Last year, I went to visit my mother for her birthday; of course, we took the opportunity to go see some of the old sights! Here’s one…
Volendam Fishing Boats
Volendam is a picturesque town in the province of North Holland on the shore of the IJsselmeer, which used to be a sea, named the Zuiderzee. It originally was the harbor for Edam (well-known for its cheese), but in 1357 the inhabitants of Edam dug a more direct canal route to the Zuiderzee, so the harbor’s dam was used as a starting point for filling in the land, on which the new town of Volendam was settled.
These days, the town of Volendam is popular with tourists, as the houses have their own, inimitable style and many locals dress in traditional clothing to give the feel of being transported into a past several centuries ago.
It’s a great place to visit and when I noticed these fishing boats lined up in this fashion I couldn’t resist getting a shot of the scene.
Technical Data
This was shot with a Canon EOS 5D MkIII, using the in-camera HDR option. One fine day, I will actually catch up with image editing and processing and do a proper job, but, in the mean time, I still like this one.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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23 thoughts on “Friday’s Travel Photo”
Great photo! I like how you tell your audience what camera you are using as well. It’s very helpful.
Thank you! The geography of the Netherlands has changed drastically over the centuries, as land was reclaimed from the sea. Names changed during that period as well, so it’s not surprising that even a lot of the current generation doesn’t know the old names.
Great photo! I like how you tell your audience what camera you are using as well. It’s very helpful.
Thank you very much!
Aha! Thanks for giving me another place to check out this summer ! Great shot as always.
Can’t go wrong with the Netherlands, says the Dutchman 🙂
I love the song “The Dutchman,” but never knew what “Zuiderzee” was until now. Thanks for enlightening me! Great photo.
Thank you! The geography of the Netherlands has changed drastically over the centuries, as land was reclaimed from the sea. Names changed during that period as well, so it’s not surprising that even a lot of the current generation doesn’t know the old names.
That’s a very attractive photo, I would like a jig-saw puzzle with that picture on it.
That is entirely possible! There are a number of printers who specialize in items such as jigsaw puzzles.
You can’t go wrong with this subject matter – but you could with the photography, but you didn’t! Beautiful. Van Gogh would be proud: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saintes-Maries_(Van_Gogh_series)#/media/File:Van_Gogh_-_Fischerboote_am_Strand_von_Saintes-Maries1.jpeg
Meant to say, also, that the fishing boats by Van Gogh has always been one of my favorites of his, and your photo makes me feel the same way.
Very cool!
Thank you very much! Mine was easier than Vincent’s 🙂
Beautiful photo! The boats have my son’s favorite color: red, blue, green (in this exact order) 🙂
It’s good that they moored them correctly :-). Thank you!
Great picture! I’ve not been to that area yet!
Thank you! Volendam and the IJsselmeer coast are well worth it! Great little towns with rich histories and character.
Cool shot!
Thank you, David!!
You are welcome 🙂
😀 Dear to my heart. Not because I’ve been there but because we’ve sailed on Holland America’s MS Volendam twice!
Very cool!
Lovely colors!!
Thank you!