A beautiful location in Amsterdam can change from one week to the next.

A bridge that normally offers a clear view of the canals and historic houses can suddenly be surrounded by yellow signs. A street can have temporary restrictions, or part of the canal may be reserved for filming.

This is why checking photography routes is part of my work before we meet.

Knowing a location means keeping an eye on it

I know the locations I use for photo sessions, but Amsterdam is constantly changing. A street that photographed beautifully last month may look different when we return.

I try to check my most requested routes every week. I live in Amsterdam and cycle through the city centre regularly. Having an office in the Canal Belt, where I go for editing and focused work, makes these checks easier to fit into my week.

On my way there, I can check several routes, including the Nine Streets, the Jordaan and the Western Canal Belt, as well as two custom routes near hotels that clients often request.

I’m looking at familiar streets with your photographs in mind.

What I noticed on Leidsegracht

About a month ago, I noticed a small announcement near one of the locations I use for longer sessions. More recently, I returned to find yellow signs all around the bridge. These photos were taken on September 21st, 2026.

One notice announced that bicycles and mopeds attached to bridge railings, street furniture and bicycle racks would be removed on 4 October 2026.

Another sign announced filming, with no boat mooring permitted from 4 to 6 October.

These notices do not mean the whole street is closed. When I took these photographs, the bridge was still accessible. But the signs had already changed the background I would normally use for portraits.

For a session starting in the Nine Streets, I can plan to continue towards the Jordaan or another nearby part of the Canal Belt instead.

There is time to adjust the plan

In my experience, these signs often appear around two weeks before the scheduled activity, sometimes earlier. Reading them helps me understand which dates are affected and consider alternatives before your session.

For advance bookings and proposals, this preparation is part of planning the experience.

If you book a session at the last minute, there may already be signs or restrictions in your preferred area. We can still choose a lovely route nearby. Sometimes the adjustment is as small as crossing another bridge or walking one block further.

Your meeting point can usually stay the same

Many clients choose an area because it is close to their hotel. I keep that in mind when adjusting a route.

Unless it is really necessary, I keep the agreed meeting point and change the direction we walk from there. I know alternative spots within the neighbourhood, so we can adapt without adding a long walk.

If you have requested a specific route and I know it needs to change, I will explain the adjustment. If you have chosen only your date and time, I can recommend a route based on the conditions that day.

The time of day matters too

Rubbish collection is another detail I consider when choosing a route. In parts of central Amsterdam, household rubbish is placed outside on designated collection days. On the routes I use, collection usually happens between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., so afternoon sessions are normally unaffected.

For evening sessions, I also consider the following morning’s collection. Residents may begin putting rubbish outside from late afternoon.

The nearby areas I use have different collection schedules. Depending on the day and time, I can choose between the Jordaan and the Western Canal Belt to avoid streets where bags are waiting to be collected.

It is a small detail, but it makes a difference to both the photographs and the walk.

A final look before we meet

I arrive about ten minutes before each session. Travelling by bicycle allows me to take a quick look around the immediate route before we begin.

Unexpected changes can still happen. Knowing nearby alternatives helps me respond and keep the session moving comfortably.

You don’t need to arrive knowing which streets to avoid or which bridge will give us the best background. I consider those details part of preparing your session.

Your part is to enjoy being here. I’ve got you.

Planning a photo session in Amsterdam? Let me know when you’re visiting, and we’ll choose a route that suits you.

Joanna

Your Vacation Photographer in Amsterdam