Tips for your Bloesempark Cherry Blossom Photoshoot

Looking to book a Cherry Blossom Photoshoot in the Bloesempark? Here’s my guide on what to wear, other locations for cherry blossoms around the city, and Amsterdam weather precautions.

Mother and father hold their infant daughter under the cherry blossoms on a sunny morning.

parents give their toddler son a kiss on the cheek in the bloesempark under the cherry blossoms at sunset

At long last cherry blossom season is upon us! I will knowingly admit that I declare every season my favorite, but with cherry blossom season, I absolutely mean it. The cotton-candy blooms are only here for a short time, and the cherry blossoms hold a special place in my heart for two reasons: my beloved uncle who passed away in his early 30s had a pink cherry blossom tattoo on his upper arm, and back in the States we had a little cherry blossom tree outside our house that always bloomed in time for my youngest son’s birthday. It felt like the world reacting to our little bundle of joy.

However, I was not prepared for how much these blooms (and the sun peaking out from behind them) would mean to me after a long Amsterdam winter. Even though it is still chilly outside, I, like most Amsterdammers, have been taking the long way home through the parks almost everyday to see these beautiful blooms.

detail image of a pink cherry blossom in amsterdam with the blue sky behind it

Are all the Amsterdam Cherry Blossoms in bloom during March?

Most of the cherry blossoms bloom around the same time in the Netherlands. However, there are different species of trees, and each location will be in a different stage of blooming depending on the amount of sunlight it gets. The blooms at Amsterdamse Bos (at the Bloesempark), for example, look different from the blooms at the park near my apartment, which usually bloom earlier in the year.

This is why it’s important to book your cherry blossom photoshoot as early as possible and to choose a photographer that has multiple locations in their back pocket in case of surprises (like rain!). Booking your cherry blossom photoshoot at the Bloesempark ahead of time allows you to rest assured that you will get those gorgeous blooms in your photos before they’re gone for a whole ‘nother year!

Where are the different locations for Cherry Blossoms in Amsterdam besides the Bloesempark?

The most well-known location for a Cherry Blossom Photoshoot is the Bloesempark just outside Amsterdam city. It’s about a 40 minute bike ride from my neighborhood in Amsterdam West, and filled with neatly structured rows of cherry blossom trees with a grassy basin in the middle. It is well-known for being extremely crowded, and early sessions (read: sunrise) are recommended. You can also call an Uber or take the bus to Amstelveen, Raadhuis and walk 10 minutes. When I do early morning sessions, I call an Uber for the way there and then take the bus back.

Another good location to see Cherry Blossoms without leaving the city is Westerpark. This park (located in Amsterdam West) is large enough that you feel like you’re not being ogled at on the streets, while at the same time is convenient when you have small children with smaller tolerances for crowds clothing. It’s entirely plausible to go early in the month and be completely alone, especially during the day, before 5 o’clock.

The Cherry Blossoms at Westerpark are so fluffy, it’s incredible. These are Yoshino Cherry Trees, completely different from the normal variety.

And last but not least, my most favorite location, because it is only a short walk from my house and never too crowded: Erasmuspark! A small neighborhood park, featuring a sizable garden, football field, cafe (Terrasmus) and playground, Erasmuspark also has a small collection of cherry blossom trees. These trees bloom early for the season, but remain in bloom for the usual length of time.

husband and wife embrace under the cherry blossom trees in Erasmuspark, in Amsterdam West.

Expecting mother lies on a blanket on the grass under the cherry blossoms.

You can check out this full gallery here.

Tips for your Bloesempark Cherry Blossom Photoshoot

Family of three cuddle on the grass under the cherry blossoms.

Once you’ve booked your cherry blossom photoshoot, you get to start planning your outfits! If you just don’t know where to begin, here are my tips for cultivating a flawless look!

Choose light and flowy outfits to compliment the delicacy of the blossoms. Neutral or pastel colors will work best with the cherry blossom background.
Keep patterns low contrast, like gingham or florals, and opt for one pattern per family, if at all.
Keep jewelry light and delicate.
Consider the grassy location and choose chunkier heels or flats instead of thin heels that will sink into the grass!
Make sure to bundle your babies up! Spring in Amsterdam is still chilly, so come prepared to add a layer of thermals under your kids’ clothing or a sweater on top of their outfit if the weather is cooler than we expected. On the other hand, be prepared for the sun to warm you up. For ladies, I recommend a short sleeve dress and a sweater that you can take on and off instead of a long sleeve dress that you can’t adjust depending on temperature. Leggings are always a great option, but be sure to opt for white thermal leggings if your dress is light in color and sheer fabric.

As with any outdoor photography session, prepare to be flexible due to Amsterdam weather. It could rain on your session day, and we will have to reschedule or wait out the rain.