What's (in) the Picture?

Chris Breebaart Photography – finding stories

Posts tagged ‘The Netherlands’

Mono and/or Colour? Dutch Polder Landscape

A polder landscape. Living below sea level water management is needed to keep us dry. Here you see a typical polder landscape.
LAPC #412 is ‘places shaped by water’.

A dramatic sky filled with thick, gray clouds, with a hint of blue peeking through, over a rural landscape featuring fields and a few buildings in the foreground.
The Netherlands, Leidschendam – August 2026
A black and white photograph of a dramatic sky filled with textured clouds, overlooking a rural landscape with distant houses and trees.
The Netherlands, Leidschendam – August 2026

Mono and/or Coloured? Volkerakdam

One of the first questions I had buying my first digital DSLR was ‘how do I shoot monochrome photos from now?’. In the past it was just choosing what film I put in a camera. Going digital implied using editing to revert from color to monochrome. More recently black and white modes came back on devices. Not only on iPhone. My choice for Nikon Zf was influenced by it. But it all is a question of taste. And taste is specific. When I see a subject nowadays I try to use the monochrome settings and the standard colour settings; knowing that I can nowadays see the results straight away. That is a blessing.

Two different photos of the road over the Volkerakdam. This dam and the locks in it, are part of the Delta Works, safeguarding The Netherlands against floods.

LAPC #412 is ‘places shaped by water’. I think that applies exactly to the existence of The Netherlands.

A scenic view of a cloudy sky over a body of water, with a highway guardrail in the foreground and a streetlamp on the left.
The Netherlands, Volkerakdam – August 2026
Black and white photograph of dramatic cloud formations over a calm body of water, with a small boat visible in the distance and a railing in the foreground.
The Netherlands, Volkerakdam – August 2026

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Leaves Leave in Autumn

Black and white close-up of lush green leaves on a plant with a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2026

Sun baked green in monochrome.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Nobody Can Wait Forever

A modern airport terminal interior showcasing spacious seating areas with passengers waiting. The photo is in black and white, highlighting the architectural elements like large glass windows and stylish lighting fixtures.
The Netherlands, Schiphol Amsterdam – August 2026

Waiting for boarding on Schiphol Amsterdam.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Overhead Blues

A plane flying against a clear blue sky.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2026

Incoming traffic for Schiphol Airport, which is an overhead blues for us being disturbed every two minutes for another one, while sitting in the garden.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Into The Blue

A serene twilight sky featuring deep blue and darker hues with soft, wispy clouds near the horizon.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2026

Clouds and sky, into the wide open.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Summer Sunrise

Sunset view behind trees and a tall structure, with warm orange and yellow hues.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2026

Summer heat starting up with the sunrise.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Eclipse

A partially eclipsed sun with a bright orange glow, set against a dark background.
Close-up photo of a solar eclipse showing a crescent-shaped sun against a dark background, with glowing orange and yellow hues.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2026

We witnessed the last partial eclipse in Western Europe for the next 58 years in the beginning of August.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Detailed Space

A tranquil twilight sky transitioning from deep blue to soft orange, silhouetted by rooftops and a few clouds.
Silhouette of a rooftop and chimney against a gradient sky at sunset with scattered clouds.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sunsets these days are sometimes interesting with cloud shapes light up.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Impressionism

A gradient sky transitioning from deep blue at the top to orange at the horizon, with a few clouds near the center and silhouettes of rooftops and trees at the bottom.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sunsets these days are sometimes interesting with cloud shapes light up. With poor light conditions it can turn out to be a quite rough photo. I added to that roughness deliberately.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Sky Foam

Dramatic clouds in a moody sky at sunset, featuring various shades of gray and hints of gold light.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sunsets these days are sometimes interesting with cloud shapes light up.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Golden Hour

A vibrant sunset sky filled with fluffy clouds showcasing shades of yellow and blue.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sunsets these days are sometimes interesting with cloud shapes light up. At the golden hour.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Sky Stripes

A black and white image of a textured sky filled with clouds, showcasing a moody and atmospheric scene.
Black and white photograph of a dramatic sky filled with various cloud formations and textures.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sunsets these days are sometimes interesting with cloud shapes light up. Even in monochrome.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Dots

A vibrant sky filled with scattered fluffy clouds against a deep blue backdrop.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sunsets these days are sometimes interesting with cloud shapes light up.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Beam me up Scotty

A dramatic sky featuring wispy clouds illuminated by golden light, creating a serene atmosphere.
A dramatic sunset with vibrant orange and yellow hues illuminating clouds, alongside a silhouette of a tower in the foreground.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sunsets these days are sometimes interesting with cloud shapes light up.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Sheet

Wrinkled white sheets and pillows on a bed in black and white.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

This Sumer a lot of nights were really warm, so a sheet is just what you need for cover LAPC #408 is ‘over the top’.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Wet Road Side

View of trees and a landscape through a rainy car window, with droplets obscuring the scene and a cloudy sky overhead.
Raindrops on a window with blurred images of trees and a road in the background.
The Netherlands, Woubrugge – July 2026

This was the last rain we had, and before that we had more than a month without rain. It is dry, rivers run low.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Here comes the flood

A dramatic sky filled with various cloud formations illuminated by the setting sun, featuring shades of blue, orange, and white.

The sky at dusk, showing scenery that takes your imagination far. LAPC #408 is ‘over the top’.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Where do the sheep clouds go at night?

A dramatic sky filled with scattered fluffy clouds against a deep blue background, illuminated by soft golden light, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
A dramatic sky filled with scattered clouds, showcasing a blend of blue and white hues.
A black and white photograph of a textured cloud formation in the sky, showcasing various patterns and shapes.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

LAPC #408 is ‘over the top’. The sky at dusk, showing what we call ‘schapenwolken’ in Dutch. Literally over the top. In case you can not sleep, counting them would help. But where do they go after you counted them?

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Agapanthus Blues

A close-up of an agapanthus flower with clusters of purple buds, set against a blurred green and brown background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

It is the time for Agapanthus again. Coming up showing off their beautiful flowers in the garden.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Agapanthus Purple

A close-up photograph of a cluster of small purple flowers on a green stem, with a blurred background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – August 2026

It is the time for Agapanthus again. Coming up showing off their beautiful flowers in the garden.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

White Rose En Profile

Black and white close-up of two roses with dramatic lighting, showcasing the texture of the petals against a dark background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

We are fortunate to have cut-flowers all year round. Fresh and at reasonable prices.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

White Roses

Black and white close-up of two roses with detailed petals against a dark background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

We are lucky to have cut-flowers all year round. Fresh and at reasonable prices. Here are some roses.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Boating

Two boats cruising on a serene waterway surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

LAPC #406 is ‘summer daze’. Summer traffic from and to the Kagerplassen.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

White Rose

A black and white photograph of two roses surrounded by dark leaves, showcasing their intricate petal structures.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

We are lucky to have cut-flowers all year round. Fresh and at reasonable prices. Here are some roses.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version.

Sunset

A gradient sunset with a deep blue sky transitioning to a warm golden hue, silhouetting rooftops and trees at the horizon.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

LAPC #406 is ‘summer daze’. The heat presented itself with some abstract sunsets.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

On Wings

View from an airplane window showing the wing of an easyJet aircraft against a blue sky and ocean, with wind turbines visible in the distance.
Aerial view of several wind turbines in a blue ocean, with faint silhouettes of boats in the background.
Aerial view of an airplane wing with the easyJet logo, overlooking a blue ocean populated with numerous wind turbines in the distance.
The Netherlands, over The North Sea – July 2026

The North Sea and windmills from an Easyjet flight.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Zig Zag

A picturesque sky filled with soft, wispy clouds against a blue backdrop, with a subtle sunset glow reflecting off the clouds and a faint jet trail crossing the scene.
A beautiful sky filled with clouds, showcasing a gradient of colors from blue to soft orange and hints of pink, indicating either dawn or dusk.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

The evening sunset sky, offers a wider range of colours. And cloud shapes.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Before Take Off

View of the airport tarmac through an airplane window, featuring easyJet planes, a baggage truck, and clear blue skies.
The Netherlands, Schiphol Amsterdam – July 2026

Before take off. Just before the adventure starts (LPAC #405 is ‘adventure’).

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

The Land Down Under

Aerial view of a calm body of water with multiple wind turbines in the distance, illuminated by a soft golden and blue gradient sky.
The Netherlands, Noordwijk – July 2026

The coast of The Netherlands, showing the colour original of the monochrome of two days ago. The window of the plane gives layer of colors that I did not like at first. Not Australia but from up here it is down under.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Le Plat Pays – The Netherlands

A black and white aerial view of a calm body of water with numerous wooden poles protruding from it, surrounded by a moody sky.
The Netherlands, Noordwijk – July 2026

The coast of The Netherlands, showing the Dutch version of Le Plat Pays (my flat country) from an incoming Easyjet flight from London Gatwick to Schiphol Amsterdam. Lots of windmills still.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Unquiet Slumbers for The Restless Sleepers …….

Dramatic sunset scene with dark clouds and colorful hues of orange and pink on the horizon.
A dramatic sunset over a cloudy sky, featuring vibrant orange and yellow hues blending with darker clouds.
Dramatic sky at sunset featuring layered clouds in shades of gray, pink, and orange.
Dramatic sky filled with dark and stormy clouds, contrasting with hints of orange and yellow from the sunset below.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

The evening sunset sky, offers a wider range of colours.

Inspired by a Genesis’ song from the Wind and Wuthering album: Unquiet slumbers for the restless sleepers ……. in that quiet earth.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Red Red Rose

A close-up of vibrant red roses surrounded by green leaves and tall grass, with soft sunlight illuminating the scene.
Two vibrant red roses surrounded by green leaves and delicate pink flowers in a grassy setting.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – July 2026

Sometimes a little detail catches the eye. And keeps catching the eye. And then you take some photo’s. The red roses in the mix at early sunlight.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Gold

Close-up of a dried flower head with long, slender stems and small, brown seed pods radiating outward.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2026

The last stages of the Allium flower.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

In The Mix

A vibrant garden scene featuring green leaves, a young tree, and bright red flowers in the foreground, illuminated by warm sunlight.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2026

The early sunrise light is almost magical.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Heatwave

A view from a wooden table overlooking a vibrant garden with plants, flowers, and outdoor furniture, featuring hanging lanterns and a glass of orange juice.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2026

Climate change seems to kick in, with a heatwave stronger than before the last week. Sit in the garden, having a drink, have a read. Chill.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Alien Allium

The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2026

Even after blooming the Allium flower stays remarkable.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Summer Rose

A close-up of a rose bush with bright yellow flowers, supported by stakes, set against a softly lit background of trees and greenery.
The Netherlands., Oegstgeest – June 2026

LAPC #403 focuses on photography tools: perspective, depth and scale. Roses in the warm after sunrise light.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

The End of Allium

Close-up of a round flower head with multiple thin stems and small buds, photographed in black and white.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2026

LAPC #403 focuses on photography tools: perspective, depth and scale. Normally it is better to cut the flower off after it has died, to keep the food in the bulb for next year. But an Allium turns into something quite spectacular.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Allium Times

A close-up of a pink flower surrounded by lush greenery and soft blurred background, showcasing nature's beauty.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #403 focuses on photography tools: perspective, depth and scale. Sometimes framing helps to tell a story.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Alone

A close-up of a round purple flower with thin petals, growing on a green stem against a stone surface.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #403 focuses on photography tools: perspective, depth and scale. A ‘iPhone long shot’ of an Allium.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Slightly Different Allium Groups

A vibrant field of purple allium flowers with long stems, set against a backdrop of green foliage and soil.
The Netherlands, Lisse – May 2026
A field of vibrant purple allium flowers in neat rows, with green leaves emerging from the soil.

The Netherlands, Lisse – May 2026

LAPC #403 focuses on photography tools: perspective, depth and scale. Here two photos of the same group of Aliums in a field, slightly different use of depth and framing. The main difference is the use of focus and framing. I am not sure which one is better, so you be the judge of it.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Greens leaves

A field of tall, golden grass illuminated by soft sunlight against a dark background.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – May 2026

LAPC #403 focuses on photography tools: perspective, depth and scale. Here a little detail on a sunny morning. The sunny backlight in the undergrowth.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Sun Screen

A dramatic sky filled with dark clouds and a bright opening revealing the sun, creating a contrast between light and shadows.
A cloudy sky with the sun peeking through, creating a halo effect around it.
A dramatic, monochromatic image of a cloudy sky with varying cloud formations and light peeking through.
A black and white image of a cloudy sky with light peeking through, creating a dramatic atmosphere.
Dramatic black and white image of a cloudy sky with varying cloud formations and light peeking through.
Black and white image of a cloudy sky with a visible sun behind the clouds, featuring a textured, dot-pattern overlay.
The Netherlands, Oegstgeest – June 2026

The sky is an amazing object. It is always there, but we only pay attention to it a few times a day. When there are rain clouds, if it is blue, if the sun comes up, or goes down. And yet, living in a country with a low horizon, it is part of our life. At times a little message comes in making me pay attention. And do something simple, playful with the sky, the clouds and the sun. I admit, mostly near sunset time. Here six photos of the sky taken through a sun screen of a roof window. I do hope you enjoy them.

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #402 is a return to the first ever LAPC: wonder. I added a ‘sky’ archive. It is just an indicator of the role the sky has in my photos, 700 plus photos, so that is a long browse :-). You are warned.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Lions

A tranquil lake surrounded by lush green trees, featuring two lion statues on stone pedestals at the foreground, reflecting clouds and foliage in the water.
The Netherlands, Apeldoorn – May 2026

The pond in the park of palace Het Loo.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

Frontal

A brick building facade featuring large windows with red shutters, a black door in the center, and two ornate lanterns on either side.
The Netherlands, Apeldoorn – May 2026

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #402 is a return to the first ever LAPC: wonder. In this world there is plenty to wonder about. Like how they build something as beautiful as this, brought back to its original state in the nineties of last century, was created. It is part of a big palace, palace Het Loo.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version

On The Shore

A serene lakeside view featuring a tree, ducks, and colorful flowers in the background, under bright blue skies.
The Netherlands, Apeldoorn – May 2026

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #402 is a return to the first ever LAPC: wonder. In this world there is plenty to wonder about. Sometimes it only takes a step outside of a pattern. Think of the way we are used to look at the world. In a photo you can use the light and darkness to frame a story of a very familiar subject.

The pond in the park of palace Het Loo.

Shot with iPhone 17 Pro Max edited using Snapseed and Marksta. Click the picture for a larger version