Haarlem at Blue Hour – Spaarne River and the Lange Brug by Photo Wall Decoration

Haarlem, a city that will always remain special to me. I lived there for 21 years and although I've lived elsewhere for a few years now, I still come back here regularly, especially with my camera in the bag.

I took this shot on the Spaarne, with a view towards the Lange Brug. It was late afternoon and the light was already starting to soften a little, creating a calm, almost hushed atmosphere. There was hardly any wind and the cool temperature meant there were no boats on the water. Ideal conditions for a cityscape in which the reflections in the Spaarne play a leading role.

I chose a composition in which the lines of the quay and the water lead the eye to the bridge and the historical buildings behind it. After setting up my camera, tripod, low ISO, long shutter speed, it was a matter of patiently waiting for the light to fall just right. That softness in the light makes all the difference to me.

At home at my desk, the second part of the process then begins: post-processing. I work with different photo programmes to fine-tune contrast, colour and sharpness to preserve the atmosphere of the moment. When the image finally matches what I felt on the spot, I know it is ready for my webshop.
A work that for me reflects the tranquillity, rhythm and character of Haarlem.

You will find more unique images from Haarlem in my shop here at Werk aan de Muur :

https://www.werkaandemuur.nl/nl/shopalbum/Haarlem/12178/12851