Meet Justin,
your photographer & local guide
Hi, I’m Justin - Amsterdam-born photographer, storyteller, and the face behind Portraits by Justin. I combine my background in tourism and photography to offer something more than just a photoshoot: a meaningful experience in the heart of the city. Whether you're a traveler or a local, I’ll help you feel confident, seen, and inspired - while capturing your story in timeless portraits.
From passion to portraits
Some memories are too special to leave behind. That’s why I started Portraits by Justin - to help people take a piece of Amsterdam home with them, not just in their minds, but in beautiful, meaningful portraits that capture a feeling, a place, a moment.
I’m Justin, a born-and-raised Amsterdammer with roots in a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood in the north of the city. Growing up surrounded by people from different backgrounds taught me early on how to connect - with stories, with cultures, and with people. That curiosity and openness stayed with me, leading me to study Tourism Management in an international classroom, and later work across Amsterdam’s tourism and cultural sectors. From assisting visitors at the tourist office to developing a social media strategy for a small museum, one thing always stood out: Amsterdam has a magical way of leaving an imprint on people’s hearts.
So I asked myself - how could I help them hold onto that feeling?
That’s when Portraits by Justin was born.
This is more than just a photography business. It’s a passion project rooted in my love for the city and the people who pass through it. I specialize in outdoor portrait sessions that turn ordinary moments into lasting memories - whether you're a visitor seeing Amsterdam for the first time or a local rediscovering the beauty of your own backyard.
With a camera in hand and deep knowledge of the city’s most picturesque corners - some famous, others hidden - I guide my clients through an experience that’s relaxed, personal, and genuinely fun. I don't just take your photo - I tell your story, in light, color, and emotion. I aim to capture you in a way that feels real and timeless.
What sets Portraits by Justin apart is not only a deep understanding of how to make people feel at ease in front of the lens, but a genuine connection to the city and its soul. I blend my Amsterdammership, my background in tourism, my international mindset, and my passion for photography to offer something unique: an experience that feels like walking through the city with a local friend - who just happens to take great photos.
At its core, Portraits by Justin is about people. About moments that matter. About celebrating diversity, emotion, and the simple beauty of being in a place and time that means something to you.
Because in the end, it’s not just about the photo - it’s about the memory it holds.
A Photographer, A Guide,
A Local Friend
At Portraits by Justin, the experience is just as important as the photos themselves.
As someone with a background in Tourism Management and years of experience working in Amsterdam’s cultural and tourism scene, I know what travelers are really looking for - not just great photos, but a sense of connection to the city they’re exploring. That’s why every session is more than just a photoshoot: it’s a relaxed, meaningful walk through some of Amsterdam’s most scenic streets, guided by someone who calls this place home.
You won’t need to worry about where to go, how to pose, or whether the light is right - I’ve got you. From the moment we meet, I’ll guide you through the best spots, share local insights, and help you feel comfortable every step of the way.
It’s not about stiff poses or staged smiles - it’s about capturing you, in a place you’ll always remember.
