With its iconic 85-metre Westertoren, the Westerkerk is the proud centrepiece of Amsterdam’s Jordaan district. As a photographer, I remain fascinated by this historic landmark. The tower dominates the skyline and reveals itself from every angle. Would you like to bring this atmosphere home? Explore the options to buy a Prinsengracht photograph for your wall.
In this article, I share my favourite viewpoints, composition techniques and tips for photographing the Westerkerk in Amsterdam.
The best photography locations for the Westerkerk
Colourful contrast on the canals
One of the most popular viewpoints combines a typically Amsterdam feature in the foreground with the Westertoren in the background. Think of a brightly coloured flower bicycle parked on a bridge over the Prinsengracht or Rozengracht. Focusing on the colourful foreground details creates a wonderful sense of depth that leads the eye towards the monumental church in the distance.
Want to capture the intimate, authentic atmosphere of the Jordaan? Leave the busy canals behind and explore its characteristic side streets. From this lower viewpoint, the historic façades of the houses form a natural frame that draws the eye up towards the imposing Westertoren. On sunny afternoons, watch the lines of light and shadow on the pavement: they add depth and graphic strength to your composition. The bridges offer the finest views. Many of these viewpoints also feature in my overview of Amsterdam canal houses along the Prinsengracht.
Glimpses from the Jordaan’s narrow streets
Composition and atmosphere: black and white versus colour
Timeless atmosphere in black and white
The Westerkerk is ideally suited to black-and-white photography. Removing colour shifts the focus to the rich textures of the architecture, the layers of cloud and the contrasts in the street. Photographing passing pedestrians or cyclists in narrow Bloemstraat, with the imposing Westertoren in the background, gives the image a timeless, documentary character. It tells the story of authentic Amsterdam life under the watchful eye of the “Ouwe Wester”, as the tower is affectionately known.
Reflections in the streetscape
After a typical Amsterdam shower, the Jordaan’s narrow streets become a visual spectacle. Wet paving stones reflect the limited light and create beautiful patterns on the ground. For a creative composition, look for large puddles along the kerb. Holding your camera just above the water captures the Westertoren’s reflection. In black and white, this emphasises the texture of the street, parked bicycles and the iconic tower rising above the street in the distance.
Natural framing from the canal bridges
Another proven way to photograph the Westerkerk is to use natural framing. Find a viewpoint along the Prinsengracht where a typical Amsterdam arched bridge and an authentic streetlamp fill the side of the composition. Subtly including branches from the canal-side trees at the top creates an intimate, layered view. In black and white, this strengthens the historic atmosphere and highlights the iconic architecture and its reflection in the canal.
Evening photography and the most beautiful light
The magic of blue hour
As evening falls and the city lights come on, the Prinsengracht is transformed. During blue hour, the deep blue sky contrasts spectacularly with the warm golden light of streetlamps and illuminated bridge arches. This is the ideal time to use a tripod and focus on the sparkling golden reflections in the still water. The subtly illuminated Westertoren in the background completes this atmospheric, quintessentially Amsterdam evening scene.
Westerkerk photographic prints for your wall
Do you have a soft spot for this iconic Amsterdam church, but lack the equipment or have not managed to capture the perfect moment? I have carefully photographed and professionally processed every image in this article. They are available as exclusive wall art for your interior.
You can explore and order this collection directly in a range of sizes and materials, including luxurious acrylic glass, bold aluminium and classic canvas.
Would you like to use one of these iconic Westerkerk images on your own website? You can buy licensed photographs of Amsterdam’s Westerkerk here.
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