Exploring Amsterdam and Beyond

Hi, I’m Lily — an Amsterdam-based creative director, writer and photographer sharing curated travel guides and photo journals that highlight authentic, cultural experiences.

Focused on intentional travel, my city guides explore local perspectives and observations through my lens of curiosity and creativity. Follow along to get inspired, see the world, and welcome new discoveries — whether exploring near or far.

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Yellow Bike Art Series Part II: Creating with Artist Sijben Rosa

My yellow bike is part of an art installation in Amsterdam West. Part two of the story features artist Sijben Rosa. Discover how an unexpected creative connection and spontaneous idea turned into a memorable community art project in Amsterdam West.

Lily Heaton 8/17/24 Lily Heaton 8/17/24

Yellow Bike Art Series Part I: Creating with Flowers and 120 Film

Discover a personal film photography project I created to say, 'goodbye' to my iconic yellow bike, a sentimental symbol of my Amsterdam life for 13 years.

Lily Heaton 7/31/24 Lily Heaton 7/31/24

Camera Swap: Rolleiflex vs. Hasselblad

Two friends, two classic medium format cameras, one camera swap on a rainy day in Vondelpark. In this camera swap, I compare the Rolleiflex versus the Hasselblad.

Lily Heaton 7/18/24 Lily Heaton 7/18/24

Explore a Secret Garden in Amsterdam: Rolleiflex Film Photography

I cycled to Amsterdam Noord with my Rolleiflex to shoot 120 film in a garden full of wildflowers and butterflies.

Lily Heaton 7/10/24 Lily Heaton 7/10/24

Rolleiflex Challenge 6: Creative Adaptation

Welcome to my year-long Rolleiflex Challenge! Every month, I follow a different theme and shoot a roll of medium-format film with my vintage Rolleiflex 2.8F. Then, I share my inspiration and the story behind the images.

Lily Heaton 6/21/24 Lily Heaton 6/21/24

Rolleiflex Challenge 5: Amsterdam Analog Photowalk

Welcome to my year-long Rolleiflex Challenge! Every month, I follow a different theme and shoot a roll of medium-format film with my vintage Rolleiflex 2.8F. Then, I share my inspiration and the story behind the images.

Lily Heaton 6/11/24 Lily Heaton 6/11/24

Rolleiflex Challenge 4: Creative Connections

Welcome to my year-long Rolleiflex Challenge! Every month, I follow a different theme and shoot a roll of medium-format film with my vintage Rolleiflex 2.8F. Then, I share my inspiration and the story behind the images.

Lily Heaton 6/7/24 Lily Heaton 6/7/24

My Favorite Photography Backpack

I partnered with Urth on a campaign for their Arkose Camera Backpack.

Lily Heaton 5/22/24 Lily Heaton 5/22/24

Rolleiflex Challenge 3: Spring magnolias, hope and new beginnings

Welcome to my year-long Rolleiflex Challenge! Every month, I follow a different theme and shoot a roll of medium-format film with my Rolleiflex 2.8F. Then, I share my inspiration and the story behind the images.