Amsterdam Light Festival

CAPTURE THE WORLD

Amsterdam Light Festival

4 Days

Language
English
Group Size
15
Accomodation
Not included
Skill level
All levels welcome
Guide
Local guide included
Date
01/12/2025 – 04/12/25

Overview

This trip is available from 1st December 2025 – 4th December 2025, Please only book these dates.
Since its construction in the 17th century, Amsterdam has grown into one of the most unique urban landscapes in the world. As such it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s synonymous with vibrant culture, rich history, inclusiveness and beautiful canals.

Whether visiting it’s canals, famous parks, charming secret courtyards, picturesque, cobbled streets, vibrant street art or even its hidden gems – it really is a feast for the eyes just waiting to be discovered. Everywhere you look will provide opportunities for fabulous photos.

This trip is available from 1st December 2025 – 4th December 2025, Please only book these dates.

Trip Highlights

Amsterdam Light Festival – 27 works of art in beautiful, photogenic locations along a 6km route. A self guided walk with the excellent Amsterdam Light Festival app
Canals – walk along some of the 100 kilometers (62 mi) of canals, many of them tree lined
Street Art – as we explore Amsterdam with a local guide we will discover it's street art and it's sub cultures – past and present.
Museums – In your spare time explore world famous excellent museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum or even the Prostitution museum 🤖

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 :

Day 1: Arrival & Settle In

✈️ Flight from Bristol arrives at apppox. 12.55

⛴️ Evening cruise to catch our first glimpse of the Light Festival installations

🎨 What You’ll Learn:

Generic camera settings. Getting off Auto.
Use of speeds on cruise.
How to make use of focus points and manual focus.

Day 2 :

Day 2: Amsterdam Street Art and Light Festival

🚶 AllTourNative Amsterdam Tour – visit street art and graffiti halls of fame, squats and more on an old industrial site while learning all about the alternative side of Amsterdam

🎨 Amsterdam Light Festival – we’ll start our walk when the installations are active from 4pm (they light up). We’ll use the ALF app to guide us

🎨 What You’ll Learn:

How to read a street for opportunities.
Bokeh photography.
How ISO and White Balance impact images.
Being a moth to light. Finding light sources.
No tripod. No problem. How to find support.

Day 3 :

Day 3: Street Photography

📸 Visit hot spots like Dam Square, Jordan and the Red Light District and the controversial Ravestijn Gallery for inspiration

🏘️ Jordaan neighbourhood is a treasure trove of narrow streets, quaint houses, and bustling markets

🎨 What You’ll Learn:

Composition skills.
Finding inspiration in people and places.
Using movement to create feel.

Day 4 :

Day 4: Return to UK

✈️ Flight to Bristol departs at 10.40

Costs

The Cost Includes

Expert tuition and personalised guidance.
Guided street art tour.
Private WhatsApp group for updates & support.

The Cost Excludes

Flights & accommodation.
Meals & entrance fees.
Travel insurance & transfers.

Map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Amsterdam great for Street Photography?

Amsterdam has plenty to offer for street photography. It’s a blend of many things for many people. And with your camera, you can get lost exploring the canals capturing it all. The winding canals illuminated at night, centuries-old architecture, bustling streets, and iconic bicycles parked along cobblestone lanes, this city offers endless opportunities to capture its charm through your lens

Will there be free time?

Yes! The itinerary is structured, but there’s time to explore, revisit locations, or relax at a café.

Is Amsterdam only about street art?

Amsterdam is a city of tolerance. There’s a crazy, anything goes side the city with the red light district, ‘coffee’ shops and partying, making it Europe’s top spot for a quick and sinful getaway. Yet there’s also a scenic, calm and beautiful side to the city. Canals, bridges, boats, bicycles, flowers, charming seventeenth-century homes and even plenty of quiet. This juxtaposition means as a photographer you can experience and capture a diverse mix of characteristics.

is the trip physically demanding?

Expect a lot of walking, but at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Do I need to book my own flights and accommodation?

Yes. We recommend booking the same flights and hotel as the group for convenience—contact Adrian or Graham for details.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, all participants must have travel insurance and provide details before the trip.

How will we stay in touch?

We’ll use WhatsApp for updates, meeting points, and last-minute changes—please download it before the trip.

What else is there to see?

Of course there are the famous museums like the Anne Frank House (book well in advance) or the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum – plenty to offer for any free time you have.

Is there green space in Amsterdam?

Yes. Vondelpark, close to museums, the city’s largest and most popular park. When the weather is fine, it’s a perfect place for a bike ride or even a picnic by the lake.

If you know where to look, you can also find Picasso’s famous statue ‘The Fish’ here.

What skills will I learn?

Composition, capturing movement, shooting in changing light, black and white photography, and approaching people for portraits or candid shots.

What camera should I bring?

Any digital camera works, but one with manual controls (aperture and shutter priority) offers more creative flexibility.

Is the trip physically demanding?

Expect a lot of walking, but at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops. Comfortable shoes are a must.