A Blooming Celebration in Voorhout: Spring Photography Done Right

The Dutch tulip season is nothing short of magical, but did you know that access to these stunning fields isn’t available all spring long? Most people don’t! That’s why I’m so excited to share one of the most meaningful shoots I’ve done: a tulip field session that celebrated a couple’s special announcement: they're expecting!

We captured this joyful moment in Voorhout, with a carefully planned itinerary designed to respect both the land and the locals who cultivate it.

Why You Can’t Just Walk into a Tulip Field

It’s tempting to stop and snap a few photos when you see endless rows of tulips along the road, but entering a field without permission isn’t just frowned upon, it’s harmful. Here’s why:

- The bulbs are the most important part of the plant, and even one misstep can damage the crops.

-All fields are private property. Unless there’s a clear sign saying visitors are welcome you can not step in one, and even then, it’s essential to book ahead and follow strict guidelines. This season, and even though I cycled every day throughout the region, I have seen only one garden with a small A4 paper mentioning that entrance was allowed. It was in Noordwijkerhout, and last year, a bigger sign was in this same place. But there is also Tulip Store Showgarden in Voorhout, which is very well known as they have the most beautiful tulips of the region, at least my favourites.

- If you don’t see a sign, assume it’s not okay to enter. It’s not free to access, even if no one’s watching.

Ethical photography means preserving the beauty we capture, and that starts with respect.

Our Experience: Showgarden to Field, With a Bicycle Break

For this session, we went to two locations:

- Tulip Showgarden in Voorhout – A colorful, well-maintained garden where we began our session.

- De Tulperij – One of the few fields open to visitors, where we had early access to their stunning show garden and blooming tulip rows. There is registration in advance and a fee to pay for access for 45 minutes.

Since we had about 15 minutes between locations, I gave the couple my bike for the walk, adding a dreamy, local element to their gallery. The results? Unforgettable.

A Beautiful Way to Share Big News

This couple used their session to announce their pregnancy, making it even more special. We planned poses and angles that honored their joy while preserving the natural integrity of the surroundings. They later shared:

“We really enjoyed the tulip shoot with Joanna! She picked the locations perfectly and had a great vision for how to get the best angles, making it a fun and easy experience for us while on holiday in Amsterdam.”

If you're planning a visit during bloom season, especially around the famous Flower Parade, know that you can enjoy the fields ethically. Many locations like De Tulperij require:

- Registration

- Payment

- A guided timeslot

- Following rules (no high heels, no running, no crossing rows randomly)

It’s all in service of keeping this stunning Dutch tradition alive for future generations.

Looking to book your own tulip shoot with someone who knows the field (literally and figuratively)? I’d love to help you create something beautiful, with permission, purpose, and petals.

Until next photo session,

Joanna

Branding & Vacation Photographer based in Amsterdam