Photography Guide to Amsterdam Canal Cruises – Best Angles, Seats, and Settings

Shooting from a moving boat is a fun challenge. With a few simple tricks, your canal cruise photos can look like they belong in a travel magazine.

1. Choose the right seat

• Sit near the edge of the boat for minimal obstructions.
• On glass-roof boats, sit by a window that opens if possible.
• Avoid seats directly behind thick support pillars.

If you're left-handed, you may find one side of the boat more comfortable for holding your camera or phone.

2. Simple settings for phones

For most modern smartphones:

• Turn on HDR or "rich" mode.
• Use burst mode when passing under bridges.
• Clean your lens – canal mist and finger marks soften detail.

Night cruises

• Turn on night mode.
• Brace your phone against the window frame or seat back.
• Tap on lit areas (like bridges) so they’re properly exposed.

3. Composition ideas

• Use bridges as natural frames.
• Include a bit of boat interior (like a window frame) to anchor the shot.
• Look for reflections of houses and lights on calm stretches.

Mini-shot list:

• Central Station façade from the IJ.
• A row of leaning canal houses.
• Magere Brug or another lit bridge at night.
• At least one houseboat close-up.

4. Bridges: the money shots

As you approach a bridge:

1. Spot the arch and wait until it frames the view ahead.
2. Fire a burst of shots as you pass under.
3. Pick the best frame later where curves and lights line up.

This works especially well near the 15-bridges view and along the Herengracht.

5. Respecting others

• Don’t block aisles or lean over other passengers without asking.
• Keep camera sounds and flashes off whenever possible.
• If you photograph people on nearby houseboats, a small wave and smile goes a long way.

Bottom line

You don’t need pro gear to capture Amsterdam from the water. Think in frames and reflections, keep your lens clean, and let the canals do the rest.