Photoshoot locations for couple photography in Amsterdam
One thing your couple photographer can’t control, unfortunately, is the weather. Amsterdam is known for its rainy climate and capricious weather—but this doesn’t mean the photoshoot cannot take place!
A professional photographer will know how to adapt to these. My favorite tricks are to always propose locations that are either partially covered or close to nice, covered spots where we can retreat in case of rain (or snow, or hail. You really never know with this place); and to bring some photogenic umbrellas with me. These babies saved me and the shoot many times.
What should you wear for a couple photoshoot in Amsterdam?
- Avoid clothes with (too many) patterns and loud colors. This will make the final images look a bit too busy and not coherent, and editing might not look as good as you’d expect.
- Try to focus on natural colors. While my personal style is not an ‘all beige’ one and I do like bold colors in my portraits, going for colors like muted greens, blues, grays and reds is going to make the final look a lot more cohesive and beautiful, no matter the background. My rule of thumb – if the colours exist in nature, they’re perfect.
- Bring a light jacket. See the point above about Amsterdam weather.
- Coordinate your outfits—a little. Now, I’m not saying you should wear the same clothes or colours (although if you want to, amazing! It’s gonna look fab.). But making sure you like how your outfits look together before the photoshoot is important. Try the outfits on, snap some mirror photos, and choose what you like most!
Posing tips for couples’ photoshoots: Natural poses and how to feel comfortable
But this should really be one of your last worries! I believe it’s a portrait photographer’s job to help you feel at ease and give you prompts and guidance, especially if it’s one of your first photoshoots.
Each photographer has their own unique way of directing and their preferred poses. I like to adapt to my couples and try and use their dynamic to create special, unique portraits that capture their essence. If we’re working together, I’ll do my best to keep you moving and laughing so that I snap those perfect candid moments you two share. And before you know it, I’ll be offering small tips and directions that’ll make you look like models in the final result.
- Most likely, you’re going to move a lot. I’d advise you to practice walking slowly hand in hand, taking turns in who leads the way. Try also running, making silly jumps or tickling each other (it really works, trust me), twirling and telling jokes while moving around.
- There will be some close-ups, too! I like to tell my couples to do things like kissing their partner’s forehead or cheek, hugging from behind or playing with their partner’s hair.
- Walking hand in hand, running together
- Kissing your partner’s forehead
- Having your hands on your partner’s face
- Hugging from behind
- Piggybacking
- Twirling (extra points for flowy clothes)
- Sitting in your partner’s lap
- Dance together
- Pick your partner up
- Leaning on each other
- Sitting on a bench or stairs
- Using your partner as a human pillow (so cute)
Day-of tips: How to stay relaxed and communicate with your photographer
- Start your day with a relaxing activity, like a light stroll, a quick meditation session or just a nice brunch, to set a positive tone.
- Bring with you essentials like water, snacks and touch-up makeup to stay refreshed, especially if you’re moving between locations.
- Talk to your photographer during the shoot to discuss any expectations, concerns or any specific poses like to try!
- Above all, enjoy the moment! This is your day, and the most important thing is to have fun.
