The Hague Family Photographer

Beach. Kijkduin is smaller and quieter than Scheveningen, with dunes right behind the sand; it suits families with toddlers who want space. Scheveningen has the pier and the Kurhaus, but it is busier and more urban. Both face west, so late-afternoon light comes in low off the sea.

Woods. The Haagse Bos runs from near Den Haag Centraal towards Wassenaar, with old beech trees and paths that are fine for buggies. The Scheveningse Bosjes between the city and the sea is similar and close to the Madurodam area. In autumn both are orange and gold.

Gardens. Westbroekpark's rose garden (in bloom roughly June to early autumn) is good for a tidy, colourful look. Clingendael estate is lovely, but its Japanese Garden opens only for short periods in spring and autumn, so don't build a session around it without checking the dates.

For young children, book a morning (9:00–10:30) or the late afternoon after naps. On the beach, the classic golden light comes in the last hour before sunset: around 21:00–22:00 in June, which is too late for most small kids. Mid-afternoon light on the sand is brighter but manageable if the photographer works with the sun behind you.

In May, June and September the beach is quieter than in July and August, when the school holidays bring crowds and parking along the boulevard fills early.

In winter the beach can be spectacular (wild skies, empty sand) but cold and windy; keep it to 30–40 minutes and dress everyone warmly. Sunset is around 16:30 in December.

The coast is almost always windy. What helps:

• Tie long hair back or plan for windswept photos.
• Avoid long loose dresses for toddlers; they end up wrapped around legs.
• Shoot with the wind behind you. A good beach photographer will turn your group so hair blows back, not across faces.
• Use the dunes. The paths behind Kijkduin and in Meijendel are sheltered and still feel coastal.

Rain plan: light drizzle is fine in the woods, where the canopy keeps most of it off. On the beach, rain and wind together mean rescheduling is usually the better choice. Agree how rescheduling works when you book.

The Hague's two main family backdrops call for different choices.

On the beach, light neutrals, soft blues and sand tones blend with the sky and dunes. Bare feet photograph well from May to September; bring a warm layer for after, because the sea breeze cools you quickly once the sun drops.

In the woods, earthy colours (olive, rust, cream, denim) sit well against the beech trunks. White can look very bright in dappled light, so mix it with a mid-tone.

For both: comfortable shoes for the walk in, nothing with big logos, and one spare outfit per child. Toddlers in the sea are very photogenic and very wet.

• Tram 1 or 9 runs to Scheveningen; tram 3 and buses serve Kijkduin (check the current routes on HTM's site). Parking at both beaches is paid.
• Haagse Bos is walkable from Den Haag Centraal; the Scheveningse Bosjes are reachable by tram.
• For international families, sessions in English are standard; ask if you would like another language and we will try to match it.
• Bring a towel and spare clothes for the beach; children always end up in the sea.

See family photography for what a session includes and The Hague photoshoot locations for more ideas. Want the beach only? The Scheveningen beach photographer page has details.