Amsterdam! Our capital is a city known for its picturesque streets, canals and architecture. It is a city rich in culture and history and perhaps more famous than other cities for its vibrant street life.
This makes Amsterdam a perfect city for street photography. Amsterdammers are friendly and open, and there is something happening on every street corner. Amsterdam is also a very accessible city, easily accessible by train, and great to explore on foot!
In my workshops I teach you to see differently, new angles and we will spar together about fun photography projects you can start working on today!
Below street photography workshops are for beginners and people who have held a camera in their hands before. I'm sure I can teach you to see things differently!
I prefer to book a 1-on-1 workshop
"I attended a super fun and educational workshop with Michiel. He teaches you to look at the street scene differently. The workshop remains challenging all the way through the different assignments. Highly recommended!"
Anita Stapel, participant Group Street Photography Workshop
Street photography workshop in Amsterdam
An afternoon in Amsterdam. Hit the shopping streets and a terrace. Yes, you can see the city that way too. But on that terrace, you go people-watching and that's the most fun there is, isn't it? In Amsterdam, you probably already took photos of the beautiful, old buildings, the Vondelpark and the pigeons.
Amsterdammers make the city. As Herman van Veen said, "All peddlers had their own arias, for sprat and herring for begonias". Amsterdam is made for street photography, where the human element plays an important role. Whether you stand on a busy zebra near the train station where people race past to work, or instead visit the NDSM area and let people merge with the creativity of Amsterdam Noord.
In the workshop, I will teach you to hunt and fish. We will look at framing and capturing movement. And of course, if you have any questions of your own, we'll address them too!
Workshop details
- Guided assignments using assignment cards that you may take home.
- Focus on techniques before lunch, on making a series after lunch.
- Lunch included, we get a sandwich and something to drink.
- I naturally share all my experiences with you, and help you learn to see things differently.
- You get my book "Straatfotobijbel" (Photofacts, ISBN 9789492325099) to practice nicely after the workshop.
- Free one-month access to all Photofacts courses with the book.
- This street photography workshop takes place in Amsterdam, and lasts from 10.30am to 2pm (3.5 hours).
- Brief evaluation at the end of the workshop (including coffee or tea, of course).
- For groups of up to 5 people to ensure personal attention.
- Level for this street photography workshop in Amsterdam: All levels.
- Recommended camera: All cameras, prefer a camera on which the sound can be turned off.
- Recommended lens: Basically the lens you feel comfortable with, but guideline is 28 to 50mm fullframe.
- Post-processing you do yourself at home, as you see fit. I am happy to give you feedback on 5 photos by e-mail.
There is still room for you in the following street photography workshops in Amsterdam:
2025
Friday, 7 February 2025
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
Cost for this workshop: only €250 per person.
- This workshop can be given in Dutch or English.
- The group workshop will take place with a minimum of 2 participants.
- All prices on this page include VAT. If you want an invoice for your workshop, VAT will be added to the workshop amount (administrative fee).
Make a weekend of it
Should you wish to book my workshops as part of your own city break, I will be happy to make some suggestions for accommodation and dinner.
Restaurant suggestions Amsterdam
- Something for everyone? Then visit the Food halls in Amsterdam. In the beautiful old tram depot, you will find 19 different stands with a selection of delicacies.
- Have a nice meal at reasonable prices at Caravan. Modern dishes, various sharing plates and salads or pitas. Highly recommended, also vegan options.
- A little more budget? Then try The Lobby On Nesplein. Highly recommended for lunch too, and right in the centre, but just out of the hustle and bustle.
Hotel suggestions Amsterdam
- If you still want to stay overnight on a smaller budget, then EasyHotel Zaandam highly recommended. At 15 train minutes, you sleep in a fine bed. Don't expect a luxury hotel lobby or facilities, by the way. Do have your own shower and half the cost.
- If you want more luxury and sightseeing, try the hotels of Vondel Hotels. Scattered throughout the city, you will find these little oases of peace and art, where you sleep wonderfully in surprising hotel rooms. I already visited Hotel De Hallen, Van de Vijsel and Pontsteiger.
About Michiel
I am Michiel Heijmans, professional street photographer. Together with friend Niels, I make the photography podcast 30 Minutes Shutter speed. My new photo book "The Observer" is in shops now (Komma Publishing, 2024).
For Photofacts I previously wrote the book "Straatfotobijbel" (2023). I also write monthly columns for Focus Magazine, the photography magazine of the Netherlands.
From the moment I immersed myself in street photography, I was hooked. I don't leave the house without a camera because street photography can be done anywhere!
Participants' experiences – Year track – Lectures – Photo walks