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Have you been considering going to a tulip farm in the Netherlands this spring? Tulip fields in Holland are a dream destination for photographers and flower enthusiasts. Each spring, as the country bursts into a kaleidoscope of color, the tulip and flower fields become a heaven for tourists.
Tulip fields, often referred to as “tulip gardens,” are vast expanses of land covered in rows upon rows of tulips in a multitude of bright colors.
The following blog post will take you on a visual tour of the Dutch tulip fields with the insights, tips and inspiration of Sandra, a professional local photographer.
A good time to visit the flower fields in The Netherlands is from mid-April through the first week of May when they are in full bloom. There might be a difference in this from year to year depending on the weather.
There are a lot of fields in the area that are used for growing tulips that will be sold in stores, but they are also used to grow tulip bulbs. It is for this reason that flower heads are trimmed off at the end of April and beginning of May. It may appear that cutting the tulips is a terrible act of destruction, but it is done to return the remaining energy to the bulb, which will enable it to bloom better and stronger.
Because some fields are not close to one another, walking is not convenient as you won’t be able to see a lot of tulips.
You can discover the flower fields by renting a car, motorcycle, or bike. However, we recommend you to visit the tulips The Dutch way, by bike, the smell of the flowers and the view of the fields are breathtaking.
If it’s your first time visiting them, you can follow the tulip routes in several regions or join us for a tulip fields photoshoot and bike tour and bring home lasting souvenirs!
Tulip mania begins in spring with multicolored flower fields lining the coast of The Hague and Leiden, all the way up to Alkmaar. Also on the island of Goeree-Overflakkee as well as Groningen.
Most of the fields are located in the south west, around Sassenheim, Voorhout, Vogelenzang, de Zilk, Lisse, Hillegom and Noordwijkerhout, also known as the ‘Bollenstreek’.
Keukenhof Gardens is one of the largest and most famous tulip gardens in the world, with over 7 million tulips in bloom each spring.
There are also tulip fields in other parts of the world, such as Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington, with more than 3,000 acres of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The Canadian Tulip Festival is also known because features more than 1 million tulips. Visitors can enjoy various gardens, attractions and tulip parades.
Some new tulip farms have opened their doors in Zuid-Holland in recent years for tourists and locals to enjoy their dreamy fields. There are several places that provide props and cute photo settings, including the Tulip Barn, Tulip Experience Amsterdam, FAM Flower Farm, and De Tulperij.
Due to concerns about tourists damaging their fields by taking pictures, some flower fields are not easily accessible or closed to public. In order to prevent these beautiful fields from being closed to the public, please follow these tips:
Respect the tulip field
As tulips are cultivated by farmers whose livelihood is dependent on them, remember only to enter these fields with the permission of the farmer, as this is their bread and butter.
Avoid rush hours
It is high season in the Netherlands in April, so head to the flower gardens early in the morning to avoid crowds in your pictures.
Don’t pick any flowers!
Only pick flowers if they are already on the ground; they make a good photo prop. You can also buy flowers from farmers in advance.
If you wish to pick flowers you can do it at Annemieke’s Picking Garden in Hillegom, which has been established specifically for that purpose.
Walk on the paths
Do not walk between the small strips between rows of flowers, but on the wide paths separating the fields. Although you think you’re being careful, our shoes can still carry bacteria and illness to the tulip bulbs and stems.
Park properly
Park on parking lots if you explore the tulips by car, not on the nurseries’ property. Make sure others can enter or exit the area.
This is one of a kind experience to do during spring, so make sure to take pictures of your memories! Here are six tulip field photo ideas, and poses recommended by Sandra, our founder and photographer since 2018.
1. Standing in a field of tulips: This is a classic photograph that shows off the color and the vastness of the field.
2. Photograph a person walking or running: It is a classic shot that captures the joy of spring. Wearing a dress creates a dreamy image that plays with light and movement. Just be careful not to stand on the tulips!
3. Lying down in the ground: For this dreamy photo idea, we always ask the farmer for permission and always take it carefully. We also use photoshop to add more tulips around to enhance the picture.
4. Spinning around: This is a playful pose that can be used to create a sense of movement and excitement when wearing a maxi dress or skirt.
5. Kneeling down to admire the tulips: By admiring these delicate flowers, you can demonstrate their beauty and detail in a more intimate way.
6. Kneeling down in the middle of two different color tulip fields: This is a creative image that contrasts two different types of tulip color, we recommend to pose with each hand touching a different color field.
Using a bicycle as a prop: A fun and playful photo idea that captures the essence of springtime and showcases the Dutch way of life.
Holding a bouquet of tulips: We recommend you to buy your bouquet of tulips from the street farmers, you will get more quantity and a cheaper price than at the market.
Tulip fields with a windmill in the background: This is a classic Dutch postcard setting that is both picturesque and iconic.
A polaroid or vintage camera: These props will make your photos look artistic among the fields.
If you have Tulip fields in your camera frame, you are guaranteed to take beautiful photos; however, if you are guided by a professional photographer, you will be able to capture creative photography that you will treasure and love!
If you are interested in hiring a professional photographer check out our tulip fields and bike tour packages. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. The bookings for these exclusive shoots fill up quickly!
1. Contact us for availability
2. Book your shoot on our website
3. Start planning for your dream photos!
Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: Weekend fee apply*
Portrait, Boudoir and Commercial Photographer based in Amsterdam
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