Whether you're shooting a fashion campaign, capturing an artistic portrait, or filming a commercial — lighting is everything. At Atelier Oost Amsterdam, natural daylight takes centre stage. And that daylight changes subtly with the seasons. Did you know the sun shines deeper into the studio in winter, while in summer you can play with strong, direct light? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the seasonal light shifts in our three unique spaces: The Livingroom, The Loft, and The Playground. So you’ll know exactly which time slot best suits your shoot — whether you're after golden glow, soft shadows, or full sun.
Light in The Livingroom: Sunny southern light, summer & winter
The ultimate stylish living room vibe with a touch of seventies flair: The Livingroom. This charming, intimate space features 3-metre-high, south-facing windows that flood it with natural light.Summer light in The Livingroom:
During summer, sunlight enters from 10:00 until around 15:30. The sun sits high in the sky, casting a bright, powerful light that fills the room without reaching too deeply inside. Ideal for clean, crisp shoot aesthetics.
Winter light in The Livingroom:
In winter, something magical happens. With the sun lower in the sky, the light penetrates much deeper into the space. This results in beautiful long shadows and warm tones — perfect for more intimate imagery and a soft atmosphere. Think vintage fashion, editorial work, or atmospheric portraits.
Note: Without air conditioning, this room can get quite warm in summer. Plan early morning shoots and take advantage of the fan provided.
Highlight moment: Book between 11:00 – 14:00 in winter for the most beautiful sunlight. In summer, opt for an early morning session for cooler conditions.
Light in The Loft: Perfect morning light & bright all day
The Loft is a serene oasis of light, featuring stunning east-facing windows and a subtle western side that adds an extra touch of magic in summer.Summer light in The Loft:
From 07:00 to around 11:30, sunlight streams in through the large eastern windows. In summer, the sun climbs so high that by 14:30, light also enters from the west-facing side, creating a dynamic play of light throughout the day.
Winter light in The Loft:
In winter, you’ll still catch gorgeous morning light. The sun rises in the east and casts its soft, low light inside until around 11:30. The west side remains mostly shaded — ideal for calm, even lighting.
Always bright, even when cloudy: The Loft is our brightest studio on overcast days, thanks to its four impressive window sections. Even without sunshine, there’s ample daylight for clean, clear imagery.
Highlight moment: After a warm glow? Book between 08:00 and 10:30 in summer. For softer, more diffuse light, overcast days are equally beautiful.
Light in The Playground: Morning glow, afternoon sun & overhead daylight
The most versatile of the three: The Playground. This large studio features 4.5-metre-high ceilings, both east- and west-facing windows, and a skylight that provides a constant daylight foundation throughout the day.Summer light in The Playground:
From 07:00, gentle morning light pours in through the eastern windows — near the pink wall and staircase. By afternoon, the mood shifts entirely: from 14:30, sunlight floods in from the west, casting dramatic, dreamy beams all the way to the back of the space — near the green wall. Thanks to the high windows, this creates a nearly cinematic effect. Perfect for shooting captivating campaign videos.
Winter light in The Playground:
Even in winter, The Playground remains surprisingly bright. Eastern windows still bring in morning light, and the skylight provides an even base throughout. Though the west light reaches less far in winter, it still offers beautiful highlights in the afternoon.
Creative freedom: The centre of the room enjoys more diffused light — an ideal setup for experimenting with your own lighting, flashes, or coloured gels.
Highlight moment:
– Book from 07:00 – 11:00 for morning vibes.
– Book from 15:00 – 18:30 for that iconic golden hour feeling.
Compare the light: The Livingroom vs. The Loft vs. The Playground
Whether you prefer the warm winter light in The Livingroom, the consistently bright ambiance of The Loft, or the cinematic flexibility of The Playground — at Atelier Oost Amsterdam, magical daylight is yours to harness year-round.Key tip for bookers: One final golden tip... Don’t just consider the season — focus on the time of day. A shoot in February at 11:00 can offer just as much (or even more) sunlight than a summer session at 16:00.
