When people hear engagement photoshoot, they might imagine a couple showing off their rings or posing for a set of formal photographs. But that's not really how I see it.
As an engagement photographer in Amsterdam, I photograph couples who want to have some beautiful pictures together. Sometimes they're celebrating a recent engagement. Sometimes it's an anniversary, a trip they've been looking forward to, or simply a chance to have photographs of the two of them somewhere special.
For me, there's no special approach needed just because a couple is engaged. They're two people in love, and that's already a lovely thing to photograph.
1. Engagement, anniversary or just because
Of course, getting engaged is a wonderful reason to book a photoshoot. You've just made a big decision together, and it can be nice to have photographs that mark this moment in your life.
But you don't need a particular occasion. I also photograph couples celebrating anniversaries, travelling together or simply wanting something more personal than the usual holiday selfies.
I actually started with couple photoshoots before secret proposals became a bigger part of my work. In Ukraine, where I started photography, surprise proposal sessions weren't as common, while couples booking photoshoots together was a much more familiar thing.
And I still love these sessions. There's no need to perform or make the occasion look bigger than it is. We spend some time together, explore a location you like, and make photographs that feel like you.
2. Who books an engagement photoshoot?
Many of the couples I photograph are visiting Amsterdam on holiday. Quite often, they’ve just got engaged and want to take home more than phone pictures from their trip.
Some couples simply enjoy having professional photographs taken when they travel. Others don't have a particular reason at all — they just like the idea of having lovely pictures together in a city they love.
I also photograph couples who live here in the Netherlands. The reason for booking can be anything from an engagement to an anniversary, or just wanting to do something together.
Whatever brings you to the photoshoot, you don't need to prepare a story or know how to pose. I'll guide you when needed, but there is no complicated routine to learn beforehand.
3. Where we can shoot
Amsterdam has plenty of beautiful places for couple photos, but I don't think you always need the most famous spot. Personally, when I'm photographing two people, I love the feeling that the space belongs to them for a little while.
That's why I often prefer quieter parts of the city, where we can walk and take photographs without constantly navigating crowds. If you'd like some ideas, I've put together a guide to quieter locations in Amsterdam.
Of course, the city isn't the only option. We could photograph you by the sea, somewhere surrounded by nature, or even at home. It depends on what you enjoy and what kind of atmosphere you'd like for your photographs.
A home session can be especially personal because you're in a place where you feel comfortable. That’s how Victoria and Jorge’s session went: we started with a cup of tea at their home and finished with a walk by the lake nearby.
There isn't one perfect location for everyone. Some couples love Amsterdam's streets and canals; others would rather have greenery, open space or a more private setting. We can talk through the options and choose somewhere that feels right for you.
4. How much time to book
For a couple photoshoot, I'd generally recommend booking an hour or longer, depending on what you'd like to do.
Half an hour can feel a little short for this kind of session. We need time to get comfortable, walk around, try different backgrounds and take a variety of photographs without having to rush from one spot to the next.
With more time, we can explore a little, stop when we find somewhere we like, and make a gallery with different settings and moods. If you'd like to combine the city with a park or another location, having that extra time makes things easier.
The best duration also depends on where we're shooting and what you have in mind. You can find more information about my couple photoshoots and packages, and we can work out what makes sense for your plans.
5. From engagement to wedding and family
One of the nicest things about being a photographer is seeing people again at different stages of their lives.
I've photographed couples in Ukraine, then their weddings, and later family sessions with their little ones. I've had similar experiences here in the Netherlands, too — starting with a couple photoshoot and later photographing a pregnancy and the arrival of their baby.
Sometimes the first session is connected to an engagement. In other cases, I meet a couple at a different point in their relationship. Either way, it's lovely when they come back and I get to photograph another chapter of their story.
Sophia and Yannik had their proposal in the Rijksmuseum Gardens and, about a year later, I photographed their wedding in Germany. You can read their proposal and wedding story here.
And if your family grows, I'd be happy to photograph that chapter, too. You can find more information about a family photoshoot on my website.
6. Planning a surprise proposal instead?
If you're not engaged yet and are planning to surprise your partner with a proposal, that's a different kind of photoshoot. I photograph those moments, too, with a little extra planning to make sure the surprise stays a surprise.
You can find all the details on my page about secret proposal photography in Amsterdam.
7. Let’s plan your photoshoot
If you're visiting Amsterdam and would love some photographs together, or you're celebrating an engagement, anniversary or simply your time as a couple, I'd love to hear what you have in mind.
Tell me a little about yourselves, when you'll be in Amsterdam and what kind of setting you like. We can talk through the location and timing and find an approach that feels comfortable for both of you.
The easiest way to get in touch is through the contact form below. You can also message me directly on WhatsApp if you prefer.
And if you'd like to hear from couples I've photographed, here are my reviews: ★ 5.0 from 60+ Google reviews.
I look forward to hearing from you!