1 Free Outdoor photo location in Utrecht | Maxima Park
Maxima Park in Utrecht , the Netherlands
This outdoor photo location in Utrecht is one of my favourite places to shoot, especially in the autumn season, but it is a great location all year round. It is a very large green space on the edge of Utrecht, we go through some of the best parts of having photos taken in the park, how you can best prepare for your photoshoot here, and the best times you can do the photoshoot. Here’s all you need to know about Maxima Park outdoor photo location in Utrecht!
Why do we love this photo location in utrecht?
There are a few reasons why this park is my favourite nature outdoor location in utrecht city – from capturing the seasons to the interesting architectural bridges and pergolas, there are many spots to choose from
Why I love this Outdoor photo location in utrecht
- If you are a nature lover but you do not want to go far out the city, then this is probably the best outdoor photo location in utrecht where you can be completely immersed in nature and hardly know you are so close to the city.
- There are many different spots you can choose from if you want to have a photoshoot here – I will go through these In more detail below, but you are spoilt for choice in terms of beautiful backgrounds.
- Although it is a public space it is easy to shoot without getting other people in your background because of its size
- Its has tarred roads so is easy to walk through even if it has been wet recently. This makes it easier to navigate if you are wearing fancy clothing etc.
- This outdoor photo location in utrecht is completely free to use, and there are no entrance fees or permissions you have to get for small photoshoots here. This makes it easy to plan and there are no surprises or hidden costs for you as the customer.
What you need to know before you go
Although this is a fantastic photo location to use, there are a few things you should know before you go
What you need to know about this outdoor photo location in Utrecht before you go
- It is a very large location with many different options. This means a lot of walking, particularly if you want to have several different backgrounds. I would really advise wearing comfortable clothing, and if you do want photos in heels then bring some flat showed with you for walking in between
- Plan enough time for this photoshoot – typically you need an absolute minimum of an hour if you are only going to stick to one area of the park, but if you want to visit different areas in the park you will definitely need more time .
- Plan your shoot around sunset – typically golden hour starts an hour before sunset , but plan to start at least a half hour before this with a one hour shoot – the sunsets are phenomenal here when the sun shines – but you need to prepare for any weather, and typically the trees will block out the sun a little sooner.
- Have some backup dates in mind -as it is an outdoor location its always a good idea to keep a few dates around your photoshoot date open – this is in case you have to postpone due to weather or other circumstances beyond your control.
- There are no changing rooms or ablutions at this location. I do have a small tent I can set up if you want to change your outfit during the photoshoot, just be sure to let me know you need it beforehand.
Different locations within Maxima Park to choose from
As I mentioned, this is a really large area to photograph in and as such there are a few different locations to consider when you do your photoshoot – so here are some of my favourites.
My favourite spots at this outdoor photo location in utrecht
- The pergolas are great at any time of year – I winter they are bare and white, summer covered in green creepers and in autumn these turn to deeper shades of red – this means you can always have a different background here . It is also close to the next option
- The small dam in the park is also a great spot and is crossed by an impressive bridge that reaches up and if you are on the top of it you get a great vantage point over the dam and the forested area surrounding it. in the autumn this area is particularly beautiful and late afternoon in the sun will give you spectacular colours both in the pine forest and on the opposite side . some example above.
- In summer and winter one of my favourite spots to photograph is around the Anafora restaurant – particularly close to sunset after the lights come on – You need to photograph later in the evening here if it is a sunny day , otherwise you look straight into the sun and it can be overpowering. But late evening allows softer light and the restaurant’s unique architecture stands as a beautiful background. Its also a great place to have a bite to eat and there’s a fantastic play area here for the kids.
- Anywhere you walk in this park you will find various elegant bridges and tree-lined pathways which are great for any type of photoshoot , and if you cant do sunset or late evening photos and midday is your only option, then these tree-lined areas are your saving grace. You can photograph at any time of day under their canopy.
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Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my favourite nature outdoor photo location in utrecht city, a real gem that you don’t have to travel far to get to if you live in Utrecht! I hope we will see you soon for any of your beautiful life moments to photograph. Be sure to explore some of the other wonderful locations to photograph in the Netherlands as well!
More about me as a photographer : I am a photographer based in utrecht the Netherlands, but I come originally from Zimbabwe and I spent ten years living and photographing in South Africa as well. I am excited to now call the Netherlands my home and I love exploring the hidden gems around Utrecht where we can host amazing photoshoots and create memories for you to keep!
