Last Summer of Amsterdam: Photographs of Pride celebrations on the waterways of the Dutch capital

It was the summer of 2019 when photographer David Katzenstein ventured over to Amsterdam to capture the city's joyous Pride celebrations.

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

The Netherlands capital was packed with happy revellers, many on boats passing along the waterways, thousands more crowding the surrounding streets and bridges. Little did they know what would be in store for them in 2020.

The series is therefore titled Last Summer in Amsterdam: "It has a double meaning," says David. "Because it was shot last year, but there's the possibility that it'll be many years before we can have such gatherings again."

The Netherlands, with a population of 17 Million, attracts visitors from all over the world. Amazingly, the city's community of 800,000+ is outnumbered by its bicycle population. "On that Saturday in early August, the residents of Amsterdam seemed to all come out for a big party to celebrate Gay Pride week, dancing and cheering. The mood was joyous and inclusive."

Although the images spark a sense of loss and melancholy, they also give us hope that brighter days are coming, especially when we see the human connection and love on display: "Boats are an important means of transport and recreation in Amsterdam," adds David. "A birds-eye view of nautical traffic creates an ideal vantage point to capture intimate moments in time as passengers move through the still waterways."

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

From the series Last Summer of Amsterdam © David Katzenstein

Share

Get the best of Creative Boom delivered to your inbox weekly