Meet Your Mentor:
Jake Watrous, owner and creative mentor
About:
Before founding Amsterdam Creatief, as a documentary photographer I covered everything from professional sports and hard news to weddings and birthdays. I’ve had my work published by international magazines, nonprofits, newswire services, and in advertisements by Fortune 500 companies.
If that weren’t enough, I also spent years teaching high school teenagers. If I could get them to engage enthusiastically and creatively at 7:00 on a Monday, I know we’re going to have a great time together. I love sharing this city's artistic history, but I live for the moment when a student's creative vision clicks.
The Creatief Story: Why I Guide Beyond the Postcard
I built Amsterdam Creatief on the simple belief that the best way to experience a city is to see it, not just look at it. When you try to photograph or sketch a moment, you form a deep connection not only to the time and place, but to the memory.
We have all been there: returning from an unforgettable journey with snapshots and mass-produced postcards that fail to do justice to the moments we lived. My mission is to fundamentally change that outcome—to help you make better memories and create a true, lasting artifact of your journey. You don’t have to have Rembrandt’s talent or the latest camera—all it takes is the willingness to pause and the mentor to guide your vision.
Why Invest in My Mentorship & Tours? Focus
My tours are structured as true, hands-on masterclasses. Instead of programmed tours to all the clichéd locations with minimal guidance, I cut through the confusion and break down complex creative concepts into simple, repeatable, portable skills for life.
My Unique Value:
Multi Media: I offer guidance in both high-end photography (specializing in manual control and advanced composition) and traditional artistic mediums (ink, watercolor, and plein air technique).
Master the Tools You Own: I possess deep knowledge across all major brands and media—from film to the latest mirrorless systems, sketching tools to smartphones. I don't just teach my technique, I teach you how to master the gear you already own and the vision you already have.
Local Insight: I am a local resident. This intimate knowledge allows me to curate optimal compositional vantage points, guarantee the best light conditions, and lead you to the hidden gems that many travelers miss.
Focus on Skill Transfer: My tours are private, customized-for-you, workshops focusing on breaking down complex concepts into simple, repeatable steps to improve all of your photos or sketches for the rest of your journey.