Born and raised in Antwerp, Belgium, Elke Van de Velde studied Photography at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp before earning her MFA in Fashion Photography from St-Lukas College of Art and Design in Brussels. After relocating to the United States in 2002, she built a career centered on creating authentic, emotive imagery infused with beauty, movement, and energy.

Elke’s work in kids’ fashion and lifestyle photography is grounded in real moments. Playful, spontaneous, and full of life. Drawing from her fashion background, she brings a refined yet organic sensibility to every shoot, blending natural light, motion, and genuine connection to create imagery that feels effortless and alive. Whether capturing children in motion or producing dynamic lifestyle campaigns, her visual storytelling feels honest, modern, and emotionally resonant.

Her client list includes Nike, Nike Swim, Eddie Bauer, See Kai Run, Nordstrom, Tommy Bahama, Amazon, Hanna Andersson, Kate Quinn Organics, Tutu Du Monde, US Foods, Blue Origin, Boeing, HSN, Western Chief, and many others. Her work has been widely published across editorial and commercial platforms.

Elke is based in Seattle, where she lives with her two children and her dog.