A Photography Session with Martijn Lakemeier

Some experiences arrive unannounced, like gifts from the universe. On an ordinary day, while strolling through a park with my friend, we stumbled upon a moment that felt both surreal and exhilarating: Martijn Lakemeier, the actor whose performance in Happy Ending we had recently admired, was there, casually walking his dog.

Recognizing him immediately, I hesitated but decided to take a bold step. I reached out to him on Instagram, proposing something I didn’t expect would go anywhere: a photo session. To my astonishment, he replied and agreed. We set a date to meet at Westerpark, and while I was excited, I couldn’t shake the nervousness of meeting someone I admired so much.

The day of the shoot was overcast, matching my mix of emotions. But as soon as I greeted Martijn, my nerves melted away. He exuded warmth and humility, instantly putting me at ease. During the session, we chatted about his craft, his upcoming role as King Willem-Alexander in the series Máxima, and the joy of collaborating with Delfina Chaves, an Argentine actress. He spoke with admiration about their on-screen connection and how it mirrored the royal love story they were portraying, a tale of love defying borders and expectations.

What struck me most about Martijn wasn’t just his talent but his authenticity. He didn’t carry the weight of stardom but rather a genuine love for his craft and the stories he told.

This session wasn’t just another shoot; it was a milestone in my journey as a photographer. It reminded me of why I love this art, not just for the images but for the connections, the stories, and the shared humanity. These photos are now a cherished part of my story, a testament to what can happen when you dare to ask and the universe says yes.

I hope to work with Martijn again someday, but for now, I carry this experience as a reminder that even in the grayest of days, incredible things can unfold if you take a leap of faith.