Last weekend the Worldwide InstaMeet (#WWIM11) came to Amsterdam and deciding to go along last minute was one of the best decisions I’ve made in Amsterdam since arriving last month.
Not only was the day full of bridges, boats and blue cocktails (seriously strong blue cocktails)… the team of over 100 instagrammers from all over Holland and Europe were also treated to blue skies, buskers and beers. In fact, we were really quilt spoilt by the weather, the sponsors, and the incredible organisers from @igersamsterdam who really worked hard the whole day to make the event such a success.
One of the first things I was told to when I moved here was to get a bicycle, and as soon as I did I really came to depend on using it to get around the city. In fact, when my first one got stolen after just five days I felt lost – how would I get around now?!
The downside to cycling everywhere though is that I have spent so little time wandering around the streets of Amsterdam and really seeing the city and the people who live here. So the Worldwide Instameet in Amsterdam seemed like the perfect opportunity.
My favourite part of the walk, aside from meeting so many talented instagrammers, was getting to photograph the people we saw on the way. I definitely enjoy shooting people more than views, but if I’m out shooting alone I feel really awkward asking people if I can photograph them.
On an instameet like this one, when there are over 100 other people swarming around behind you with cameras and smartphones, things were a little less awkward and I got to grab a few shots like the ones above.
Still, what would be an instameet in Amsterdam without canals, boats, and tall tall buildings?
The captain of this little canal ship gave me a big grin and wave just before he passed under the bridge ☺️ another little shot from #wwim11_amsterdam A photo posted by The Hostel Girl (@the_hostelgirl) on
@IgersAmsterdam
The way in which so many different people from different walks of life came together on Sunday was my first hint at the community aspect that surrounds Instagram. In fact today I met for coffee with one of the guys I met on Sunday, and I’m sure a few more of us will be coming together again soon whether to create our own little instameet or just grab a beer after work.
To see all of the amazing shots captured by these fantastic photographers make sure to go and browse #WWIM11_Amsterdam.
Of course, the only reason we all had the opportunity to meet and experience the city together is because of the hard work of the fantastic five behind the @igersamsterdam account. I’ve linked their instagram accounts to the photos below so make sure to go and follow them and share the love!
@brian_sweet @charlottevandenberg
So once again a huge thank you to the five above for leading over 100 of us all around the canals for a full day… and also sticking with us to drink a few beers at the end.
Lots of love,
