What to wear for a photoshoot in Amsterdam
Choose soft, solid colours that work well against red brick and dark canal water, comfortable shoes for the cobbles, and a warm layer for the wind by the canals. Then dress for the season and choose something you feel good in.
Key takeaways
- Muted, solid colours work well: cream, camel, navy, olive, rust, denim blue and soft pastels in spring.
- Neon colours, large logos and busy prints can draw attention away from your faces.
- Choose flats or block heels. Our routes take us along cobbled lanes, over bridges and up and down steps.
- Bring one layer for the wind by the water, even in summer.
Colours that work well in Amsterdam
Many of our routes take us past red-brown brick, dark canal water, painted bridges and leafy streets. Muted colours work well with these backdrops and keep the focus on you.
Cream and ivory, camel and tan, navy, olive, rust and soft blue denim are all good choices. White looks lovely against brick and can brighten an outfit on a grey morning.
Try to avoid neon colours, large logos and very fine patterns, such as narrow stripes or tiny checks, which can create distracting patterns in photos. An all-black outfit can blend into dark façades on a cloudy day, so consider adding a lighter piece, such as a cream scarf or a white shirt under your coat.
Planning a session? Tell us about your trip, and we will help you choose a route, a start time and what to wear.
Dressing as a couple
Choose outfits that complement each other without matching exactly. One of you might wear a stronger colour while the other keeps to neutrals, or you could share a colour in small details.
Aim for a similar level of dressiness: both relaxed, or both dressed for dinner. Texture helps too. Wool, knitwear, linen and denim add interest, while very shiny fabrics can catch the light and draw attention.
Shoes for cobbles, bridges and steps
Most sessions are a walk along cobbled lanes, over bridges and up and down stone steps. Thin heels can catch between the stones and become uncomfortable. Block heels, loafers, clean trainers or ankle boots all work well. If you have a special pair you want to wear in the photos, bring them in a bag and change into them for a few shots.
What to wear in each season
Spring (March to May)
Spring brings tulips, blossom and cool mornings. A trench coat or denim jacket over a dress or knitwear works well on milder days; bring a warmer layer if the forecast is chilly. Soft pastels look lovely against blossom, while solid cream or white works well among the tulips near Keukenhof.
Summer (June to August)
Linen, light dresses and short sleeves work well on warmer days. Bring a layer for the evening breeze by the canals. We often suggest an early morning or an evening session for softer light, with the exact time depending on your date. Take your sunglasses off for some of the photos so we can see your eyes.
Autumn (September to November)
Knitwear, wool coats, rust, camel and deep green look lovely against the autumn leaves along the canals. Showers can come and go, so a hooded coat is useful between photos.
Winter (December to February)
Your coat will be visible in most photos, so choose it first. Camel, cream or grey works well on overcast days, and a plain scarf or hat adds colour and warmth. Bring gloves to wear between photos. If your visit coincides with the Amsterdam Light Festival, ask us about an evening route past the artworks.
If it rains
Light rain can work beautifully in photos, with reflections on wet streets and the two of you sharing an umbrella. Choose a clear or plain umbrella rather than a printed one. If heavy rain is forecast for your session, we find you a new date at no cost.
Wind, hair and small things
Open bridges can be windier than the surrounding lanes. Bring a hair tie and choose a hairstyle that does not need to stay perfectly in place. Keep phones and keys out of your pockets and bring one small bag for your belongings.
Proposals: dressing up without giving it away
Book a nice dinner for after the walk and mention it in advance. It gives you both a natural reason to dress up. If you are proposing, choose an outfit with a secure pocket for the ring box, and check that it stays hidden when you move.
Families with children
Pick two or three colours for the family and let everyone wear their own combination. Comfort comes first for children: if a toddler hates a collar, choose something they enjoy wearing. Pack a spare top for younger children.
A second outfit
The Extended package includes time for one outfit change, and the Premium package includes time for two. You could start with a casual outfit and change into something dressier for a different look in the same gallery. See the packages.
Quick checklist
- Solid, muted colours, nothing neon, no big logos
- Shoes you can comfortably walk in on cobbles for an hour
- One layer for the wind
- One light piece if you wear dark colours
- Hair tie, empty pockets, small bag
- For a surprise proposal: a dinner reservation as a reason to dress up
Ready to plan your session? Tell us about your trip.
Questions about what to wear
Real sessions in Amsterdam
Browse full galleries from our Amsterdam sessions, with outfit ideas and the routes we walked.
Plan your Amsterdam photoshoot
A few lines are enough: your dates in Amsterdam and who will be in the photos. Someone from our Amsterdam team usually writes back within 12 hours with a route idea and the package that suits you.
We usually reply within 12 hours · English, Dutch, Russian, Ukrainian · or message us on WhatsApp