What's (in) the Picture?

Chris Breebaart Photography – finding stories

Posts from the ‘sun’ category

Heavy Horizon

A dramatic sky filled with dark rain clouds, featuring silhouettes of trees and a flock of birds flying across the scene.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – December 2025

An iPhone long lens shot of a heavy rain sky. This was the first of the three photos I published the last three days.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Birds

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – December 2025

An iPhone long lens shot of the horizon, catching geese by accident, against a heavy rain sky. I cropped the motorway A44 out on this one.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Fishing

Fishing against the backdrop of an Autumn sunrise.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

More Leaves Leaving

Close-up of vibrant autumn leaves with a mix of green and orange hues against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – November 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Artisan

A meadow with green grass, two cows grazing, and a faint rainbow in the sky, partially hidden by clouds.
The Netherlands, Leidschendam – October 2025

A bit of meadows with a hint of a rainbow.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version

Spectral Morning

A beautiful autumn sunrise with vibrant orange and purple hues silhouetted against bare tree branches.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – November 2025

Autumn sunrises can be mesmerizing, maybe because the leaves are not hindering the view?

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Incremental

Autumn skies at sunset.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Dormer View

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Autumn Morning

View from a skylight showing trees and a colorful sunset in the background, with a cloudy sky.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – October 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

On The Road At Sunrise

On the road at sunrise, the A44 and A4 to Schiphol Amsterdam.

I am not sure this is filling the brief of LAPC #373 ‘looking back at landscapes’. It’s more looking forward on the road.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Autumn Announced

Autumn is approaching, the rain and grey skies are more and more the new normal. Luckily there is the occasional sun to enjoy.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

High Rise Head’s Up Berlin

A modern high-rise building with a curved facade and numerous windows, set against a cloudy sky.
Germany, Berlin – September 2025

This high rising can be found near the  Kaiser Wilhelm Gedächtnis Kirche.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Over the bridges

Black and white view of Leiden's canals and historic architecture, featuring a dome and trees lining the waterfront.
The Netherlands, Leiden – August 2026

A more detailed view of the photo I published yesterday of Leiden. Leiden used to be famous for fabrics, and canals provided the infrastructure for the logistics. Some of the canals were filled up in the second half of the 20th century. However, there are debates about opening a few of them again. These discussions focus on sustainability and environmental quality.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

City of Rembrandt

A black and white view of a canal in Leiden, featuring trees lining the banks, historic buildings, and reflections in the water under a cloudy sky.
The Netherlands, Leiden – August 2026

A view on the city where Rembrandt van Rijn was born, Leiden. It was the home where he grew up. There he started his now famous career as a painter. Later, he moved to Amsterdam.

Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #366 is ‘City Mouse/Country Mouse’. I am not familiar with the story. But as the brief puts it ‘there is no place like home’. Home is where the heart is.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

After Rain

A black and white photo of a beachside area in Scheveningen after rain. People are gathered near a kiosk, with wet surfaces reflecting the sky above, showcasing a mix of clouds and bright patches.

The Netherlands, Scheveningen – September 2025

After rain comes sun at Scheveningen beach.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

On The Corner

Detail of buildings along Breestraat in Leiden, showcasing architectural features beneath a clear blue sky with the town hall tower in the background.
The Netherlands, Leiden – September 2025

A detail of a front in the Breestraat in Leiden with the tower of the townhall.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Red Yellow

Fronts of houses in Breestraat, Leiden, featuring red and yellow facades under a blue sky.
The Netherlands, Leiden – September 2025

Red and yellow fronts of houses in the Breestraat in Leiden.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Sunny Street: Breestraat Leiden

A black and white photograph of Breestraat in Leiden, featuring the town hall in the background, with people walking and bicycles parked along the street.
The Netherlands, Leiden – September 2025

The Breestraat in Leiden with the townhall.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Outstanding

Black and white close-up of a Knautia Arvensis plant, showcasing its leaves and budding flower against a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

In the front garden, next to the Japanese Anemone, there is a Knautia Arvensis. It is more easily known as Field Scabiosa.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Star

A close-up, black-and-white image of a Knautia Arvensis flower, also known as Field Scabiosa, standing tall in a garden. The flower has a star-like appearance with a slender stem.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

In the front garden, next to the Japanese Anemone, there is a Knautia Arvensis. It is more easily known as Field Scabiosa. It is literally a star.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Polder

A wide blue sky filled with white clouds, with sunlight shining down over a lush green field.
The Netherlands, Sassenheim – August 2025

Meet the edge of the polder, the dyke.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Morning Rain

Close-up of leaves with raindrops, illuminated by morning sunlight.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

The morning sun reflecting the drops of rain that the night left behind.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

On Water

A scenic view of a canal on a warm summer day, featuring traffic jams with vehicles on a nearby bridge and boats navigating the water.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2025

On a warm Summer’s day, there are traffic jams on the canal.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Cley Windmill

A black and white landscape image featuring Cley windmill in the distance, surrounded by grassy fields and a cloudy sky.
England, Cley next the sea – January 2025

This is the famous Cley windmill at Cley next the sea. It’s by far the best name for a coastal village. Interestingly, it actually does not have a sea front. The mill was owned by the family of James Blunt.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Stunning Sunset Over Oegstgeester Kanaal

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2025

And yes, another sunset. Well, they come around every day. This one is a golden gem.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

And Another Sunset Nudge

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2025

One can not take enough photos of sunsets.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Golden Summer Morning

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2025

And the sun also rises in gold on a Summer morning. And when you shoot it in color, it is literally photographer’s gold.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Capturing Summer Mornings in Oegstgeest

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2025

Summer mornings can sometimes welcome you into a warm, joyful and laid back day. This is one of those days filled with ease. The sun also rises, each day, at more or less the same place. And when you catch it early, it is photographer’s gold.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Summer Morning

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2025

Sun shining through the trees on the start of another warm Summer day.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version,

Water Play

The Netherlands, Leiden – July 2025

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a wonderful clever piece of photographic technology. It is the ideal snap instrument, that is always in my pocket. The quality of the images is improved immensely over the years. And to be honest, I shoot most of my photos with it nowadays. Just because I always have my phone with me. What I still do not like is the quality of images when you use the zoom. This shot is on full zoom and the details disappear. Unfortunately I was not able to move closer at that moment. At these moments I wish I had my Nikon Zf at hand, with a nice long lens.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Stunning Sunset Reflections in Oegstgeest

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2025

The sun reflects its light in the clouds after sunset.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version

Some Like It Hot

The Netherlands, Katwijk aan Zee – June 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version

Roger that, Roger

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Sunset

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

Coming Home

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

The Bird

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta Click the picture for a larger version.

On Policy

The Netherlands, Den Haag – May 2025

The LAPC challenge for this week (#354) is ‘reflections’. Reflecting can be visual but also in a way of contemplating. On the photo three Dutch government policy departments.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Dutch Horizons

The Dutch landscape has low horizons and is flat (but not as a pancake). Canals cut through it. Bicycle paths offer easy access for exploring. These photos are just behind the dunes at Noordwijk. They are at the edge of the Maandagse Wetering. On the horizon is Voorhout.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Spring Cycling: Maandagse Wetering

The Netherlands, Noordwijk – May 2025

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

On The Waterfront: Maandagse Wetering

The Netherlands, Noordwijk – May 2025

The Maandagse Wetering, a good spot to enjoy the sun while fishing.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Haarlemmer Trekvaart Hares

Two hares in a green field near a river, with cows grazing in the background.
The Netherlands, Voorhout – May 2025

Hares in the fields, where normally cows wander.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using SnapseedGrainLab  and Marksta.  Click the picture for a larger version.

Timeless Guildford

England, Guildford – April 2025

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using SnapseedGrainLab and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Guildford High Street

England, Guildford – April 2025

Guildford High Street.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max, edited using SnapseedGrainLab and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Guildford High Street: Better Days

England, Guildford – April 2025

Some shops had better days in Guildford High Street.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Guildford High Street

England, Guildford – April 2025

Uphill Guildford High Street.

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max, edited using SnapseedGrainLab and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Angel Gate Guildford

England, Guildford – April 2025

The old Posting House in Guildford now the Angel Hotel.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using SnapseedGrainLab and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Caught in between

England, Ranmore Common – April 2025

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Mini & Maxi: Nostalgic Reflections in Photography

England, Rusper – April 2025

The weekly Lens-Artists Challenge #349 is ‘the first thing I thought of (when I saw this)’. For me this is about association, and the thought that pops up seeing a scene. Frankly this feedback of an image is why I shoot photos.

Two trees, a short and slightly taller one, an image that reminded me of Mini & Maxi, a small-art comical duo that consisted of Karel de Rooij (Mini) and Peter de Jong (Maxi). The duo performed under this name from 1969 to 2017. (there is no Wikipedia in English, but you can translate the Dutch one if you are interested to know more).

Shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

The pros and cons of Tree Risk Management

England, Rusper – April 2025

Lately I have not participated in the weekly Lens-Artists Challenge, but here is one that fits the brief of #349 ‘the first thing I thought of (when I saw this)’. For me this is about association, and the thought that pops up seeing a scene can be the reason for taking the photo. Sometimes a thought that brings a smile, sometimes a thought of a type of despair or frustration: why? As it was the latter in this case.

In The Netherlands, all trees are bi-annualy inspected for risks, like falling over during a storm, to prevent calamities and discomfort. Its aim is to prevent and control future situations. In a way this makes sense, if you can prevent accidents, what is not to be liked about that? On the other hand you are never sure when they come down, but you do know that it will happen! At times with severe storms, trees tend to come down on roads and motorways or train tracks. C’est la vie, say the French. Luckily, in England one can enjoy the odd dead, broken, fallen over or not too healthy tree like this one. Let nature be nature, enjoy the ride.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Exploring Monty Python’s Flying Circus: A Sheep’s Perspective

England, Rusper – April 2025

Lately I have not participated in the weekly Lens-Artists Challenge, but here is one that fits the brief of #349 ‘the first thing I thought of (when I saw this)’. For me this is about association, and the thought that pops up seeing a scene can be the reason for taking the photo. As it was in this case. A peaceful arcadic scene of a green, lush valley with grazing sheep in the distance, made me think of a sketch.
One of my first introductions to Monty Python’s Flying Circus was the sketch ‘Flying Sheep’. In which dim sheep are trying to be like birds, led by the most dangerous of all animals, a clever sheep (Harald). After that introduction I was a fan forever, of Python, and sometimes lamb.

Shot with Nikon Zf, edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.