Rotterdam

My final set of photographs from my recent trip to The Netherlands. I spent the day in Rotterdam with @catwith8lives soaking in the sun and wandering around the city. Rotterdam is a major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland. It has a long seafaring history. During the second world war it was almost totally destroyed and since then it is renown for its bold modern architecture.

I haven't spent a lot of time in Rotterdam, although I have a few photos in my back catalogue. I was eager to take some shots of the Erasmusbrug, which you will notice from the images below is missing. The shots I got of it were just so bad I would be embarrassed to display them publicly. The light was 'weird' and I couldn't get the angle I wanted and I have about another 40 excuses I could use, but really my problem was that I wanted the shot to be at night and long exposure. I guess I will take this into account the next time I am there and not go on the sunniest hottest day ever in the middle of summer. The ‘Erasmusbrug’ (Erasmus Bridge) is one of the icons of Rotterdam. One of Holland’s most famous bridges, it was officially opened by Queen Beatrix in 1996 as an important connection between the Northern and Southern parts of Rotterdam. One day I will get the shot that I want, it just didn't happen on this day...

I did visit the "Kubuswoningen" (Cube Houses) which were fantastic to look around and also visited the Martkhall (Market Hall) which was a very impressive structure, especially good for lunch and other various goodies that are in the images below.

 

The Hague

Two interpretations of The Hague. Much like my thinking when I am here.

I always enjoy being here. I enjoy spending time with my friends and hanging out in Huppel de Pub, 't Ogenblik and of course getting my hair cut in Studio Noordeinde. Much of my time here is now spent meeting clients or taking photographs.

I spend a lot of time thinking about past people, events and places when I am here, things that are never to return. I have realised this week that it is time to move on and forward and to make new memories. Essentially moving on from the past.

 

Leiden

Wednesday offered an opportunity to visit the historical city of Leiden. Leiden is a city in the Dutch province of South Holland. It’s known for its centuries-old architecture and for Leiden University, the country’s oldest, dating from 1575. The university houses the Hortus botanicus Leiden Botanical Garden, founded in 1590, where the tulip was introduced to Western Europe. The Museum de Lakenhal displays works by the Dutch Masters including Rembrandt, who was born in Leiden. I didn't get to the botanical garden or the Lekenhal museum, but I did have pleasant walk around the city canals and the Leiden market! 

I also forgot that I need sunscreen during the summer and got the back of my neck burned! 

Giethoorn; finally.

It has taken me since Sunday to actually getting round to writing and editing the photographs I like from my trip to Giethoorn. Giethoorn is a mostly car-free village in the northeastern Dutch province of Overijssel. It’s known for its boat-filled waterways, footpaths, bicycle trails and centuries-old thatched-roof houses. It borders a section of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a marshy area once popular for peat and reed harvesting. Needless to say much fun was had with @catwith8lives in a rented boat on the canals and lake.

It was my second trip to this village and the weather was much more cooperative, it was mostly sunny and cloudy which which made for impressive skylines. This trip was also much more relaxing without the time constraints of being on an organised tour.

I have added my favourite photographs below. As always, click to enlarge if your on a desktop :-)

 

Apple's Photography (updated)

I might be a little late posting this but it's worth reading anyway. ;-) 

Apple realised a series of photography videos yesterday for the iPhone 7, a how to guide if you will. Sixteen videos that covers everything from how to shoot a great portrait to shoot a backlit subject. The videos are all around 30 seconds long and although they are for the iPhone 7 the skills are transferable to most iPhones and other smartphones.

The entire series can be found here, on Apple's website.

Update:

I thought it would be nice to add my favourite video into this post, How to shoot during golden hour on iPhone 7.