What does beach photoshoot cost?
A beach photoshoot on the Dutch coast is a 45- to 90-minute session on the sand and in the dunes at places like Scheveningen, Zandvoort, Noordwijk or Kijkduin. Because the coast faces west, the sun sets over the sea. It starts from €180. Your final quote depends on the photographer, beach, duration, group size and date.
The Dutch coast is one long stretch of wide sandy beach backed by dunes, and it faces west, so the sun sets straight into the North Sea. That makes the last hour of daylight the obvious time for a beach photoshoot, whether for a couple, a family or a solo portrait.
Two things set it apart from a beach elsewhere: the wind, which is almost always there, and the water, which stays cold. Plan for both and the results are excellent. We match your request with a photographer who works on the stretch of coast you choose.
Which beach
| Beach | Near | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Scheveningen | The Hague | Pier, Ferris wheel, boulevard; lively |
| Kijkduin | The Hague | Smaller, calmer, dunes close by |
| Zandvoort | ~30 min by train from Amsterdam | Easy day trip; Kennemerduinen next door |
| Noordwijk | Leiden, the bulb region | Wide beach; combine with tulips in April |
For The Hague's coast, see the Scheveningen beach photographer page and The Hague photoshoot locations.
Wind, cold water and other realities
- Wind. Expect it. It lifts hair and dresses beautifully in moderation and is miserable in a gale. Tie long hair loosely, avoid very short skirts, and let the photographer place you with the wind behind or beside you.
- Water temperature. The North Sea is cool even in summer — typically around 17–19°C in August. Paddling is fine; a planned swim for photos is for the brave.
- Sand and sea spray. Bring a towel and something to stand on for shoe changes.
- Dunes are protected. Stay on marked paths; several dune areas are nature reserves with restricted access.
The photographer will check the forecast and can move a session a day or two if the wind is extreme.
Best months and times
| Season | Sunset (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May–June | 21:15–22:05 | Long evenings; busy on warm weekends |
| July–August | 21:00–22:00 | Beach pavilions busy; go for the last hour |
| September | 19:30–20:30 | Warm sea, softer light, fewer people |
| October–March | 16:30–19:00 | Empty beaches; dress warmly, winter sunsets can be dramatic |
Many beach pavilions (strandpaviljoens) close or reduce hours outside the season, so check if you are planning a warm-up drink after the shoot.
What to wear on a Dutch beach
Light colours and natural fabrics suit the sand and sky: cream, white, pale blue, sage. Flowing dresses move in the wind; that is part of the look. Go barefoot on the sand but bring shoes for the walk through the dunes, and a warm layer for between frames — the temperature drops quickly once the sun touches the water.
Combining the beach with a city
A beach session fits easily into a city day:
- The Hague + Scheveningen: the coast is a short tram ride from the city centre, so a session can start in town and end on the sand.
- Amsterdam + Zandvoort: a direct train from Amsterdam Centraal takes about 30 minutes; the Kennemerduinen dunes are next to the village.
- Leiden + Noordwijk: a bus ride from Leiden; in April, combine with the bulb fields inland.
- Kijkduin is the quieter southern end of The Hague's coast, and a good choice for families who want space.
Allow for the fact that you will be windswept at the end. If you want city photos too, do them first and finish at the beach at sunset, not the other way around.
Price
Beach photoshoots start from €180. Travel from Amsterdam or another city, longer sessions and larger groups add to the quote. Beach sessions combine well with kids photography or a couple photoshoot. See the pricing page for details.
What’s included
- Choice of beach and dune area based on your plans
- Timing around sunset and the forecast
- Photographer time for the booked duration
- Posing guidance that works with the wind
- Edited high-resolution photos in an online gallery
- Personal-use rights
Optional extras
Dune extension
Twenty minutes in the dunes after the beach, for grasses and soft light.
Travel from Amsterdam
Photographer travel to Scheveningen, Noordwijk or Kijkduin.
Outfit change
A second look; a pavilion or car nearby makes it easier.
Winter session
Empty beaches and early sunsets; bring warm layers.
Durations and what you receive
| Session | Edited photos |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 20–35 edited photos |
| 1 hour | 30–50 edited photos |
| 1.5 hours (beach + dunes) | 45–70 edited photos |
Starting prices are indicative. Your final quote depends on the photographer, duration, location, number of people, date and specific requirements.
Who books this
- Couples wanting a sunset over the sea
- Families with children who love the beach
- Visitors to The Hague or Amsterdam wanting something other than canals
- Maternity sessions in the dunes
Beach Photoshoot by city
Beach Photoshoot: questions
What is the best beach for a photoshoot in the Netherlands?
Scheveningen for atmosphere and the pier, Kijkduin for calm, Zandvoort for an easy trip from Amsterdam, Noordwijk if you are combining with the bulb region. They all face west for sunsets.
What time should a beach photoshoot start?
About an hour before sunset. In June that means around 21:00; in October around 17:30; in December about 15:30.
What if it is too windy?
Moderate wind is part of the Dutch coast. For strong winds or storms, photographers usually move the session; confirm the policy when you book.
Can we go in the water?
You can, but the North Sea is cold — around 17–19°C in late summer. Paddling is easy; a swim needs towels and a warm layer ready.
Are beach photoshoots possible in winter?
Yes. The beaches are almost empty, sunsets come early, and the light can be dramatic. Dress for the cold.
