Visiting the American Photography exhibition at the Rijksmuseum felt like walking through the pages of a book I once studied, one I still carry with me. I had learned those names years ago in photography class: Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, Richard Avedon. I had seen their work in slides, in books, on screens. But this time, I wasn’t studying. I was feeling. All pictures in this post were taken during the exhibition, which finished on June 9th, 2025.
The moment I stepped in, the deep black-and-white tones, the documentary style, and the quiet power of each image brought back everything I love about photography. Some of these photos were iconic, others less well-known, but all of them familiar in a way that made me pause. It felt personal. Like meeting old mentors again, and remembering why I chose this path.
Each section of the exhibition seemed to hold a mirror to the world we know: everyday life, hardship, joy, curiosity. Diane Arbus’s portraits especially stopped me. They always do. The way she captured people, real, raw, unposed, has always left a mark on me as a photographer. There’s a sense of honesty that I hope to carry in my own work.
The exhibition is more than a walk through American history; it’s a journey through a photographer’s eyes. It reminded me how powerful images can be when they carry emotion, truth, and time all at once.
This visit wasn’t just for inspiration; it was a moment of reconnection. As someone who spends most days capturing memories for others, I needed this quiet reminder of why I do what I do. If you’re in Amsterdam before it closes, I really recommend going. But even if you’re not, take this as a little nudge to find a local exhibition, revisit a photo book, or pause with your own pictures.
Sometimes we don’t need to travel far to feel moved; we just need to stand still long enough to feel.
Amsterdam has a way of surprising you, not just with canals and tulips, but with stories tucked into museum walls, photo archives, and quiet corners that come alive if you pause long enough. If you're planning a visit, don't just follow the big lists. Follow your curiosity.
Let yourself be moved by an exhibition you didn’t expect, a photo that lingers in your mind, a story that shifts how you see the world. Come discover the Amsterdam that lives not only in postcards, but in art, memory, and everyday magic.
I’ll be here, still exploring, and I’d love to help you do the same.
Tot ziens (see you soon!),
Joanna
