Photography on a Canal Cruise | 8 Tips for Perfect Photos

How to Take Perfect Pictures: 8 Photography Tips for Your Canal Cruise

An Amsterdam canal cruise is a feast for the eyes – and for your camera! The picturesque bridges, elegant gabled houses, and shimmering water offer countless photo opportunities. But taking pictures from a moving boat comes with its own set of challenges.

With these 8 practical tips, you can ensure you come home with photos that perfectly capture your memories.

1. Choose the Right Seat on the Boat If possible, secure a seat along the edge. An open boat will give you the best, unobstructed views. In a covered boat, try to get a window seat with clean glass.

2. Be Quick and Look Ahead The boat is constantly moving. See a great shot coming up? Raise your camera early and take several shots (burst mode) to catch the best composition.

3. Watch Out for Reflections Glass windows can cause annoying reflections. Hold your lens as close to the glass as possible to minimize them. A polarizing filter can also work wonders here.

4. Use the Light to Your Advantage The light in Amsterdam is often soft and beautiful. Avoid shooting directly into the harsh midday sun. The "golden hour" shortly after sunrise or before sunset provides the warmest, most beautiful light for magical photos.

5. Play with Perspectives Don't just shoot straight ahead. Capture the bridges from below as you pass under them. Focus on details on the house facades or the reflections in the water.

6. Keep Your Camera Steady A moving boat means vibrations. Hold your camera with both hands and rest your elbows against your body or the side of the boat to prevent camera shake. Use a fast shutter speed (1/250s or faster).

7. Tell a Story The best photos tell a story. Don't just photograph buildings; include other boats, people on the banks, or details like the ornate gable stones. This captures the living atmosphere of the city.

8. Put the Camera Down Sometimes The most important tip of all: don't forget to enjoy the moment! Sometimes the best memory is the one you see with your own eyes, not through a lens.

Ready to pack your camera gear? Book an open boat tour for the best photo opportunities and capture the beauty of Amsterdam!

You're all set to capture some master-level photos! All that's missing is the subject. Book your Canal Cruise in Amsterdam directly from our homepage and start capturing the city's unique magic.