Learn About me Danyel van Kleef

Danyel van Kleef

I’m drawn to light — how it touches people, shapes emotion, and reveals something true.

Sometimes it’s the quiet glow of a window; other times, a studio setup designed to hold a particular mood.

My photography is about presence — the stillness between gestures, the feeling behind the eyes, the moment when someone lets go of performance and becomes themselves.

I look for honesty, subtlety, and sometimes a touch of the surreal — something that invites curiosity and reflection.

Originally from the Netherlands, I’ve been living in Portugal for several years, inspired by nature, slower rhythms, and the changing seasons. Those things have taught me to see time differently — to notice the transitions, the silences, the small details that make a story real.

I work with individuals, artists, and brands who care deeply about authenticity and emotion. Together, we create imagery that doesn’t just look beautiful, but feels honest.

If you see something of yourself in my work, I’d love to collaborate.

Contact Me

Love from customers!

Mihaela

Visual artist

I had a great experience working with Danyel, who came to my studio to take portrait photos of me, along with some studio shots. Communication was easy and friendly throughout the entire process, before, during, and after the shoot. He arrived very well prepared and brought an assistant who captured video

Danyel has a positive, easygoing presence and quickly creates a comfortable atmosphere, making the shoot feel both relaxed and efficient. He has a great eye for lighting, composition, and colour, which are the key elements for strong portrait photography. The final images were high quality, thoughtfully edited, and delivered through a smooth, seamless process.

I’d happily recommend Danyel to anyone looking for, professional portraits!

Luizao

Luizao Evolution

O que dizer sobre o Daníël?

Um cara de muitos talentos, incrível e super amável.

Receber o seu convite para fazermos um ensaio fotográfico e contar um pouco sobre as minhas histórias, principalmente a atual em que me encontro, foi super aceito na hora, até porque amo fotografia e tenho trabalhado como modelo por muitos anos em uma grande agência mundial.

Mas o que mais gosto é quando um profissional como o Daniël busca mostrar a essência e personalidade na sua versão original de cada pessoa, sem personagens fictícios, afinal nem todo mundo poder ser a sua própria versão no dia a dia, principalmente dependendo do seu perfil profissional, no meu caso sempre fui e serei eu mesmo, na forma de me vestir ou se apresentar, nunca fui de seguir regras mas nunca busquei infringir nada, até porque o que se tem para infringir?

A mais pura essência, virtude e força, além, é claro, da força, demonstramos com nosso estilo de vida e de se vestir o quanto somos visionários, esclarecidos e preparados para opiniões alheias, que muitas vezes veem em nós aquilo que eles gostariam de ser ou de poder fazer, e o Daniël enxerga isso em seus retratos.

Só posso agradecer pelo lindo convite e que sabe fazermos outros ensaios, e meu muito obrigado pelo carinho e cuidado em querer compartilhar um pequeno pedaço de muitas e muitas histórias dessa vida maluca, doida, mas incrível que vivo, vivenciéi e ainda terei o prazer enorme de continuar a fazê-lo e poder continuar a ter mais histórias para contar lá lá... na frente!!

Grato

Luizao Evolution

Esther - Creative Director

It's always a pleasure working with Danyel. He's such a great photographer, he makes you feel at ease and seen, and he has a great eye for details. His photos speak for themselves, thanks to the way he captures the essence of the person or the scene. Thank you Danyel for our always fun collabs!

Yulia, Actress, Singer, Model

"Working with this photographer was an absolute pleasure! He is very attentive and professional, which was evident throughout the entire photoshoot. The atmosphere was light and effortless, making the session completely stress-free. I especially want to highlight his excellent taste and ability to choose the perfect angles. He not only captures beautiful photos but also knows how to present the model in a way that she loves her own image in the pictures. This is definitely the kind of photographer you'd want to collaborate with again and again!"

Romain Cauchois - Film writer,Director

I don't know where to begin when it comes to talking about Danyel's work. I have been keeping a close eye on and been a huge fan of his work for a very long time. I have watched him grow into the hugely talented and professional photographer that he is today.

I needed professional-looking but also artistically outstanding pictures for my portfolio as well as for my family (namely, my partner's pregnancy). I needed a unique approach. And with Danyel's eye behind the camera, I got way more than that.

Daniel understands your visual needs and delivers exactly what you want, even better than that. He offers photographic gems that are priceless.

There is a unique beauty to the way he captures portraits, people's souls, and also scenery.

Danyel is able to see the truth in every person, place, animal, or object he shoots.

Miriam Tavares

"I had been following Danyel’s work for quite some time, so when I booked my wedding, he was the first person who came to mind to document the day.

Since we wanted something different from typical wedding photos, his detailed, documentary, and raw vision was exactly what we needed.

As soon as Danyel arrived at our house, he began photographing us in such an unpretentious and natural way that the pictures reflected his kindness and free spirit. We all felt completely at ease as we played music in the background.

When we headed to the registry office, Danyel captured every moment without us even noticing. It was a beautiful experience, and the results exceeded our expectations. The photos looked like scenes from a movie and arrived just a few days later. It was an unforgettable day, and the records we have are exceptional.

We are eternally grateful for Danyel’s professionalism and artistic vision."

Niko Starosta

"I loved every moment of my photoshoot with the photographer, Danyel van Kleef

Thank you for a great photoshoot in Lisbon! I had the best time exploring the city and making beautiful pictures

Luiza Palma

"I'm a shy person when it comes to taking photos, even though it may not seem like it. But Danyel, with his relaxed and respectful manner, can make anyone feel at ease! It was a fun time where we were able to take photos without it seeming like a formality, a delight. He is very good at directing people who, like me, don't have a clear body language. Excellent, minimalist photos that express who we really are. Light, framing, poses... impeccable! Long live this photographer who will certainly go far!

Congratulations on your work!