The fortifications of Vlissingen at sunrise

by Sander Poppe

Some mornings seem tailor-made for photography. On this early morning, I was standing on the floodgate at Koopmanshaven in Vlissingen, whilst the town slowly awoke. The water was almost as smooth as glass, and above the Westerschelde the sky was tinged with soft shades of pink, purple and blue.

From this spot, many of the fortified town’s recognisable landmarks are visible. The casemates, the statue of Michiel de Ruyter, the lighthouse and the jetties of the Keizersbolwerk together form a characteristic part of Vlissingen. The soft light of the rising sun lent the historic buildings and monuments a tranquil air.

What made this morning special was not only the light, but above all the atmosphere. The harbour was quiet, the wind was virtually non-existent, and the water reflected the clouds above the town. It gave a familiar place an almost picturesque quality.

For this photograph, I made subtle use of the Orton effect, which emphasises the soft morning light even further. This enhances the tranquil atmosphere without detracting from the reality of the moment.

Through the combination of history, water and pastel colours, this image brings a sense of calm to an interior. On canvas or as an ArtFrame, the soft colours and details really come into their own. Available in various sizes.