People often ask me, "Where is the best place for a family photo session in Amsterdam?"

The answer is that there isn't one. The best location depends on your family.

Amsterdam is a city of neighbourhoods. Each one has its own atmosphere, architecture, pace, and story. More importantly, every family experiences the city differently. A family with toddlers has different needs from a family travelling with teenagers, and a couple celebrating an anniversary will enjoy a completely different route from grandparents visiting with the whole family.

That's why I never choose a location before getting to know you.

After reading your questionnaire, understanding your plans for the day, and learning how your family likes to travel, I recommend the route that best fits your experience.

Here are the locations I return to most often.

Jordaan near Westerkerk

If your priority is photographing the Amsterdam you have always imagined, this is usually my first recommendation.

The Westerkerk and the Westertoren create one of the city's most recognisable views. Around them, you'll find narrow canals, quiet streets, beautiful canal houses, and charming bridges that immediately make your photographs feel like Amsterdam.

One of the things I enjoy most about this area is how quickly we leave the busiest streets behind. Within just a few minutes, we're walking through peaceful corners where children can relax and families can enjoy the city without constantly waiting for people to pass by.

I also love ending a route with the Westertoren in the background as the final chapter of your Amsterdam story.

Brouwersgracht

Although many visitors think of Brouwersgracht as part of the Canal Belt, it has a personality of its own. Historically, this was an area of warehouses, and you can still recognise that in the wider canals and the larger buildings that line the water.

The atmosphere feels brighter, more colourful and more lively. There are usually more boats passing by, more cyclists crossing the bridges, and a little more movement than in the quieter streets of the Jordaan.

If you're looking for a local atmosphere that still feels unmistakably Dutch, this is one of my favourite areas to photograph.

Leidsegracht

When families tell me they want to make the most of their time, Leidsegracht is usually my recommendation. Adding here pictures from a proposal, as it seems all family photos I have taken at this location are private, but this proposal will show the location perfectly.

This is probably my favourite location when I need the greatest variety of backgrounds with the least amount of walking.

Within a short distance, we have elegant canal houses, beautiful bridges, peaceful streets, boats passing by, and wonderful views across the water. Every direction offers something different, which means we spend more time creating photographs and less time moving between locations.

It's also one of my favourite areas for grandparents and larger family groups because everything is close together while still feeling spacious and relaxed.

Torensluis

If I had to choose the best meeting point in Amsterdam, it would probably be Torensluis. What makes it special isn't only the bridge itself, but everything it connects.

From here we can head towards the Canal Belt, the Jordaan, the Nine Streets or the historic city centre. It offers one of the most flexible starting points in Amsterdam, allowing me to adapt the route to every family.

The bridge itself is beautiful, with cobblestones under your feet, views across the Singel, and historic buildings surrounding you. Within just a few minutes, we're already walking through pedestrian streets where children can safely explore while we continue photographing.

For families who want to experience both old Amsterdam and the elegant Canal Belt in one session, this is one of my favourite places to begin.

There Isn't One Perfect Location. If your priority is iconic Amsterdam, I'll probably recommend the Jordaan. The Westerkerk and the Westertoren create one of the city's most recognisable postcards.

If your dream is to be surrounded by canals and spend time close to the water, I'll usually suggest the western side of the Canal Belt, where we can photograph beside the boats and enjoy some of Amsterdam's most elegant waterways. But also, here is where we have an unobstructed view of historical houses.

If you'd like to minimise walking while still enjoying a wide variety of backgrounds, Leidsegracht is difficult to beat.

And if you'd like to combine the historic city centre with the Canal Belt and have the greatest flexibility during the session, Torensluis is my favourite place to start.

Every route begins differently because every family is different. My goal isn't simply to show you Amsterdam; it's to help your family experience it together, creating photographs that will remind you not only of what the city looked like, but of how it felt to discover it.

Joanna 

Your Vacation Photographer in Amsterdam

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which area of Amsterdam is best for family photographs?

It depends on your family. Some families want iconic canals, while others prefer quieter streets where children can play freely. I recommend the location after learning about your children's ages, your interests, and your plans for the day.

Is the Jordaan a good location for family photography?

Yes. The Jordaan combines quiet canals, pedestrian streets, historic houses, and the iconic Westertoren, making it one of my favourite neighbourhoods for relaxed family sessions.

Which location requires the least walking?

Leidsegracht is usually my recommendation when families want the greatest variety of backgrounds while keeping walking to a minimum.

Can we include Amsterdam's famous canals without visiting crowded areas?

Absolutely. One of the advantages of photographing in Amsterdam regularly is knowing quieter streets and canals that still capture the city's character while avoiding the busiest tourist areas whenever possible.