Zoom In on Amsterdam Light Festival – Tips for Night Cityscape Photography
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Dec 14, 2017
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Amsterdam is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, at any time of year. But during the winter months—when festive streetlights glow and the Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates the canals—the city becomes a dream for photographers. Capturing this magic, however, requires more than just clicking in “auto” mode.
In this guide, I’ll share essential night photography tips, from camera settings to comfort in winter conditions, so that your images reflect the true atmosphere of Amsterdam at night.
Why Night Photography Is Different
Night photography doesn’t begin at midnight—it starts with the golden hour, when the sun sets and the sky is bathed in warm tones. It continues through the blue hour, that magical transition when light fades but darkness hasn’t yet taken over. And finally, true nighttime, when artificial light and long exposures transform the city into an artist’s canvas.
The biggest difference between day and night photography is exposure time.
Daylight: plenty of light, short exposures.
Nighttime: very little light, requiring long exposures—often 30 seconds or more.
This means using a tripod becomes essential, since even the smallest movement can blur your image.
👉 Curious about how to move easily between attractions in the evening? Read my full guide: How to Use Public Transport in Amsterdam.
Essential Gear for Night Photography
Tripod: Choose based on your camera weight. A small camera may work with a tabletop tripod, while a DSLR may require a sturdy three-legged model.
Remote or self-timer: Prevents camera shake when you press the shutter.
Extra batteries & memory cards: Long exposures drain batteries quickly, and you’ll want plenty of storage to shoot multiple frames.
Comfortable shoes & warm layers: Walking, standing, and waiting for the perfect shot requires good footwear, thermal layers, and gloves.
📌 Planning a winter trip? Here’s my detailed guide: What to Pack and Wear for Amsterdam in Winter.
Camera Settings for Night Shots
Here are the settings I recommend when photographing cityscapes during Amsterdam Light Festival:
ISO: Start at 100 to minimize noise; increase only when needed.
White balance: Begin with auto; streetlights often cast warm orange tones that can be adjusted later.
Aperture (f-stop): For crisp light sources, try f/16 or smaller.
Shutter speed: Between ¼ second and several minutes, depending on available light. Use the Bulb mode for extra-long exposures.
Focus: Autofocus may struggle in low light. Switch to manual focus when necessary.
Pro tip: Long exposures create light trails from passing boats on the canals, adding a magical motion effect to your photos.
The Flash Myth
Flash is not your friend for cityscapes. Its range is only about two meters, meaning it will light up what’s directly in front of you while leaving the city in darkness. Instead, rely on long exposure techniques for balanced results.
The Shooting Process
Find a stable location and set up your tripod.
Frame your composition.
Adjust ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and white balance.
Focus manually if needed.
Use the timer or remote to avoid vibration.
Take a test shot, review, and adjust settings.
Repeat until you achieve the desired result.
Staying Comfortable While Shooting
Standing for long periods outdoors requires preparation. Opt for insulated shoes with thick soles, wear thermal base layers, and choose two-layer gloves: thin fingertip-free gloves underneath, and a warm pair on top.
👉 Planning a December visit? Don’t miss my post: Christmas and New Year’s in Amsterdam.
Workshop Opportunity: Learn Night Photography in Amsterdam
Would you like to master your camera, improve your evening photography, and create WOW images during your trip? Book a private night photography workshop in Amsterdam with me.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to tell a story with your photos.
✔️ When and how to use a tripod effectively.
✔️ The best camera settings for low light.
✔️ How to create eye-catching compositions.
📖 Read reviews of my workshops on TripAdvisor, Google, and my website.
✨ Book your private Amsterdam night photography workshop here.
YouTube video: A collection of photos I took at the Amsterdam Light Festival 2016
Final Thoughts
Amsterdam’s Light Festival is more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to capture the city in a whole new way. With the right techniques, gear, and a little practice, your photos will reflect the magic you see with your eyes. And if you’d like to elevate your skills while enjoying the city, a private workshop can transform your photography journey.
🧭 Ready to explore Amsterdam? Discover my unique tours now!
🧳 Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Let’s plan your perfect vacation!
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