A Family Photo Session in Amsterdam With a 6-Month-Old Baby

One of the questions I receive most often is whether a photo session with a baby is “too much,” especially when it is your first trip as a family. This session, photographed in the Negen Straatjes, is a good example of why it does not have to be complicated.

The family reached out before their trip with a clear goal: this was their first holiday with their six-month-old son, and they wanted photographs that felt playful, relaxed, and real. Nothing staged. Nothing rushed. Just memories of being together in Amsterdam.

For short sessions, the route makes all the difference. The Negen Straatjes is ideal for families with babies because everything is close together. You get canals, bridges, quiet corners, and lively streets without long walks. This allows variety without losing rhythm, which is especially important when photographing with a baby.

In just 30 minutes, we moved through several small locations, each one offering a slightly different background. This keeps the images varied while keeping the experience easy and calm for everyone.

When a baby is part of the session, the pace always comes first. There is no pressure to “perform.” We walk, pause when something feels right, and let moments happen naturally. Babies respond to movement, voices, and familiarity, so keeping parents relaxed is essential. When parents feel comfortable, babies do too.

In this session, the focus was on interaction rather than posing. Talking, walking, small gestures, and shared moments did the work. Even at six months old, their son responded beautifully, and we captured genuine expressions without forcing anything.

One of the things the family mentioned afterward was how much variety we achieved in a short time. That is not about moving fast, but about knowing where to go next before you arrive. Planning the route in advance allows the session to flow smoothly. We avoid backtracking, minimize walking distance, and choose locations that work well for light and space at that time of day.

This is especially important when traveling with a baby. The session should feel like a walk you would have taken anyway, just with someone quietly documenting it.

Amsterdam is a wonderful city for family photography, even with very young children. With the right approach, it does not need to be overwhelming or tiring. It can simply be part of your day.

If you are planning your first trip as a family and wondering whether a photo session makes sense, this is your sign that it can be easy, gentle, and genuinely enjoyable.

Until next time in Amsterdam,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam

* This photo session was photographed for Flytographer, which connects photographers with travellers around the world.