Good for Loving: An April 13th family photoshoot in the heart of Zoetermeer

Grandma Georgia was right of course, even before scientists shared research and published studies about families

She knew long before I was busy as an expat photographer with family photoshoots that how you feel in your family was important to your development. Growing up in rural Kentucky, Grandma Georgia grew tired of hearing things like ‘What are you good for? You’re good for nothing!’ as a child. So she eloped with Grandpa when she was 16 and she taught her five daughters something better.

That meant from the time I was a little girl, I heard from my mother and Grandma Georgia, ‘What are you good for? You’re good for loving!’ I learned early on the importance of writing your own love story.

And good for loving is exactly what comes to mind when I’m photographing families capturing that love. When I’m at home editing those images, I am thinking the same things. Every person I photograph is good for loving and you are not going to change my mind about that. That’s why I love capturing and sharing Dutch love stories with English storytelling.

Dutch Love Stories, English Storytelling, & A Family Photoshoot

Welcome to the picturesque world of Zoetermeer, a unique locale that blends the charm of historical Netherlands with the serene beauty of its natural landscapes—making it an ideal backdrop for family photoshoots. Last month, I had the delightful opportunity to work with an expat family of six, the Hochsteins, capturing their love and laughter against the vibrant, blooming backdrops of the Hague Netherlands Temple gardens and the quaint old city center.

In this blog, I’ll guide you through how to make the most of your family photoshoot in the Netherlands, weaving together Dutch love stories with English storytelling.

Why Zoetermeer Offers the Perfect Canvas for Family Photos

Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands and just outside of Rotterdam, The Hague, and Leiden, Zoetermeer serves as a picturesque canvas for capturing family moments. The city’s dual charm lies in its lush, sprawling garden-like parks flanked by canals and its historically rich city center. During Spring, the setting is idyllic—the gardens near the Hague Netherlands Temple are in full bloom, providing a riot of color and a fragrance-filled ambiance that adds a magical touch to any photograph.

Planning Your Family Photoshoot in the Netherlands

Choosing the Right Location

Selecting the right location is crucial for a successful photoshoot. For the Hochstein family I photographed last month, the choice of the Hague Netherlands Temple gardens was inspired by the floral landscapes and serene atmosphere, as well as it being a mutual destination for regular religious worship. I like to keep travel within the Netherlands free, and since the Hochsteins were travelling from Brussels, it was ideal to meet in a place familiar to us both at no extra cost for them. The old city center of Zoetermeer, known for its quaint architecture and cobblestone streets, offered a historic contrast that beautifully encapsulated the essence of Dutch culture.

Timing Is Everything

The best time for a photoshoot can vary depending on the location and the season. Spring in the Netherlands is particularly breathtaking, making it an excellent choice for family photos. The soft natural light of early morning or late afternoon can wonderfully accentuate the fresh blooms and lush greens, creating perfect lighting conditions.

Just keep a watchful eye on the weather forecast, and plan back-up locations if needed for extreme rain. Apps like Buienalarm and Buienradar provide up to date rain forecasts (usually by the hour) and are some of the most accurate rain forecasters I’ve seen.

My second choice for location was the Hortus Botanicus in Leiden, though this post from Trouwshoot.nl lists some other excellent inside locations throughout the Netherlands for rainy day portraits. As an expat photographer, I’m always on the lookout for locations with a touch of Dutch charm, or with a practical way to keep the photoshoot going despite the rain.

What to Wear

Choosing outfits that complement the location and each other is key to creating visually harmonious photos. For a location like Zoetermeer, consider pastel colors or light, flowing fabrics that reflect the gentle beauty of the surroundings. Comfort should also be a priority, especially for children, to ensure that everyone looks relaxed and at ease. Remember, what you choose to to wear helps tell your story so have some fun!

This last year, with all of the rainfall, a lot of grassy places can be quite muddy still. Keep that in mind with your choice of shoe. I always like to ask families in my questionnaire if they’re comfortable getting a little sandy, wet, or dirty to capture photos and I also try to put myself in locations where I’m asking people to stand so I can be sure they’re on stable ground.

The Family Photoshoot Experience in Zoetermeer

A Day to Remember

Our photoshoot began in the vibrant settings of The Hague Netherlands Temple gardens. Each family member had individual portraits taken, allowing their unique personalities to shine through. Group shots of the siblings and parent-child photos added variety and emotional depth to the session.

Transitioning to the old city center, we captured the family walking along the historic streets, interacting with the charming surroundings, which provided a rich narrative to their family story.

Brooke was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints when The Hague Netherlands temple in Zoetermeer had it’s open house and dedication. This was her first visit back to the area that she loved and the people she served since that moment in 2002.

Do you want to see more lush photoshoots from the grounds of The Hague Netherlands temple? Read Photographing A Wedding 2 Times here.

A Culinary Pause: De Bakkerswinkel

No family outing in the Netherlands would be complete without experiencing local culinary delights. We visited De Bakkerswinkel, known for its cozy ambiance and delicious cakes. Photos in its garden not only added a casual, joyful chapter to their story but also allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the moment. This pause was not just a break for refreshments but a chance to capture laughter and candid interactions, enriching the storytelling aspect of the photoshoot.

First things first, I popped inside and asked permission to use the tables and chairs out front in a photo composition with the whole family. They were friendly and gracious, giving me the opportunity to pose the family, and then snap several shots in pauses between the steady stream of passersby on the Dorpsstraat.

After the photos out front, we ventured to that garden all the way at the back of the plot perched just above a canal. Our favourite discovery was the aviary built around a covered solarium dining area. I’ll have to tuck that into the back of my head for future rainy day photoshoots with couples.

Delightfully artistic and eclectic, we enjoyed a bite of appletaart and chocolate cake before heading back to work with the family photos.

Delivering Memories: Fast and Professional

Understanding the excitement families feel to see their photos, I prioritize a quick turnaround. For the Hochsteins, the complete digital photo gallery was delivered within a week. The gallery included both color and black and white photos (I do love black and white photos), available to download in high-resolution for printing or internet-size for online sharing. This prompt delivery ensures that the joyful memories are still fresh as families relive them through the photos.

Why Hire a Professional Photographer?

While smartphones and cameras are accessible to most, the expertise of a professional photographer is irreplaceable. Here’s a few reasons why I think hiring a professional is still worth your time and money:

• Professional Equipment: Advanced cameras and lenses can capture high-resolution images that are perfect for print and detailed enough to cherish for generations.
• Artistic Eye: Professionals bring an artistic approach to shots, framing each photo to tell a story and capture emotions in a way that goes beyond snapshots.
• Efficiency and Experience: Experience with different settings and scenarios equips professional photographers to manage various light conditions and group dynamics effectively.

Interested in a more in-depth analysis on pricing of photography in general? Check out this related article on Wedding Photography Pricing 101 here.

Conclusion: Your Family’s Story, Beautifully Told

Every family has a unique love story, whether its a Dutch love story or not, rich with emotions and moments that deserve to be captured and preserved. In Zoetermeer, the blend of historic and natural beauty provides the perfect setting for such stories to unfold. As a professional expat photographer specializing in family photoshoots in the Netherlands, my mission is to blend Dutch love stories with English storytelling, ensuring that each family’s narrative is beautifully told and cherished forever.

Remember, photographs are more than just pictures; they are a legacy of your family’s journey through life, encapsulated in moments of joy, bonds of love, and the beauty of shared experiences. Let’s capture these moments together, crafting a beautiful story that you and your loved ones will look back on for years to come. They’re good for loving.

Liefs, Amy