About Blog PhD Defense Contact
PhD Defense photography Utrecht University
PhD Defense · Utrecht University

Doctor.
From this day forward.

You've spent years on this. Your defense day deserves photography that matches the weight of the moment — quiet, beautiful, and entirely yours.

Utrecht, Netherlands
Scroll
PhD defense portrait at Utrecht University by Wild Heart Tales
A little about my approach

Your defense day
goes fast.

You have been working toward this for years and the day itself will be over before you know it. I am there to hold onto it for you. Not in a posed, formal way, but honestly. The nerves before you walk in. The relief after. The people around you who made it possible.

I stay in the background and let the day unfold naturally. You will barely notice I am there, and that is exactly the point.

Documentary Real moments, never staged
Discreet You won't notice me there
Moment to moment Every part of your defense day
What to expect

The details

Portrait before PhD defense

Calm portraits,
before it all begins.

We start outside, in the garden of the Domtoren or the sidestreets of Utrecht, before the nerves fully kick in. Natural light, no rush, no stiff poses. Just you and the city where you did the work.

If the weather has other plans, we move inside Utrecht University, where the historic corridors and halls give us plenty of beautiful spots to work with.

  • Portraits in Utrecht University's historic buildings
  • Natural light, candid & guided moments
  • Relaxed pacing before the nerves kick in
PhD defense ceremony

The room, the committee,
the moment.

I document the full ceremony — the layman's talk, the committee, the reading of the verdict, and the handshake that makes it official.

I work discreetly and quietly throughout, so you barely notice I'm there. What you get back are images that capture the genuine weight and joy of the moment.

  • Full ceremony coverage, discreet & unobtrusive
  • The layman's talk, the verdict, the ceremony
  • Group photos with committee & paranymphs
PhD defense reception

The people,
the hugs, the joy.

After the ceremony comes the part nobody tells you about: standing in a room full of people who are genuinely proud of you. Your family, your friends, your colleagues. Everyone wanting a moment with you. I stay for that too, because those are often the photos you end up loving most.

Reception coverage is an optional add-on for €149.

  • Documentary coverage of the celebration
  • Candid moments with family & friends
  • Optional add-on — €149
The investment

Simple,
transparent pricing.

€349
Defense Coverage

Portraits, the full ceremony, group photos. Everything you need to remember this day forever.

  • Portraits prior to the promotion
  • Full ceremony coverage
  • Group photos with committee & paranymphs
  • All photos professionally edited
  • Private online gallery
Book your session

Add-on

Reception coverage

The congratulations, the champagne, the people

+ €149

What's included

All photos professionally edited
Private online gallery
Group photos — committee & paranymphs
Utrecht University — all locations
She captured so many special moments before, during, and after the defense without one even noticing. Myrthe managed to capture all the feelings and emotions. It was a pleasure having her around and I fully recommend her.

— Victor · PhD Defense · Utrecht University

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

As soon as you have your defense date confirmed, I'd love to hear from you. Defense dates can fall quickly and I only take a limited number of bookings. That said, if your defense is soon, don't hesitate to reach out — I'll do my best.
Mostly inside and around the historic buildings of Utrecht University — the Academy Building, the Academiegebouw, corridors, staircases, and courtyards. These locations have extraordinary light and atmosphere. We'll explore together and find what works best for you.
Yes. I have experience working in Utrecht University's ceremony rooms and know the protocols well. I work quietly and discreetly from designated positions so as not to disturb the proceedings.
After the ceremony, there's typically a reception (borrel) where your family, friends, colleagues, and committee congratulate you. This is often where the most joyful and candid moments happen. Adding reception coverage for €149 means you get the full story of the day — not just the formal part.
Your edited images are delivered to a private online gallery within 2–3 weeks. From there you can download, share, and print everything. Full printing rights are included — no watermarks, no extra fees.
Yes, I'm available anywhere in the Netherlands. I'm most experienced at Utrecht University, but I've also worked at other Dutch institutions. Travel within Utrecht is always included; a travel fee of €0.35/km applies beyond that.
Send me a message via the contact page with your defense date and university. We'll have a quick, relaxed chat to confirm the details and go from there. No complicated process — just a conversation.
Let's make it happen

Ready to capture
your defense day?

I'd love to hear about your defense and what you have in mind. Send me a message and let's plan something beautiful together.

Get in touch Currently booking 2026