Charakterportrait.de – family photographer in Jena. Marco Rank captures natural family moments, baby and child photos, baptisms and communions in a gentle documentary style.
As a family photographer based in Jena, I create images that are more than attractive portraits: they are memories, atmospheres and told stories. I’m Marco from Charakterportrait.de — portrait photography since 2011, trained as a sociologist and specialized in documentary family and wedding photography. My approach is shaped by patience, observation and a desire to capture real relationships and small details unobtrusively. Photography as encounter: Good family images start with trust, not just the right angle. That’s why I prioritize a personal pre-meeting, often with a location walk and a short test session, so everyone feels comfortable and expectations are clear. For baby, newborn and children sessions I work gently and allow extra time so natural moments can unfold — a first smile, a tender glance, or carefree play at a birthday party. My style is documentary: I accompany quietly in the background and only intervene when it serves the image. This produces family photos that don’t feel staged but show life as it is — baptisms, communions, everyday scenes, familiar rituals and spontaneous laughter. With ample time and working unnoticed, I highlight the emotional details and stories that offer lasting memories for your family. As a photographer based in Jena who is also known as a wedding photographer in the region, I bring reportage and portrait experience to every session — useful when capturing decisive moments under pressure or in busy settings. Selected images are delivered via an online gallery. I also offer premium products such as prints in elegant wooden boxes, fine art prints and custom photo books from Portugal — heirlooms filled with your family’s stories. If you’re looking for natural, timeless family photography in and around Jena, I look forward to meeting you and preparing a non-binding offer.