Photography tips for your visit to Keukenhof

The highlight of Dutch spring - Keukenhof, is a must-visit. The beautiful flower garden is on a lot of people’s bucket list. And what better way to share your adventure at Keukenhof with your friends than taking some photos? Read on, and we will give you some inside photography tips to create the best memories.

Arrive early in the morning

As said before, Keukenhof is on many people’s bucket list. That’s why it can be quite busy. And no one wants a lot of people in their landscape photography. That’s why early birds will be rewarded with photos without a lot of other people on it. And, of course, you have more time to spend in the gardens. Win-win!

The scale of Keukenhof

It is good to know how huge Keukenhof is before starting taking pictures – as there are many beautiful places to take them! The gardens stretch over an impressive 32 hectares (79 acres). Within this expanse, 7 million flower bulbs share their glory with 100 growers participating in the show. If you know the scale, you can appreciate the planning behind every picture taken and calculate the walking distances.

Embrace the weather

Don’t be sad if the weather predicts clouds and some rain. These conditions are good to photograph in this environment. On a sunny day, shoot the displays indoors when the sun is high between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm.

Make a plan

When you arrive early in the morning, you can discover Keukenhof at your own speed. Keep in mind that during the day it can be more crowded. That’s why we advise you to mark the spots that you would like to photograph on a Keukenhof map. Later on, you can come back to this place and photograph the flowers. Plan for tightly framed images when the crowds are present. To get the best out of Keukenhof plan for a long day, as the crowds tend to lessen after 15:00 and you’ll have beautiful evening sun.

Keukenhof's must-see highlights

Each section promises a vastly different view. With dark rain clouds overhead, the Royal Tulip Pavilion welcomes an insurgence of colour. Here, nevertheless, the tulips are the main focus: the dainty details of tulips, the little subtleties demonstrated by each bloom, and lastly, the whole artistry presented by the floral arrangements.

The Japanese Garden is a refuge; calm ambience and well-manicured landscapes much offer a lot of peaceful contemplation for the camera. The bridge, clear water trickling gently through the features, and the effect of light and shadows impart a feeling of placid harmony.

The outlandish 'Walking on water’ offers a different perspective. The reflections and playful exhilarating poses of the guests aboard the lily pads are fine subjects for the photographer.

When people begin to disappear, that is when the sun starts its descent into a golden hour magic for the gardens. The warm soft light filtering through tree canopies becomes the perfect light adorning the flowers, setting up for portraits and landscape pointers.

Without a doubt, capturing the colourful floats is among the most valuable experiences for those privileged to attend the Bloemencorso parade. Pay special attention to the details of each floral arrangement and the whole sizzler atmosphere of the occasion.

The Windmill

Of course, you can find an iconic Dutch windmill at Keukenhof. And, the building is the perfect background when you take a shot of the flowers in front of it. Just take a glimpse at the photo from a few years ago. Focus your lens on the flowers in front, and let your camera do the magic.

If you also have some Photoshop skills you can blur the less important details, and sharpen the flowers and windmill a bit. Another nice special effect you can create with Photoshop is to darken the air and windmill and brighten the flowers in front. This way the flowers really pop out. Let your creativity sore!

Are you ready to shoot some beautiful bulbs in bloom after reading our ‘Keukenhof photography tips’? Then continue to our Keukenhof page, and find the offer that suits you.