Planning a trip to Amsterdam and want to book an Amsterdam family photographer? Keep scrolling to check out my tips for finding affordable Amsterdam photographers for your next Netherlands vacation!
This post about tips for finding affordable Amsterdam photographers was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links which means if you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
I’m the mom who books our family vacation photos as soon as I’ve booked the hotel. They are literally one of my favorite things to do whenever I travel with my kids.
So, no one was surprised when I decided to schedule an Amsterdam photo shoot on our first morning of the trip.
It was one of my favorite family photo sessions ever! Keep scrolling to see what happened and how you can replicate the experience!
Don’t have time to read a bunch of Amsterdam blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Amsterdam with kids.
Popular Amsterdam Tours/Activities
- Day Trip to Zaanse Schans and Giethoorn (easy way to day trip without any stress)
- Van Gogh Museum Kid-Friendly Private Tour (includes skip-the-line tickets)
- Family-Friendly Amsterdam Private Tour (it’s customizable and a great way to get kids interested in history)
- The Upside Down Amsterdam (fun, Instagram museum for families)
- Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book are really affordable)
Kid-Friendly Amsterdam Hotels
- Radisson Blu (great location with lots of family room options)
- Pulitzer Amsterdam (lots of kid-friendly amenities plus family room options)
- Volkshotel (unique hotel near Oosterpark and the Deppermarkt)
- Amsterdam Marriott Hotel (offers family rooms near the Van Gogh Museum)
- Conservatorium Hotel (spacious rooms in the Museum District)
Want to Rent a Bike in Amsterdam?
One of the best places to rent a bike in Amsterdam is MacBike Bike Rental because they usually have the cheapest rates and fantastic customer service. Check rates here.
Why are Amsterdam Family Photos Important?
For our family, it was our first time visiting Amsterdam and it’s been on my travel bucket list for ages. It’s also the only time our family will be traveling to Amsterdam with a 6-year-old and a 9-year-old.
I really love capturing each slice of our lives because time never stands still. I want to be able to look back and see our expressions exploring a new city.
Doing a photoshoot in Amsterdam was a lot of fun and it was a cool way to see the city with a local.
Our kids were especially excited about the bicycles and canals, so we tried to incorporate them as much as possible. I think our favorite Amsterdam memories include NOT getting run over by bicycles!
Why You Should Hire an Amsterdam Vacation Photographer Through Flytographer
1. SECRET INSIDER TIPS
We always love chatting with local photographers because they usually know great places to eat, explore, or play.
When we chatted with our photographer Steven, we got some tips on how to avoid being run over by a slew of bicycles!
2. POSING HELP
Our photographer Steven was great at coming up with fun ideas like doing a conga line and pretending to be a train.
He also helped us with family photos where we posed on bridges or with cool buildings in the background. The kids appreciated getting some clear direction on where to look or what to do with their hands.
3. CAN LEAVE YOUR GEAR AT HOME
My husband always brings his big camera and camera bag everywhere we go and it can be a real pain.
It’s nice to not worry about it and trust someone else to get all the good shots while we can just hang out as a family. That’s a big perk of a professional Amsterdam photoshoot.
4. THEY ARE FUN + EASY!
Our photographer Steven introduced us to the concept of “silent laughing” after we showed him how we sometimes fake laugh during photo shoots. He took it to the next level by creating a competition!
We did the quietest photography session on someone’s doorstep but it looks like we were hooting and hollering. The kids thought this was hilarious and that they were super stealthy!
5. HASSLE FREE BOOKING
It really doesn’t get much easier than booking a local photographer through Flytographer. It’s a simple form to fill out and if you’re requested professional photographer isn’t available, they will reach out to others.
Using Flytographer is the easiest way to find cool photographers in Amsterdam.
Top Amsterdam Photography Spots
The Jordaan
This is the route we booked because it’s pretty much postcard-perfect Amsterdam. It’s one of the most popular Amsterdam photo spots.
We got towering Victorian homes, winding streets, and beautiful canals as our backdrops.
De Negen Straatjes
This is a group of adorable shopping streets in Amsterdam’s canal belt. It’s a cute area for browsing quirky shops, admiring iconic architecture and checking out cafes.
Magere Bridge
If you want photos over the famous Old Dutch “Skinny Bridge”, this is the route you’ll want to take. It’s right over the Amstel River.
De Pijp
If you want something a bit more off-the-beaten-path, you might want to head to de Pijp. It’s a up-and-coming trendy neighborhood with narrow Bohemian streets.
How to Book Affordable Amsterdam Photographers
Over the years, we’ve worked with numerous vacation photographers, but Flytographer has consistently stood out for creating some of the most unforgettable moments.
In essence, Flytographer serves as a one-stop vacation photography portal, allowing you to connect with photographers in virtually any part of the world, including Amsterdam.
Their presence is exceptionally strong in Europe, boasting a ton of photographers across the continent. Find the best prices here.
Flytographer streamlines the process of choosing the ideal Amsterdam family photographer. Their platform enables you to explore the photographers’ unique styles, discover their favorite hidden photo spots, and peruse their online portfolios before committing to a booking.
Flytographer’s reservation process is straightforward and swift—simply select your desired dates with a single click. Try it out HERE.
Following your selection, Flytographer will verify availability on your behalf, eliminating any potential stress about choosing an available date or time. They will then return to you with more details on what options would suit them best!
What I love most about Flytographer is that they are FAST! We sometimes receive our photos before the end of our trip! I love looking at them on our flight home.
What to Wear for Your Amsterdam Photo Shoot
Of course, you can totally wear whatever you want for your Amsterdam family photos. But, I know some people like to get ideas, so I’m listing a few options to add to your Amsterdam packing list to make your photos look cohesive.
Comfort is Key
Whether you’re strolling along the historic canals or posing by the city’s iconic landmarks, comfortable footwear is essential.
The cobblestones are uneven and sometimes loose, so I don’t recommend heels. Flat shoes or sandals are perfect.
Layer Up
Amsterdam’s weather can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon for a sunny day to suddenly turn chilly or rainy. Layer your clothing so you can adjust throughout the day.
I’m so glad that I brought sweaters for my boys and a denim jacket for myself. I really didn’t think we’d need them at first since we had a late morning shoot, but we definitely needed that extra layer!
Classic and Timeless
You can’t go wrong with classic styles and neutral colors, especially in a city as timeless as Amsterdam.
Neutral palettes include whites, greys, browns, and blues. We went with greys, blues, and a pop of yellow.
Your photos will have a timeless quality to them, and your outfits won’t distract from the beautiful city backdrop.
Pop of Color
Amsterdam is known for its bursts of color, from tulips to vibrant house fronts. Don’t be afraid to incorporate some color into your wardrobe to reflect the city’s lively character.
My friend did a Flytographer photo shoot in Amsterdam the week before me and she wore a red maxi skirt and a red beret and I was totally bummed that I didn’t think of that!
Accessorize
Hats, scarves, a bouquet, or a vintage bicycle can add a touch of Dutch charm to your photos. You can grab some items at local shops.
We brought along Miffy stuffies to use for a few photos. And I wore a straw hat and a pearl necklace.
7 Tips for Getting Awesome Rome Family Pictures Every Time
1. Bring an Adapter for Hair Tools
If you usually use a flat iron or curling iron to do your hair, make sure your hair tools are dual voltage AND bring an adapter with you.
It’s not very humid in Amsterdam, so you might not need as many products (like hairspray) that you’d need in other destinations.
2. You’ll Want to do Full Makeup
There’s something about doing photos that can make your face look a bit washed out. That’s why I always suggest that people do full makeup (or at least lipstick) even if they don’t normally wear it.
It’s an easy way to look put-together and you’ll probably look more like yourself in the photos.
3. Think About Your Outfits
Amsterdam is a bit of a quirky destination so you can really show off your unique personalities. Or you can do something more neutral. Either way, you’ll want to think about what to wear as you are packing.
If you have the suitcase space, pack one outfit for warm weather and one for cooler weather so you have some options.
4. Figure Out the Best Time of Day for Your Family
Usually I recommend that people aim for an early morning shoot whenever possible. That’s because the lighting is great and there are usually a lot less people out and about.
Evening time is also a popular choice because you can take advantage of Golden Hour lighting. But, you might also have to wait longer for crowds to move out of your shot.
We ended up going with a late morning shoot and that was perfect for us. We had been traveling for more than a week and my kids and hubby were needing a lazy morning.
5. Choose Your Route Carefully
Take a look at all the photo shoot route options to see which one has the type of backgrounds you have in mind.
We really wanted photos with the canals and cute buildings. I love photos that really emphasize the destination.
6. Add an Incentive For Your Kids
We promised our kids a shopping spree at Tony’s Chocolonely at the end of our Amsterdam photography session. And we told them they would earn Pokemon cards.
I know that doing family photos isn’t always super fun for kids (and we do them a LOT) so I like to reward my kids for humoring me.
7. Think About Props
We bought little Miffy stuffed animals with us. Our kids were already obsessed with Miffy but we didn’t realize it was from the Netherlands! We figured it would be cute and appropriate to have those in our photos.
I also considered getting a bouquet of flowers to hold while walking around.
How to Hire a Photographer in Amsterdam Netherlands FAQs
What are the best locations for a family photo shoot in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam offers several picturesque locations for a family photo shoot. Popular choices include the canals (especially the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht), the historic Jordaan neighborhood, Vondelpark, the Rijksmuseum, and the colorful flower market (Bloemenmarkt).
How much does a professional family photo shoot in Amsterdam typically cost?
The cost of a professional family photo shoot can vary significantly based on the photographer’s experience, the length of the shoot, the number of edited photos provided, and any additional services.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from 200 to 500 Euros. Always confirm pricing and what’s included upfront with your chosen photographer.
What should we wear for a family photo shoot?
A: It’s best to coordinate your outfits without being too matchy-matchy. Stick to a color palette that complements each other. Try to avoid overly busy patterns that can be distracting.
Ultimately, it’s important that you feel comfortable and yourself in what you’re wearing as it will reflect in the photos.
How long does a typical family photo shoot last?
A: A typical family photo shoot in Amsterdam can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the photographer and the package you select. This allows for changes in location and outfit changes if needed.
My kids are usually only down for doing 60-minute photo shoots.
How do we prepare our kids for the photo shoot?
It’s important to explain to kids what will happen to prepare them and get their cooperation. Make sure they are well-rested and fed before the shoot to avoid any crankiness.
Bring along some snacks and toys as distraction tools if needed. Most importantly, make the experience fun for them!
How to Hire an Amsterdam Photographer Wrap Up
Finding a professional photographer in Amsterdam doesn’t need to be a daunting task.
With a ton of talented local photographers at your fingertips, you can effortlessly capture the magic of your Amsterdam trip in the heart of the city center and beyond.
Trusting in a local’s expertise not only gives you access to the best photo spots in Amsterdam but also a unique, insider’s perspective on this vibrant city.
Remember, booking professional photographers should be a hassle-free experience, allowing you to focus on creating and preserving precious memories. Check the latest rates and availability.
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, so why not ensure your photographs narrate the most enchanting story of your Amsterdam adventure?
Looking for more Amsterdam travel content? Check out my top Amsterdam travel tips, how to spend 3 days in Amsterdam with kids, places to stay in Amsterdam with kids, things to do in Amsterdam with kids, is Giethoorn worth visiting, things to do in Zaanse Schans, and my top Amsterdam day trips!
