Amsterdam and the workshop

Posted on 30. Mar, 2010 by Symbol Photography in Equipment, Travel, Wedding/Engagement

As Boston Wedding Photographers, I am always finding ways to improve my skills. What better way that to spend 3 days in Amsterdam and Emmeloord, where Fashion Photographer Frank Doorhof resides. The Netherlands, to me, is misunderstood. Sure, there is a Red Light district, with semi-naked ladies in windows, and sure the smell of reefer is abound in certain areas of the city. But it’s just a small section.

It’s reminiscent of the old ‘Combat Zone’ here in Boston. Sure you knew there was an area that wasn’t pleasant, or just wasn’t for you and you simply avoided it. It’s not like all of Boston is crappy because the Combat Zone existed in one small section.

Amsterdam is much like that. And the Netherlands as a whole is quite nice. Very creative people with beautiful buildings, colorful art, and my favorite part – They bicycle everywhere! It’s totally a bicycle city and i love it for that. Want to go to a nice restaurant? Get on your bike and head over to some canal-side place and put on your heels and you are ready to go. I rode my bike everywhere, including the Van Gogh Museum, which to my dismay, didn’t have ‘Starry Night’ available.

As for Emmeloord, well it’s a slightly industrial area. Frank and his wife Annawieck live there and have a wonder son, Brian. Dutch people are very hospitable and we were introduced to Stroopwafels. Pretty much the best treat you can get yourself in The Netherlands. Thanks again Frank! They also specialize in cheese. If you even remotely like cheese, do yourself a favor and buy yourself a block of Frico Old Dutch Master. I love me some cheese, but boy, this is the best I’ve ever had. Yes, it’s that good. I got some as Kaasland, one of the best cheese places in all of The Netherlands.

The workshop

Well where does on start? Frank sells out workshops all across Europe. Is featured in many European magazines and books and has quite the studio there in Emmeloord. Frank and I went over all sorts of lighting techniques, I only wish I wasn’t suffering from severe jet lag, otherwise we would have been able to absorb even more.

Frank’s ability to teach in a clear and concise manor cannot be questioned. He’s really got it down to a science. Frank and us use similar gear so it was quite easy to follow along. He also has his very nice assistant Wendy and model Jennifer (Who spoke fantastic English!) on site to help things go smoothly.

Well enough talk, here are some photos!

Slightly different processing:

Kaasland, our favorite cheese store.

Look at all the bikes!

Tags: Symbol Photography Amsterdam, Symbol Photography Frank Doorhof, Symbol Photography Frank Doorhof Workshop