Tanya is an Edinburgh-based portrait specialist offering relaxed, natural studio and on-location sessions. She creates professional headshots and personal portraits that feel authentic and photograph beautifully.
I’m Tanya de Villiers — an Edinburgh-based portrait photographer who believes the best portraits are the ones that feel like you. With a background that moved me from law to photography, I became obsessed with capturing the small, honest moments that tell a person’s story. Whether you need a confident headshot for LinkedIn, timeless professional portraits for your website, or personal studio portraits that reflect your personality, my approach is gentle, intuitive and focused on connection. My portrait work is rooted in natural light, relaxed direction and storytelling. I don’t rely on stiff poses — instead I create an atmosphere where people feel at ease, laugh a little, and forget the camera. That’s when genuine expressions appear. For business portraits and headshots I blend editorial polish with warmth so your images communicate competence and approachability. For personal studio or on-location portraits I aim for images that are both beautiful and true to you. Working with me is straightforward and collaborative. We begin with a pre-shoot conversation to understand your goals, brand or the personal story you want to share. If helpful, I’ll advise on colours, styling and can connect you with a stylist to refine wardrobe choices. On the day, sessions are calm and encouraging — I guide little movements, suggest natural interactions and always prioritise comfort. After the shoot you’ll receive a curated online gallery where you can view and select the images you love. Beyond digital files, I care deeply about turning photographs into tangible memories. I design and supply archival prints and heirloom photo products that sit beautifully in your home and last for generations. Many clients tell me how special it is to finally see their images off-screen — framed, held and shared. Based in Edinburgh and used to working across Scotland, I welcome both studio and location shoots for portraits and professional headshots. If you want portraits that feel honest, flattering and made to last, I’d love to talk about your vision and help you create images that truly represent who you are.
Choose the perfect package for your special day
Professional headshot session with retouched images and private online ordering gallery.
30-minute outdoor session with 5 hand-edited images. Private online proofing gallery. Travel within Edinburgh.
60–75 minute relaxed storytelling session with 20 hand-edited images. Online proofing gallery for image selection.
2-hour personal branding session with pre-shoot consultation and 20 hand-edited images. Private online ordering gallery and full commercial rights.
2-hour session with 40 hand-edited images, black & white versions included. Private proofing gallery and full gallery download.
Bespoke 2-hour session with 60 hand-edited images, fine art album or art credit included.
Extended branding session across multiple locations with 50 hand-edited images and design support for online use.