Kelly de Vries, the daughter of the late crime reporter Peter R. de Vries, officially launched her independent photography business on July 1, 2026.
The launch came immediately after her elimination from the RTL 4 television program Het Perfecte Plaatje op Reis.
New Career Path
De Vries recently stepped down as director of the Peter R. de Vries Foundation.
She dedicated the past several months to transitioning into photography.
Her elimination from the competition surprised viewers, who called the decision unfair. De Vries admitted she also felt disappointed after returning home.
“It honestly took some time to get over the disappointment,” she said.
De Vries explained that leaving her foundation role left her temporarily directionless. Her experience on the TV show inspired her new career.
“When I came home, I fell into a bit of a hole. I had just stopped as director of the Peter R.
de Vries Foundation. A job that was very dear to me, but I felt it was time for something new.
Only... I didn't know what that new thing should be,” she said.
Her new enterprise, Kelly de Vries Photography, focuses on specialized portraiture. It opened the day after her television stint ended.
“Today, on July 1, one day after my adventure with Het Perfecte Plaatje ended, my new chapter begins: Kelly de Vries Photography is a fact,” she said.
De Vries stated that her studio aims to empower clients by focusing on internal qualities rather than societal standards.
“For me, boudoir is not about lingerie or the perfect picture. It's about women.
Women who compare themselves daily. Who mainly see what should be different.
I want to show what is already there: strength, vulnerability, and beauty. Exactly beautiful just as you are,” she said.
The announcement drew supportive reactions from family and fellow contestants. Her brother Royce de Vries shared his pride online.
Television presenter Quinty Trustfull also commended the move.
“So cool and so brave of you, dear Kel,” wrote Quinty Trustfull.
Actor Jan Kooijman and singer Shary-An praised the transition. Program judge William Rutten expressed his commendation.
“Not just dreaming about something but just doing it!” wrote William Rutten.
