Behind the Scenes of Our Amsterdam Photography Course

Preparing for the course to begin

It’s that time of year again. The studio is open with a skylight above and the lights are set up on stands around the room. Outside there are bikes are passing by in front of the canal in Amsterdam’s city center. 

The Spring 2024 Photography Basics Course marked my 15th year of teaching photography in Amsterdam. Whenever the weather allows we go outside for some Street Photography.

Lesson 1: More than Just Shooting

At the beginning of the first lesson, there is a mix of nervous excitement when the group shares their photography goals. Most of which are not that different. They want to learn how to use their camera and take better photos. Additionally, some of the participants have a special interest in Street Photography or Portrait Photography.

Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Video!


In this course, we had a special guest, Photographer and Videographer Marta (Featured in the video cover below) came from Spain to collaborate with us. She created a series of behind-the-scenes videos of the Photography Basics Course.

In this session, I work together with my teaching team to show the students how to use their cameras to create images that freeze and blur motion.

Street Photography Secrets

Here the students practice the most powerful Photography Techniques we have introduced to them on the Streets around our Amsterdam Studio.

Course Field Trip: Learning about Lighting

Take a look behind the scenes of the course field trip as the group takes on the lighting exercises of the course on the Streets of Amsterdam. Taking advantage of the glimpse of the sun and doing our best to avoid the rain.

Joining the exercises of the course goes beyond just learning to shoot. Having a creative supportive group like this helps as the participants learn from each other. Working together with other participants also helps to find your unique photographic voice.

Here is the Photography Basics Course Portfolio Review session. This is the last class of the course and here we observe and share what makes each student’s work unique to give them insight into discovering their unique photographic vision. The comfort level and trust inside the group is high and you can see that in how the group interacts, they are thoughtful and supportive of each other’s work.

Would like to join our Photography Basics Course?  Get the details and sign up here- https://meganalter.com/photography-course

Not in Amsterdam? View our online class selection here- meganalter.com/classes

For more tips and inspiration, stay connected with us on our blog and social media channels. See you in Amsterdam!