One of the things I love the most about my work is exploring Amsterdam with purpose. I walk through the city almost every day, and these walks are more than moving from one place to another. They are long moments of quiet observation. I look at how the light hits a bridge at a certain hour, how trees change from one season to the next, how busy a street feels, and how the history of each place shapes the atmosphere around it.

For me, scouting is not about finding “pretty corners.” It’s about choosing places that support the story you want to tell in your photos, and making sure that the session feels relaxed, safe, and enjoyable for you.

I look for places with real stories

Amsterdam has layers. Some areas feel soft and calm, others feel lively and full of movement. When I scout a location, I pay attention to what makes it unique. A house from the 1600s. A canal bridge that was once part of the old trade routes. A quiet garden with a story hidden behind a wooden door. These stories help shape the mood of the photos, even if you never mention them out loud.

I study the rhythm of each area

Every part of the city has its own rhythm.

Some streets are beautiful but too crowded at certain hours. Some are perfect early in the morning. Others work best in the afternoon when the sun hits the buildings from the side. I watch how people move, what kind of traffic there is, and if families can feel comfortable there.

I want you to have space to walk, talk, and enjoy the moment without rushing or dodging groups of people. A good spot should allow us to create a full gallery during the whole session, not only in tiny windows between crowds.

I think of backgrounds that give variety

You may notice that my galleries often move from narrow streets to open canals, from bridges to green areas. I look for places that allow variety within short walking distances. That way, you get different backgrounds and a story that flows naturally.

I also plan with you

When you book a session with me, I send you a small questionnaire. It helps me understand you better. I encourage you to add pictures from my portfolio that speak to you. Maybe you love the canals in golden light, or maybe you like the narrow streets of the Jordaan. Some people tell me which areas of the city they’ll be in before or after the session, or if they have a museum or restaurant booking. All of this helps me map a location that fits not only your vibe, but also your plans for the day.

It’s a simple way for us to create a route together, even before we meet.

For proposals, the process goes even deeper

When someone is planning a proposal, I visit the location in advance. I walk the whole route, take reference photos, and record short videos that show each step, how to get there, where to wait, where to stand, and what you’ll see around you. Since most people proposing have never been to the exact spot before, these videos help them feel calm and confident.

I want the moment to feel natural and easy, even if it’s happening in a city you’ve never visited before.

All of this matters

A session is more than the photos you receive. It’s the feeling of being in a place that matches you. The places I choose are safe, beautiful, and tied to the stories of the city. They give you room to relax, explore, and be yourself.

And for me, that’s what makes the photos feel alive.

Until I see you in Amsterdam,

Joanna

Your Vacation Photographer in Amsterdam