Holland at Tulip Time

Join award-winning photographer, Charles Needle, for an unforgettable journey to one of the most beautiful Spring gardens in all of Europe: Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse, Netherlands).

Keukenhof, the world’s largest Spring bulb garden, features a dazzling 79-acre display of 7 million tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other bulbs in a stunning park-like setting. Under Charles’ expert guidance, you’ll learn how to improve your garden and flower photography, with special emphasis on creative macro and Impressionistic camera techniques. While immersing yourself in this magnificent setting for an entire week, you’re likely to feel like a kid in a technicolor candy store!

In the surrounding Dutch countryside, we’ll also photograph nearby tulip fields, historic windmills, and Kinderdijk, an extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 19 historic windmills inspired by 18th-century Dutch painters. Our week will also include an early-morning field trip to photograph and experience the hustle and bustle of Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower auction.

INCLUDES

5 full days of intensive photography instruction in the field and classroom, classroom lectures, stimulating assignments, and supportive group image evaluations. Field instruction emphasizes creative macro, Impressionistic, multiple-exposure, and artistic smartphone floral photography.  

Cost also includes: 

• 6 nights lodging at a 4-star hotel that’s minutes away from the entrance to Keukenhof Gardens.

• 6 breakfasts.

• Welcome and Farewell group dinners (each with one glass of wine).

• Ground transportation during the workshop (via private passenger vans).

• Spring Pass to Keukenhof Gardens (which includes unlimited entry in 2022).

• Entrance to Aalsmeer Flower Auction.

• Parking at the hotel (if you decide to bring your own vehicle).

DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Airfare. (Upon request, we can provide a travel agent who will book your airfare. Additional surcharges may apply.)

• Airport transfers. We will provide information to help you book your own airport transfers from Amsterdam Airport Schipol to/from hotel.

• Keukenhof Gardens daily parking (if you decide to bring your own vehicle).

• Lunches, some dinners (including alcoholic beverages).

• Optional travel insurance. (Strongly recommended. We can provide information on this upon booking.)

• COVID-19 testing prior to arrival or departure, or during the workshop

• Other incidentals such as laundry, phone calls, tips & gratuities, etc.

LODGING

Our home base for the week will be a 4-star hotel that’s minutes away from the entrance to Keukenhof Gardens.  A limited number of single rooms are available upon request and require an additional single supplement.  Please let us know if you would like a single room upon registration.  Every effort will be made to find a suitable roommate, should you require one.  All classroom sessions will be held at the hotel as well.

GETTING THERE 

Airfare is not included in the package price.  Please let us know if you would like help arranging flights. The workshop begins at 4:00 pm, Sunday, April 17, 2022 and ends the evening of Friday, April 22, 2022 after dinner. We suggest a US departure on April 16, 2022 for an overnight flight to Amsterdam Airport Schipol (AMS) and return flight to the US from AMS Airport the morning of April 23, 2022. Please do not book any non-refundable airfare before December 31, 2021.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Taxi service to/from the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to our hotel can be pre-arranged with AC Taxiservice.  The charge is between 103 and 133 euros, depending on what type of vehicle you want and how much luggage you have.  The phone number for AC Taxiservice is 0031 071 36 25 022.  If you plan to use this service, we suggest you book your taxi as soon as possible, as April is one of the most popular months for tourism in Holland.

An alternative would be to take Uber to/from the Amsterdam Airport. Click here for more information.  You could also just “wing it” and catch a taxi at the airport upon your arrival. There are usually plenty of taxis at the airport terminal. (Look for signs in English that will direct you to the taxi stand.)  Make sure you avoid taking one of the unlicensed, illegal taxis that operate at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. You can recognize licensed taxis by their blue number plates and roof lights with the official logo and the name of their operator. All licensed taxi drivers in Amsterdam must keep to official fares, so all fares are transparent.

ITINERARY

• Sunday, April 17

Meet & Greet and orientation session starting at 4:00 pm followed by an early group Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

• Monday, April 18

Early morning entry field session in Keukenhof Gardens.  Afternoon class session with lecture.  Evening field session in Keukenhof.

• Tuesday, April 19

Early morning entry field session in Keukenhof Gardens.  Afternoon class session with lecture.  Evening field session at Keukenhof Gardens.

• Wednesday, April 20

Early morning visit to FloraHolland Flower Auction in Aalsmeer.  Visit various scenic locations in north Holland.  Return to hotel after dinner.

• Thursday, April 21

Free morning to work on images.  Supportive Group Image Evaluations at hotel.  Sunset shoot at Kinderdijk. 

• Friday, April 22

Early morning entry field session in Keukenhof Gardens.  Break.  Evening field session in Keukenhof.  Group Farewell Dinner at the hotel.

• Saturday, April 23

Morning departures for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol or elsewhere.

PROFICIENCY LEVEL

All skill levels and camera formats welcome, including smartphone cameras. Students should also have a basic understanding of exposure and proficiency in post-capture image editing software, such as Lightroom, Photoshop or Snapseed.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY

No strenuous activity will be involved during the workshop; however, Keukenhof Gardens is a 79-acre park with mostly flat paved pathways and some small hills, stairs, etc.  Wheelchairs are available for rent at Keukenhof. A modest level of health and fitness will greatly enhance your workshop experience.