Caring connections

Intimate portraits capture the everyday power of family and community life in the Netherlands

  • 28th January 2025
  • 2 minute read

These photos are an ode to the joy and mess of raising children. Through these images, I sought to celebrate the seemingly small and fleeting physical gestures that help all people, old and young, feel part of something bigger.

They’re a tender and honest glimpse into our most intimate relationships, bonds woven from care, love, and ordinary moments. Together, they tell a story of shared lives, of hands reaching out, and unspoken trust.

While looking through the viewfinder of my camera during these photo shoots, I felt so honoured to have been granted the permission to bear witness to these deeply personal and private moments.

Morning moments with Paula, Thomas and their two sons

Thomas and Paula with their 2 sons; newborn Milo and 5 year old Boris.

 

Playtime at the community centre Mama’s Garden, Rotterdam

community centre Mama's Garden in Rotterdam

 

Evening scenes with Ivana and her son

Ivana Alves with her son in Rotterdam.Ivana Alves with her son in Rotterdam.Ivana Alves with her son in Rotterdam.Ivana Alves with her son in Rotterdam.

Isolde Woudstra

Isolde Woudstra is a photographer located in Utrecht, Netherlands, where she also teaches photography at the Volksuniversiteit. She graduated in documentary photography at the University of Hong Kong in 2007. Her focus is on creating intimate, natural images that tell a story, while also paying attention to the unspoken emotions and nuances of human experience. She has worked for clients such as Le Monde, KesselsKramer, Stern and de Volkskrant and her work has been exhibited at Foam, Unseen, and photo month Krakow.

Topics Art Children Parenting Parents Wellbeing

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