Introduction

I do street photography anytime I travel. This helps me to memorize and experience better the cities I visit. Although I have been to Amsterdam many times, I fully decided to bring my Leica M11-P along without much pre-planning to capture the spring mood of this vibrant city. I was in Amsterdam for 2 days and 3 nights on a business trip. However, I managed my time well so that I could allocate a few hours for street photography.

Amsterdam Central Station

I love shooting at Amsterdam Central Station as people focus on catching their trains or waiting. Dutch trains are colored in blue-yellow, and I love this combination. It is very picturesque. A big part of the train station is also colored in dark blue.

In the series of pictures I took at the train station, there are two images I like in particular. The first is of a beautiful girl waiting at the train track under the clock. She looks super calm, with inner peace, which is in juxtaposition to the overall feeling I got on that day from the rest of the people at the station. I like The second image of a person rushing to catch his train. While I was taking my spot at the stairs, he looked over his right shoulder to check the notification board and didn't even notice that I was right in front of him with my camera. Fortunately, the shutter release of my camera is extremely silent and remains unnoticed by people, so I can shoot.

Exploring main Canals & Streets

Exploring the canals is always full of positive vibes. I am always amazed at how much the locals enjoy themselves as soon as there is a bit of good weather. The most interesting person I met along the canals was a middle-aged man who was enjoying the view while listening to his favorite music. He was so much at the moment and gave the impression that he was happy doing what he was doing.

Off the Beaten Path

The smaller streets of Amsterdam provide plenty of opportunities for street photography because they are full of small cafes, tattoo studios, and craft shops that attract plenty of visitors. It is easy to shoot, and locals don't mind if you approach them without even taking care that you might take a picture of them. For example, I approached a girl with red hair, and I was very near her, yet she didn't care at all that I was taking pictures.

Note to Self: Always allocate extra time for street photography, even on business trips. The unplanned moments often yield the best shots