A couple embracing in a wheat field, smiling with their foreheads touching, during daytime with a partly cloudy sky.
Six puppies, with three black and two brown, leaning over a wooden box against a black background.
A woman with wavy blonde hair wearing a dark red and black patterned blouse, smiling against a neutral gray background.
A woman with long red hair and tattoos on her arms, wearing a red leather corset with gold chains and a pocket watch, posing against a beige background.

Hi,

My name is Pele.  Yes, my name really is Pele.  I was named after the famous Brazilian footballer, the company and studio name, Den Helder is actually named after where my mother was born in Holland in tribute to her.

I am married to Kate and have four children and a German Short Haired Pointer, called Nelson.  I spend a lot of time walking, or in this case, a lot of running, with Nelson in the fields.

I spent the early part of my career in the British Military but have been taking photos most of my adult life. Starting out in our studio, many moons ago now and working mostly on fashion and portraits, before introducing wedding photography.  I also trained at the UK's leading wedding photography academy, shooting at some of the country's top venues with world class wedding photographers.

I now run Den Helder Studio in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire, along with my busy wedding photography schedule, where I offer everything from branding shoots, engagements and events, portraits, family shoots, agency work and pet portraits.

You can see more of my wedding photography on its own dedicated website here. Denhelderweddings.com or contact me here for more information.

*updated DBS certificate as of Jan 2026.

About me

Portrait of a man with a shaved head holding a Sony camera, sitting with arms crossed on a wooden chair against a black background.
A woman with shoulder-length red hair, wearing a white blouse, dark blue jeans, and leopard print high heels, sitting on a white block against a dark blue background.
A brown and black dog with long, curly ears against a yellow background. The dog appears to be catching a small object in mid-air with an open mouth.
Black and white photo of a pregnant woman with her hands on her belly, forming a heart shape with two pairs of hands around her stomach.
A woman leading a choir or group of people during a performance or rehearsal, with her back to the camera and arms raised, in a large indoor space with stage lighting.

Yuki… Maternity - Studio Photoshoot.

“We had a maternity photo shoot at Den Helder Studio. Pele was very friendly and professional, and making sure we are relaxed and comfortable. He also gave us good suggestions on posing and listened to our requests. We are very happy with the photos he sent to us.”

Google Reviews

Jane… Family - Studio Photoshoot.

“We recently had some family photos captured by Pele @ Den Helder Studios. He was recommended locally via Abbots Langley community Facebook group… Pele was super quick at editing photos within a week or less we received via gallery and honestly we were so happy with the results. They are gorgeous even the ones captured of our very active 2 year old. So we highly recommend Pele, he's brilliant!”

Althia… 90th Birthday Event. London Hotel

“I booked Pele for my Grandma's 90th Birthday Party after he'd done an amazing job at my cousin's wedding. Pele was super professional, prompt to address any questions or queries that I had, and produced perfect photos which my family are delighted with. Can't recommend Pele highly enough!”

Nicola… Family Photoshoot, Ashridge House.

“I wanted some family photos taken but more natural than posed. Pele was so great, patient and when he sent over just one of those taken that day I couldn’t believe how perfect he had got it! I have recommended him to everyone! If you need any kind of photos, Pele is your guy!”