Canals in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Freek Geurts is a passionate cyclist and photographer from Amsterdam. His dreamy shots of urban landscapes make us want to hop on our cruisers and take in all that this charming place has to offer. Follow @regalphis and explore this European city, also known as the “Venice of the North.”
Place you live? Amsterdam
Place your Instagrams were taken? Amsterdam
Can you sum up the place you live? Amsterdam is a wondrous place full of history, enjoyment and life.
What is a perfect day in your spot? Any day I could ride my bicycle and be with friends.
How long have you been using Instagram? I have been using Instagram for a little more than three years. It was off season (I used to be a competitive cyclist back then) and I was overwhelmed by all the extra time I had. I downloaded Instagram as it was featured in the App Store and got myself a new hobby.
Do you shoot with your phone or other cameras or both? Usually with my iPhone 4S, but I also still use the Samsung Galaxy Camera, a point-and-shoot camera built to share.
What is your editing process? I don’t do a lot of editing but I use VSCOcam, Snapseed and Afterlight, in which I usually apply one filter to amplify the feeling I have with a picture. Selective adjust in snapseed can help bringing some focus on particular objects. The most important thing is still to go shooting with good lighting.
Do you create images outside of Instagram? I have done some freelance work outside of Instagram (not involving a phone, that is). Not a lot though as I still haven’t bought a good camera. I do create images of my travels for my own website such as my 12 day-cycling trip from Amsterdam to Orvieto, Italy last summer.
Has Instagram/phoneography affected how you shoot? Yes, I always tend to think in squares. Also, the possibility of shooting all the time has resulted into a never ending subconscious scanning of my surroundings.
Can you give a couple tips to aspiring Instagram photographers? I think my advice is best captured in a quote:
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman
What I’m trying to say is that people should photograph what they want to photograph. Don’t be afraid to do it your own way. If you do things from the heart people will start to enjoy your work by itself.
Who are your three favorite Instagrammers? @croyable, @finn and @colerise
Want more Instagram tips and inspiration? Check out all of our Best of Instagram features here and learn from the masters.
Name:Freek Geurts
City:Amsterdam
Best place to eat:
Café Loetje – tasty food for a fair price.
Best place to drink:
Kriterion – great atmosphere and good beers combined with movies.
Best outdoor activity:
The most fun I had on an outdoor activity in Amsterdam was on a surfboard. From Sup Center Amsterdam you can explore (part of) the canals on a surf board, but of course try to push your friends in the water!
Must do:
Hire a bicycle and explore the city.