Edit: This post was originally written in 2020 during the Covid lockdown in Amsterdam. For context.
What do you do when you live in Amsterdam but can’t do portrait photoshoots anymore? You plan the next one, of course.
Living in Amsterdam is a blessing when it comes to outdoor portrait photoshoots. It’s crazy pretty out there. Yet, these days I have to resort to browsing through past sessions and editing older material. Or, of course, doing self-portraits with whatever props I find in-house (which, I must say, I have enjoyed quite a bit).
I really miss going around Amsterdam’s streets and finding beautiful backdrops with my friends and models. I’d lie if I said I didn’t think about using my 108mm lens to organise some social-distancing shoots. But in the end, I thought I’d be a good girl and do my part by staying home as much as possible. #stayhome
So as I cannot shoot that right now, I thought I’d share some on my favourite photoshoot locations in Amsterdam with you.
#1 The 9 Streets (Amsterdam Centre)
‘Alright, Captain Obvious’, you might say. Amsterdam’s City Center is by default a pretty popular photography destination. From wedding photographers to Instagram travel influencers, everyone comes here for pictures. But there’s something about The 9 Streets that makes me wanna return there again and again. Its narrow streets, boutique shops, and constant flow of people make it special for me (albeit a challenge sometimes). It’s also crossing several ‘grachten’ so you have so many photo opportunities in one go.
#2 The Amstel area (Amsterdam Center-East)
Amstel is the city’s famous river (and yes, also one of the beers originating from Amsterdam). There’s something really grand about it, with its many beautiful bridges and large canal houses. It’s my go-to place when I want to get that Amsterdam vibe in my shots.
#3 Parks, parks, parks! (all over Amsterdam)
Perhaps not the most exciting of locations, Amsterdam’s parks are always a great spot for photoshoots. I like to go there when I don’t have a photoshoot planned to the detail, and feel like improvising a bit. I like the challenge of finding green corners with beautiful light or making use of basic elements like benches and pathways to create something cool. A great spot for classic portraits! Go to Vondelpark for taking the city’s pulse, or to smaller parks like Erasmuspark to get some more room to breathe.
#4 Wibautstraat (Amsterdam East)
Now we’re getting into new territory. As established, Amsterdam is a gem, a small city with a big personality and a village vibe. But sometimes I want to get away from that typical Amsterdam imagery with its narrow houses and concentric canals. Amsterdam East and its ‘boulevard’ Wibautstaat have a rougher edge that I love as it reminds me of Bucharest, my home town. Be it that you go for its concrete buildings or office towers, Amsterdam East gives you Big City vibes without leaving the capital.
#5 Amsterdam North (well, Amsterdam Noord)
Amsterdam locals know that the North is arguably its coolest area. Industrial landscape, alternative bars and great party places, all one ferry ride away. But go a bit further than NDSM, and you might find yourself amongst small traditional houses, large green fields and waterways. Definitely a great place if you’re looking for a mix of what Amsterdam can offer.
