A First European Trip, A Houseboat Stay, And A Love Story Told in Amsterdam

It was their first trip to Europe together, their second photo session, and a celebration of a relationship built on travel, curiosity, and shared adventures. Married for three years and together for ten, they wanted photos that felt playful, honest, and true to who they are, with Amsterdam as a quiet companion in the background.

They were staying on a houseboat just outside the Anne Frank House, a detail that already said a lot about how they experience a city. Close to the water. Close to history. Observing daily life from a slower point of view. The plan was simple. Walk, talk, photograph, and let the city guide us.

On the day of the session, we received a thunderstorm alert. We talked in advance about umbrellas and flexibility, and we kept an eye on the weather apps. By the time we met, the small streets of the Jordaan were flooded from heavy rain earlier in the day. They had shared that they love old buildings and history, so we moved toward the canal belt. The streets there felt calmer, more open, and better suited to the light and conditions we had. This kind of decision is part of how I work. The goal is never to stick to a route at all costs, but to respond to what the city is offering in that moment. And Amsterdam offered us something beautiful.

What stood out most during this session was how naturally they connected with each other. There was a sense of ease, humor, and affection that didn’t need much direction. My role was mostly to observe, suggest small adjustments, and choose spaces where their dynamic could unfold without interruption. We walked, paused, laughed, and kept moving. The photos reflect that rhythm. They feel light, intimate, and full of small in-between moments that often matter more than the obvious ones.

These images are not just souvenirs. They are anchors to a chapter of life that will never repeat in the same way again.

Until next time in Amsterdam,

Joanna

Your Photographer in Amsterdam

* This photo session was captured with love for Flytographer in Amsterdam.