Gijs Van Der Most - Photographer, Partner, Parent

Branson Strosin 21 Jun 2025

Have you ever wondered about the person behind the lens, the quiet strength supporting a beloved public figure, or the individual who shapes creative spaces with a unique vision? For many, that person is Gijs van der Most. He's a Dutch photographer and also a businessman, someone who has made a home in New York alongside his wife, the very funny comedian and actress Michelle Buteau. He's a creative soul who captures moments, a dedicated partner, and a loving father, too. His life, in some respects, seems to blend artistry with the everyday, showing a real commitment to both his craft and his family life.

People often know Michelle Buteau for her vibrant stage presence and her ability to make everyone laugh, but there's a good deal to learn about her husband, Gijs van der Most. He's got his own story, you know, one that involves a passion for photography, a knack for business, and a family life that many find quite heartwarming. We're going to explore some of the things that make him who he is, from his professional pursuits to his personal connections, and maybe even a few lesser-known aspects of his character.

This piece will take a closer look at Gijs van der Most, going beyond just his connection to a well-known personality. We'll find out about his work, his family, and the path he has taken so far. It's really about getting a sense of the man himself, what drives him, and how he contributes to the lives around him, especially as a husband and a parent. There's quite a bit to uncover, actually, about this interesting individual.

Mal Al Sham

Who is Gijs van der Most? A Closer Look
The Story of Gijs van der Most and Michelle Buteau - How Did They Meet?
What Kind of Work Does Gijs van der Most Do?
Gijs van der Most's Creative Ventures
How Has Parenthood Shaped Gijs van der Most's Life?
The Family Life of Gijs van der Most
What Else Should You Know About Gijs van der Most?
Beyond the Lens - Gijs van der Most's Other Interests

Who is Gijs van der Most? A Closer Look

Gijs van der Most is a person with a good many facets to his life, apparently. He's known primarily as a photographer, someone who captures images with a unique perspective. But that's not his only activity; he also holds the title of businessman. Originally from the Netherlands, he has made a life for himself in the United States, specifically setting up roots in New York City, or more precisely, Brooklyn. His personal life is quite connected to the world of entertainment, as he is married to Michelle Buteau, a comedian and actress who has gained a good deal of recognition for her work. It's pretty clear he's a person who balances a creative career with personal commitments, too.

People often wonder about the individuals who prefer to stay a little out of the spotlight, especially when their partners are quite famous. Gijs van der Most, in this way, fits that description. He's someone who seems to let his work speak for itself, whether that's through his photography or his business dealings. His connection to Michelle Buteau has brought him some public attention, naturally, but his own professional path is certainly worth exploring on its own terms. He's a person who seems to approach his various roles with a good deal of thought and purpose.

From what we gather, Gijs van der Most has quite a history, beginning in his home country. He received an education in photographic design from HKU, which is the Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht, a notable art school. This background gave him a solid foundation for his creative pursuits. After spending a good part of his life in the Netherlands, he made the move to Los Angeles, California, before settling in New York. This shift in location suggests a person open to new experiences and opportunities, someone willing to change surroundings for personal and professional reasons, which is pretty interesting, actually.

Charles Ezekiel Mozes

Here's a quick look at some personal details about Gijs van der Most:

Full Name	Gijs van der Most
Nationality	Dutch
Profession	Photographer, Businessman
Spouse	Michelle Buteau (Comedian, Actress)
Children	Twins, Hazel and Otis
Residence	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Education	Photographic Design from HKU (Hogeschool voor de Kunsten Utrecht)
Age Group	Member of 47 year olds (as per available information)

The Story of Gijs van der Most and Michelle Buteau - How Did They Meet?

The connection between Gijs van der Most and Michelle Buteau is a story that began around the start of the 21st century, so it's been a good while. They met and, over time, began to grow closer, building a bond that would eventually lead them to decide on a life together. Their path to marriage was a gradual one, not something that happened overnight, which is pretty common for many couples, you know. It suggests a relationship built on getting to know each other well, allowing their feelings to deepen naturally over time.

Their wedding day arrived on July 30, 2010. This event marked the beginning of their official life as a married couple, a partnership that has now lasted for more than a decade. It's a significant milestone, showing a good deal of commitment and shared history. For any couple, reaching this point means they've navigated various parts of life together, supporting each other through different moments, both big and small. Their long marriage is a good sign of a strong foundation, actually.

Michelle Buteau has often spoken about her relationship with Gijs van der Most, giving people a glimpse into their shared life. He has been a very supportive presence for her throughout her career, which is something many people truly value in a partner. He has stood by her during important occasions, such as the 75th Annual Writers Guild Awards, and also during other significant personal moments. This kind of consistent backing suggests a deep level of care and respect within their relationship, allowing Michelle to pursue her professional goals with confidence. It's pretty clear he's a person who truly champions his wife.

Their relationship isn't just about support in public life; it also extends to their shared sense of humor and the lighter moments they experience. They've been known to make jokes about their path to parenthood and other aspects of their life together, which shows a good deal of comfort and openness between them. A shared laugh, after all, is a very important part of a lasting connection, and it seems Gijs van der Most and Michelle Buteau have plenty of that. It helps keep things light, too, in a way.

What Kind of Work Does Gijs van der Most Do?

Gijs van der Most has a professional life centered around photography, but it's not just any kind of photography. He's described as a documentary photographer, someone who aims to capture people, their actions, and the environments they inhabit. This particular style suggests a focus on real life, on telling stories through images rather than creating staged scenes. He's based in Los Angeles, which is a place with a good many different kinds of people and settings, so it makes sense for his kind of work. He's really about observing and recording, you know, what's around him.

His work has appeared in some rather well-known publications, too. Gijs van der Most has contributed his photographic skills to magazines like Esquire, Men's Health, and People. These are publications with a wide readership, which means his images reach a good many eyes. Working with such outlets shows that his style and ability are recognized and valued in the media world. It's a sign of a professional who has made a name for himself in a competitive field, which is pretty impressive, actually.

Beyond just taking pictures, Gijs van der Most is also known as a businessman. This aspect of his career suggests he's involved in more than just the creative side of things; he also understands the practical and commercial parts of running ventures. This combination of artistic talent and business sense is something that can be very helpful, allowing him to manage his creative projects while also thinking about their broader reach and impact. It's a good blend of skills, in some respects.

Gijs van der Most's Creative Ventures

One of the more distinct business activities Gijs van der Most is involved with is a furniture store called "Van der Most Modern." This establishment offers a collection of furniture and decor pieces, which are described as eclectic. This means they bring together items from different styles and periods, suggesting a very particular taste and a desire to offer unique finds. Gijs van der Most is the founder and owner of this store, which means he's personally involved in choosing the items and shaping the overall feel of the place. It's a very hands-on approach to business, apparently.

The focus of "Van der Most Modern" on mid-century modern pieces is something they take pride in, offering what they consider the best of this particular design period. This suggests a passion for design and an eye for specific aesthetics. It's not just about selling furniture; it's about curating a collection that reflects a certain style and quality. This venture shows another side of Gijs van der Most's creative interests, extending his visual sensibilities beyond photography into the world of interior spaces and objects. It's pretty cool, actually, to see that kind of range.

In addition to his photography and furniture business, Gijs van der Most is also known for his approach to leading projects that are considered groundbreaking in digital technology and sustainability. This suggests a forward-thinking mindset, someone who looks for new ways to do things and considers the impact on the world. It shows a commitment to innovation and to making choices that are responsible, which is a good quality in a business person. It's pretty clear he's someone who tries to stay ahead of the curve, you know.

His personal interests also hint at his creative leanings. He describes himself as a "design addict," which aligns perfectly with his furniture business and his general appreciation for visual appeal. He's also a "decent cook," which might seem a little different from his main pursuits, but it still involves creativity and attention to detail. These personal touches add to the picture of Gijs van der Most as a person with a good many varied interests and talents, someone who enjoys creating in different forms. It's a rather well-rounded picture, in some respects.

How Has Parenthood Shaped Gijs van der Most's Life?

One of the most cherished parts of Gijs van der Most's life, and Michelle Buteau's too, is their role as parents. They have twins, a boy named Otis and a girl named Hazel. These two children came into their lives in January 2019, through surrogacy. This means they welcomed their little ones with a good deal of planning and anticipation, a path that many families take these days. It's a very personal and meaningful way to build a family, and it's clear it means a good deal to them.

Michelle Buteau has openly shared the news about their children, giving people a glimpse into their family life. This openness helps others understand their journey to becoming parents, which can be quite an inspiring thing for many. The arrival of children changes everything, as most parents would agree. It brings a new set of responsibilities, a good deal of joy, and a different way of looking at the world. For Gijs van der Most, becoming a father to Hazel and Otis has clearly become a central part of his identity.

The couple has been married for over ten years, and during this time, they've also become parents to these two children who bring a good deal of happiness into their home. The fact that they've been together for such a long time and have built a family together shows a good deal of stability and enduring affection. Their shared experience of raising children, even with its challenges, has likely strengthened their bond even more. It's a pretty big part of their story, actually.

The Family Life of Gijs van der Most

The family of Gijs van der Most and Michelle Buteau lives in Brooklyn, New York. This is where they've created their home, a place for their twins to grow up. Living in a vibrant city like Brooklyn means they're part of a lively community, which can be a good setting for a family. Their home life, as much as we can gather, seems to be a place of love and support, where both Gijs and Michelle can balance their professional lives with their roles as parents. It's pretty much a busy household, I'd imagine.

Gijs van der Most is quite vocal about his pride in being a father. He refers to himself as a "proud father of Hazel & Otis," which is a very simple yet powerful statement. This shows that his children are a very important part of his life, something he holds dear. For many parents, their children become a central focus, influencing their decisions and bringing a good deal of meaning to their days. It's clear that Gijs feels this deeply, too.

Despite the various challenges that life can bring, the couple maintains a loving relationship. They've built a home that includes their twins and also their furniture store, suggesting a life that is both personally fulfilling and professionally active. Their ability to manage these different parts of their lives while keeping their relationship strong speaks to their dedication to each other and to their family. It's a good example of how people can make things work, you know, with a bit of effort and affection.

There's even a picture of Michelle Buteau with her husband Gijs van der Most and their kids at the Afropunk Festival in August 2019. This public appearance with their children shows that they are comfortable sharing glimpses of their family life, allowing people to see them as a unit. These kinds of moments, like attending festivals together, suggest a family that enjoys spending time with one another and experiencing things together. It's pretty much what you'd hope for, in a way, for a family.

What Else Should You Know About Gijs van der Most?

Beyond his roles as a photographer, businessman, husband, and father, there are a few other bits of information that paint a fuller picture of Gijs van der Most. For instance, he was born in the Netherlands, which is where his roots are. His early life and education took place there, shaping the person he is today. This background gives him a unique perspective, bringing a Dutch sensibility to his work and life in the United States. It's pretty interesting how people carry their origins with them, actually.

His move from Amsterdam to Los Angeles about two years before some of the information was shared, and then presumably to New York, shows a person who is willing to relocate for opportunities or personal reasons. In Los Angeles, he quickly became a favorite in the downtown area, which suggests his talent and personality made a good impression on people there. This ability to adapt and connect in new places is a very useful trait, especially for someone in creative fields. It shows a good deal of openness, you know, to new experiences.

Gijs van der Most is also known for his approach to leading projects that are considered groundbreaking in digital technology and sustainability. This is a bit of a different angle from his photography and furniture, but it shows his involvement in forward-thinking areas. It means he's not just focused on traditional creative pursuits but also on how technology and responsible practices can shape the future. This kind of vision is something that can be very valuable in today's world, in some respects.

Beyond the Lens - Gijs van der Most's Other Interests

As mentioned earlier, Gijs van der Most considers himself a "design addict." This passion for design likely influences his work as a photographer, helping him compose visually appealing shots, and it certainly plays a part in his furniture business. It's more than just a job; it's a genuine interest that seems to run through different parts of his life. People with strong passions often bring that energy to everything they do, and it seems Gijs is one of those individuals, too.

He's also described as a "decent cook," which is a charming detail. This suggests a person who enjoys the process of creating something tangible, whether it's a meal or a photograph or a curated furniture piece. It's a practical skill that also involves a good deal of creativity and attention to detail, much like his other pursuits. It's a small insight into his personal life, showing he has interests that extend beyond his main professional activities. It's a nice little touch, actually.

The information also notes his pride as a father, which is a very important part of his identity. Being a "proud father of Hazel & Otis" is a role he clearly embraces with a good deal of affection. This personal connection to his children adds a warmth to his public persona, showing that despite his professional accomplishments, his family remains a very central part of who he is. It's a very human aspect of his life, you know, that many people can relate to.

Overall, Gijs van der Most appears to be a person who balances multiple roles with a good deal of skill and dedication. From his work behind the camera for well-known publications to his efforts in business with his furniture store, and his commitment to his family, he presents a picture of a well-rounded individual. His supportive presence for Michelle Buteau, their shared parenting experiences, and his own creative and business interests all contribute to a full and active life. He's a person who seems to approach his many different roles with thought and a good deal of care.