As a Hoofddorp photographer, I often work in Amsterdam for weddings, couples, and maternity sessions like this one. I love photographing locally, not just because I live in the area, but because my client's comfort is everything.
Especially during the third trimester, when moving around can be tiring, I want my clients to feel at ease, close to home, close to nature, and able to just enjoy the experience.
For this August maternity photoshoot in Amsterdam, we chose Vondelpark. It’s a great location within the city - spacious, full of greenery, and always changing with the light. The advantage of being a photographer in the Amsterdam area is that I can easily scout the location before the session. I always do that when it’s nearby. I walk through the fields, check where the sun falls, and consult apps like Shademap to predict shadows. City parks can be tricky; tall trees and nearby buildings cast shade earlier than you’d expect. Preparation really makes all the difference (listen to your photographer, always).
A few days later, I met the lovely couple at the park. They were expecting their first child, and you could feel that beautiful excitement that comes with that stage of life. We walked through the rose garden, along the water, and into some of the more hidden corners of Vondelpark. At first, they were a little shy in front of the camera, but once they relaxed, it truly felt like I was photographing a quiet, romantic picnic rather than a posed session.
The light that evening was perfect, around 6 p.m., golden and soft. In Amsterdam, the sun disappears earlier behind buildings, so you catch those golden tones sooner than you’d think. I looked for backlit spots where everything glowed warm and dreamy. We found those little moments of intimacy, the way they laughed, the way they rested together on the blanket, how the sunlight framed them in gold.
They brought a few keepsakes: a pair of tiny socks, baby books and their ultrasound photo, small and meaningful details that turned this maternity photoshoot session into something timeless and personal. I had my picnic blanket and basket with me, and together we built a small scene that felt cozy and personal. I love when clients bring things that matter to them; it makes the photos so much more connected to their story.
Within 48 hours, I sent them a few sneak peeks. I always do, mostly because I can never wait to see the photos myself. And this time, I was so happy to see how the sunlight, the couple, and the energy of the day came together so naturally.
A Few Tips for Your Own Maternity Photoshoot in Amsterdam
If you’re planning your zwangershap fotoshoot in Amsterdam, here are a few things I’ve learned from shooting in the city:
- Timing matters. Early evening light gives the best glow, but in dense areas like Amsterdam, buildings and trees can shorten that golden window.
- Comfort first. Choose a nearby location and wear something that lets you move and relax. I always tell my clients- comfort always shows on camera.
- Bring personal items. Ultrasound photos, flowers, or a baby blanket add emotion and make the session truly yours.
- Trust your photographer. Whether it’s scouting the location, picking the right time, or guiding you through the moments that feel the most like you, trust that I’ll bring your vision to life so you can simply enjoy the experience.
If you’re expecting and dreaming of soft, romantic, and natural maternity pictures, I’d love to photograph this chapter for you. My inbox is always open, whether you’re local and looking for a pregnancy photoshoot in Amsterdam area, or you're searching for a photographer willing to travel further for your maternity photoshoot in the Netherlands.
