Why Bloemendaal is My Favorite Spot for Beachy Maternity Photos

If you are looking for a maternity photoshoot near Amsterdam, Bloemendaal beach is easily one of my favorite spots in the Netherlands. Especially around golden hour, the evening light here does all the heavy lifting to make your pregnancy photos look natural, and cinematic. It gives you the best of both worlds: wild grassy dunes and open sand, all in one place. But more than just being beautiful, I love it because it’s the most convenient place close to Amsterdam to create a completely relaxed, private experience for you.


I favor the Parnassia side of Bloemendaal beach and it comes down to simple logistics. The dunes are accessible right from the parking area, which is a massive bonus when you are heavily pregnant and don't want to trek through long stretches of sand.

Natural warm edited image of couple sitting on sandy dunes among tall grass at sunset, woman in white shirt touching pregnant belly.

What to Expect from a Summer Sunset Photoshoot on the Dutch Coast


In the Netherlands, between May and the beginning of August, sunset doesn't actually happen until around 9:30 PM. Because of this, my summer beach sessions almost always start later in the evening, usually around 8:00 PM or 8:30 PM. It makes for a later night, but the real advantage is that once the daytime crowds pack up and leave, the beach is completely ours. Without a crowd of people watching, the pressure is entirely off, and you can just focus on each other.


In terms of posing, you will never be left without guidance. Most of the couples I work with aren't professional models, in fact, a lot of people are getting their photos taken for the very first time. To keep things feeling natural instead of stiff, I always tell my couples to pretend we’re filming a video. When I give you a prompt, the only rule is don't freeze. Keep moving, keep talking, and keep looking at each other. Most of the time you’re just walking and chatting by the water; that continuous movement is exactly how we catch those real, spontaan, and unforced shots.

Sandy beach dunes in Bloemendaal covered in tall grass with wooden fence posts and birds flying in a pale blue sky
Cinematic warm photo of happy couple embracing on a sunny beach, woman laughing joyfully while man holds her close at golden hour.
Couple sitting on sandy beach dunes surrounded by tall grass at sunset, woman in white shirt touching pregnant belly.
Couple sitting together on sandy dunes with beach grass, viewed from behind at golden hour sunset.
Couple holding hands walking on a sandy beach with green dunes on the Dutch coast under a clear sky.
Pregnant woman laughing joyfully as man kisses her cheek amidst sunny dunes during summer beach photoshoot at Bloemendaal.
Pregnant couple holding hands back to back on sandy dunes at golden sunset, woman in white shirt laughing joyfully. Warm golden editing
Over the shoulder shot of smiling pregnant woman on beach dunes, warm golden hour edit.
Warm and natural edit - preregnant couple holding hands walking on a sandy beach at sunset, woman in white dress, romantic seaside stroll.
Pregnant couple embracing on sandy path to Bloemendaal beach at sunset, woman in white dress, man in white shirt, khaki pants, natural edit.
Couple holding hands walking on beach at sunset during a maternity photoshoot, woman in white dress and man in white shirt with gray pants.
Close-up of two people's smiling eyes side by side, romantic detail shot of a pregnant couple
A happy pregnant couple holds hands and walks along a sandy beach at sunset, the woman wearing a white lace maternity dress.
Pregnant woman in white lace dress with partner embracing her baby bump on a beach at sunset.

Planning Your Beach Session?

A beach photoshoot is also perfect for a playful couples photoshoot or a pregnancy announcement. Because a great beach session relies entirely on nature, I always check the weather, before we head out to make sure the conditions are comfortable for you. If you are looking for a down-to-earth maternity photography experience near Hoofddorp or Amsterdam for a natural beach session, get in touch and let's plan a quiet evening by the sea.