait that makes a strong first impression.

Do you travel for shoots?

Yes. I’m based in Amsterdam but work across the Netherlands and internationally.

A travel fee applies for locations outside Amsterdam, Diemen and Amstelveen.

Can you guide me for brand photography? I am not sure what I need.

Of course.
Many expat entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed when shaping their visual identity in a new country.
We talk through your business, your personality, and your goals.
I help you decide whether you need portraits, workspace moments, lifestyle images, or product shots so your brand feels clear and consistent.

How long does a session last?

It depends on the package you choose.
Each type of session comes with a set duration and features so you can select what fits your needs best.
If you are unsure or need something more tailored, feel free to reach out. I am happy to help you find the option that matches your vision and pace.

How will we receive the photos?

You receive a curated online gallery with fully edited, high resolution images that you can download, share, or print easily.

Every story and every family is different. If there is something you want to talk through or personalise, I am always here to help so your session feels just right for you.

Ready to capture your life in the Netherlands?

I would love to guide you through a warm and relaxed session that feels like home.

KvK: 91474477 · BTW: NL004896380B44
Amsterdam, Netherlands
hello(@)olalabstudio.com
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