The portrait is a moment. A glimpse of a life. A place where a person emerges.

When I photograph, my focus is on truly seeing and revealing the person in front of me. My most important task is to help the person I photograph feel present, safe, and ready to step forward. In the moment we allow ourselves to be free in front of the camera, we meet ourselves. It’s like looking into a mirror, seeing ourselves clearly—standing with and by ourselves.

I understand that standing in front of a camera can feel vulnerable, exposed, even unsettling. That’s why, for me, the work begins long before I press the shutter. A good image grows out of a relationship built on trust, courage, and openness. Photography is an exchange—I give something of myself and, in return, gain access to another person. From there, an organic process begins, where I gently uncover and peel back layers. Until, finally, the whole person stands before me and my camera. The full picture.

Most of us dream of being seen as who we truly are—understood, accepted. Why should it be any different when we communicate through a portrait? My job is to capture each individual’s story, told with all the desired nuances. For me, photography is a sensory art that goes far beyond what the eye sees. I open myself completely, engaging all my senses to recreate everything—the mood, the sensation, the feeling.

A good portrait tells a story. It goes deep and can be felt—just like the person it depicts.

I have been a professional photographer for 30 years. For just as long, I have been approaching and connecting with people, helping them reveal themselves through my lens. And I continue to do so because it fulfills me. To step into the lives of others is an endless source of learning and inspiration. It is a privilege beyond measure to bring character and authenticity to life on paper.

Before we meet, we’ll discuss what you want from your portrait. What should it reflect? We’ll talk about background, colors, indoors or outdoors, studio or on location. I’ll help you choose the perfect setting, guide you with clothing choices, and be with you every step of the way.

Click here for CV. Read testimonials below

“It’s no secret that I’ve been photographed endless times over the last 30 years. It can really be an intimidating, slow and naked experience, and therefore half of what makes a good portrait is what the photographer gives of her self to her ‘victim’. About a year ago I was portrayed in my capacity as Ambassador to Mandela Bangles.

Stine Heilmann was behind the camera. I remember it very clearly because Stine was an unforgettable experience. Giving, communicative, professional, sensitive and empathic. Time flies in her company, she is a great person full of humor and wonderful energy. And you suddenly feel beautiful in her presence. I do hope that she will steal a bit of my soul some other time”

“Stine Heilmann’s photography is a reflection of how she lives: with warmth, humor, intuition and great artistic originality. She has a psychological perception of the people she photographs, including our limits and “potential” as subjects. She is no less than wonderful to be photographed by.”

“My colleague and I were asked to get a joint portrait taken. After a good deal of research, the choice fell on Stine Heilmann, who, apart from embodying good taste and style, also has the rare gift for making people look like themselves in photos. And we got more than that.

The entire experience was playful, inspired trust and was very relaxed. We enjoyed being center of attention and never felt self-conscious or fake.

Stine took a charming, lifelike picture, but the most impressive thing is that she was able to read our different personalities so quickly and portray us as the ones we are in relation to each other.”

“I can deeply recommend Stine Heilmann as a portrait photographer. She is sharp and efficient and has a talent for talking with people, so that you as a ‘photo victim’ feel in the best of hands.”

“I hate being photographed. And then I met Stine! I had never felt this comfortable in a photo shoot. With her  kindness and interest Stine goes right in and makes a mature woman feel like the most important and most beautiful being on Earth. It shows in the pictures. They are outstanding.”

“Stine has as special way of making you feel relaxed. She manages through her style and perception to portray people beautiful and alive.”

“I was photographed by Stine Heilmann recently, on a chilly Summer’s day. I showed up a bit out of form but went home transformed. Her pictures confirmed my experience: she has her own unique vision. Deep, precise and loving.”

“As you arrive your pulse is of course slightly raised. This passes, however, the moment you realize that Stine is in control. Forget your comfort zone, forget your attitude. Stine knows exactly where you are headed.”

“It is easy to recommend Stine Heilmann. I felt in such good hands. Generous and loyal on a human level in an exposed situation such as that of being photographed. She possesses the empathy and interest that should be the trademark of a really good photographer.”

“When, as a ‘portrait victim’ you meet Stine Heilmann for the first time, you instantly feel that she really sees you. Her interest is both professional and personal. That leaves you with a good experience during the process, and results in the pictures being both deep and glamorous.”

“Stine has a unique ability to see the person at the other end of the lens, resulting in very authentic and raw images with an edge!”

“I love working with Stine. She always gets the best results in all the situations we have worked together. She is so good, and at the same time she such good company. This means a lot, for example, when taking portraits. I can only recommend Stine. And I always recommend only her.”

“To make the good portrait, cooperation and confidence to catch a feeling…

The moment!  Stine can exactly this!”