Fat Phill's Asian Palace 😉

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
13 seconds, F/9, ISO 100
15th of May 2025, 22:28 CET

#jdjphotography #leiden #stadvanontdekkingen #mooizuidholland #zuidhollandslandschap #zuidholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

Leiden is a historic and vibrant city in the Netherlands, located about 20 km northeast of The Hague. Leiden is home to Leiden University, founded in 1575—the oldest university in the Netherlands. It has a prestigious academic reputation and has educated members of the Dutch royal family as well as many Nobel laureates.

The city played a key role in Dutch history, particularly during the Eighty Years' War. In 1574, after surviving a long siege by the Spanish, Leiden was rewarded with its university. This event is still commemorated annually on October 3rd (Leidens Ontzet) with parades, food, and festivals.

With its picturesque canals, old windmills, and 17th-century buildings, Leiden is often called a smaller, quieter version of Amsterdam. It’s very walkable and has a warm, lively atmosphere.

Leiden has one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe—Hortus Botanicus, closely tied to the university and to famous scientists like Carolus Clusius, who helped introduce tulips to the Netherlands.

Leiden boasts many museums, including Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Museum Boerhaave (science and medicine), and Museum De Lakenhal (art and history).

Very windy conditions in a place which you practically never have for yourself alone. Luckily my patience paid off this time.

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/8th of a second, F/8, ISO 200
15th of May 2025, 19:19

#jdjphotography #japanesegarden #clingendael #thehague #zuidholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

The Japanese Garden in Clingendael Estate, The Hague, is a rare and historically significant gem in the Netherlands. Established around 1910 by Baroness Marguérite Mary van Brienen, affectionately known as Lady Daisy, it stands as the country's oldest and largest Japanese garden, encompassing approximately 6800 square meters. The original design with the serene pond, meandering brook and the winding pathways has remained intact all these years.

Lady Daisy's fascination with Japanese culture led her to make several voyages to Japan in the early 20th century. During these trips, she collected various artifacts, including stone lanterns, a water cask, sculptures, small bridges, and possibly even the garden's pavilion, which she transported back to The Hague. These elements were thoughtfully integrated into her interpretation of a Japanese-style garden, creating a serene and contemplative space.

The garden exudes a tranquil atmosphere, characterized by its lush moss-covered grounds and meandering pathways. Visitors can admire a variety of stone lanterns, some adorned with images of Buddha or deer—a sacred animal in Japanese culture. Notable features include two water basins: one with four Buddha images and another shaped like a lotus flower. A small shrine houses a statue of Jizo, the Buddhist protector of children and travelers. The garden's design elements, such as the red bridges and winding paths, are imbued with symbolic meanings, reflecting traditional Japanese beliefs.

Stilte nabij #Norg
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#nature #naturephotography #natuurfotografie #nfnl #natuurmonumenten #natgeo #zoomnl #vroegevogels_bnnvara #nikonNL #cameranu_nl #nederland #thenetherlands #holland_photolovers #roots_nl #colourofspring #waarneming.nl

#drentslandschap #drenthe #countryside #mooidrenthe #rtvdrenthe #noorderland #roegtv

— feeding the family

🇳🇱 Hoppen zijn niet alleen prachtige vogels, het zijn ook goede insectenjagers. Deze hop heeft een flinke vangst te pakken: een veenmol. Hij brengt hem naar het vrouwtje, dat hier nog op het nest zit.
In Nederland staat de hop op de Rode Lijst als ‘verdwenen broedvogel in Nederland’. De intensieve landbouw is een van de belangrijkste oorzaken voor het verdwijnen van deze mooie vogel, die afhankelijk is van extensieve landbouw en oude bomen. De kans dat hij zich opnieuw in Nederland zal vestigen, is dus helaas heel klein.

🇬🇧 Hoopoes are not only beautiful birds, but also skilled insect hunters. This hoopoe has caught a big one: a mole cricket. He brings it to the female, who is still on the nest.
In the Netherlands, the hoopoe is listed as an ‘extinct breeding bird’. Intensive agriculture is one of the main reasons for the disappearance of this remarkable bird.

📷 05/2025
📍 Slovenia
🏷️ Eurasian Hoopoe // Hop // Upupa epops
📷 @canonnederland R5 // RF 100-500mm
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#birdphotography #naturelovers #birdwatching #naturephotography #hop #hoopoe #wiedehopf #vogelfotografie #vogelvrijdag #vogelfotografienederland #deeldenatuur #nfnl #natuurmonumenten_featureme #vogelbeschermingnederland #vogelfotogalerij #vroegevogels_bnnvara #zoomnl #cameranu_nl

It's a Dutchman's duty to visit the tulip fields at least once per year. 😜

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/1000th of a second, F/5, ISO 200
19th of April 2025, 16:08

The tulip is one of the most beloved flowers in the world and an unmistakable symbol of the Netherlands. Originally from Central Asia, this flower found its way to Europe via the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century. It was in the Netherlands that the tulip really came into bloom — literally and figuratively. During the famous tulip mania of the 17th century, tulip bulbs were even traded for the price of an Amsterdam canal house!

Today, more than 2 billion tulips are grown in the Netherlands each year and exported worldwide. The tulip symbolizes love, spring, life, luxury, energization, and rebirth. The bright colors and streamlined shape make the tulip ideal for macro and nature photography.

This breathtaking macro photo captures the essence of the Netherlands in full bloom. With vibrant, pink-red tulips that seem to touch the horizon like a softly undulating carpet, this image not only brings color to your interior, but also peace and wonder to your heart.

This shot is more than just a pretty picture, it is an ode to nature. The soft focus in the background and the razor-sharp details in the foreground draw your gaze inwards, as if you were standing among the flowers on a sunny spring day.

Whether you are a nature lover, a flower fan or a lover of the Netherlands – a photo of a tulip field not only brings colour and atmosphere to your interior, but also a feeling of freshness and positivity.

#jdjphotographynl #voorhout #zuidholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl #tulp #tulip #bloem #flower #macrofotografie #macrophotography #natuurfotografie #naturephotography #bokeh #scherptediepte #depthoffield

— songs of spring

🇳🇱 Deze prachtige zanglijster was druk in de weer met het verzamelen van nestmateriaal, maar nam gelukkig even de tijd om te poseren. De zanglijster is een veelvoorkomende vogel in Nederland en staat bekend om zijn melodieuze zang. Ze hebben een uitgebreid repertoire van geluiden, dat uit zowel melodieën als imitaties van andere vogels bestaat. Vaak herhaalt de zanglijster een melodietje een paar keer, waarna hij een ander deuntje kiest.

🇬🇧 This beautiful song thrush was busy gathering nesting materials, but fortunately took some time to pose. The song thrush is a common bird in the Netherlands and is known for its melodious song. They have an extensive repertoire of sounds, including both melodies and imitations of other birds. Often, the song thrush will repeat a melody a few times before switching to another tune.


📷 04/2025
📍 the Netherlands
🏷️ Song Thrush // Zanglijster // Turdus philomelos
📷 @canonnederland R5 // RF 100-500mm
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#birdphotography #naturelovers #birdwatching #naturephotography #zanglijster #songthrush #singdrossel #vogelfotografie #vogelfotografienederland #deeldenatuur #nfnl #natuurmonumenten #vogelbeschermingnederland #vogelfotogalerij #vroegevogels_bnnvara #zoomnl #cameranu_nl

Een prachtige mistige zonsopgang eerder deze week in Norg
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#nature #naturephotography #natuurfotografie #nfnl #natuurmonumenten #natgeo #zoomnl #vroegevogels_bnnvara #nikonNL #cameranu_nl #nederland #thenetherlands #holland_photolovers #roots_nl #colourofspring #waarneming.nl

#drentslandschap #drenthe #countryside #mooidrenthe #rtvdrenthe #noorderland #roegtv

Yep, sakura season is on in the Netherlands, and you'll get to know it. ;)

On this particular Sunday afternoon, I went to the cherry blossom park in the Amsterdamse Bos first, but gawd almighty, it was crowded there. By that point, I knew I could forget about going to Almere as well.

So I took the gamble by driving to the city of Houten, where they had this little park with two lovely blossom trees that I largely had all for myself.

Sony A73 - Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/1600th second, F/5, ISO 200
23rd of March, 12:55

Cherry blossoms, known as sakura (桜) in Japan, are delicate pink or white flowers that bloom in early spring. They are deeply symbolic in Japanese culture, representing the beauty and fleeting nature of life due to their short blooming period—usually only one to two weeks.

🌸 Key Facts About Cherry Blossoms

Scientific Name: Most cherry blossoms belong to the Prunus genus, with Prunus serrulata (Japanese cherry) being one of the most famous species.

Blooming Season: Varies depending on the climate, but in Japan, peak bloom (known as sakura zensen) typically happens between late March and early April.

Symbolism: In Japanese philosophy, cherry blossoms are linked to mono no aware, the appreciation of the transient nature of life. They also symbolize renewal and hope.


Cultural Significance:

Hanami (花見): A centuries-old tradition where people gather under cherry trees to celebrate the blossoms with picnics and festivals.

Samurai & Bushido: Samurai often associated cherry blossoms with their own lives—beautiful yet brief, as they lived under the code of bushido (the way of the warrior).

Modern Use: Sakura motifs appear in Japanese art, fashion, and even food and drinks (like sakura-flavored mochi, tea, and seasonal Starbucks lattes!)

#jdjphotographynl #houten #utrecht #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #macro #macrophotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl #cherryblossom #sakura #hanami

Throwback to a lovely sunset at the river IJ in Amsterdam.

Sony A73 - Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/40th second, F/9, ISO 100
16th of October 2024, 18:33

The Pontsteiger building is a striking modern residential tower in Amsterdam, located on the IJ River in the Houthaven district. It’s one of the city’s most iconic contemporary architectural landmarks.

The Pontsteiger building is designed by Arons en Gelauff Architecten, the building was completed in 2019. It stands 90 meters tall and features a unique bridge-like structure at the top, creating an open space in the middle. The design resembles a giant gateway over the water, making it a recognizable part of Amsterdam’s skyline. The building is covered in bronze-colored aluminum cladding, giving it a luxurious and modern appearance.

The Pontsteiger building mainly consists of high-end apartments and penthouses. The top levels (the "bridge" section) house some of the most expensive apartments in Amsterdam, with stunning views over the city and the IJ River. The lower levels feature rental apartments, commercial spaces, and a few retail spots.

The Pontsteiger building is situated in the Houthavens district, an old harbour area that has been transformed into a trendy, sustainable neighbourhood. It offers waterfront living with boat access, making it attractive for affluent residents. And it's close to Westerpark, a popular park with cultural venues, cafés, and green spaces.

#jdjphotographynl #amsterdam #amsterdamnoord #noordholland #oogvoornoordholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl #ferry #pontsteiger #ij #river #zonsondergang #sunset

Had some fun shooting double exposures.

Film: #fomapan200
Camera: #kiev88


#Ingrainwetrust #Filmisnotdead #Ishootfilm #vintagecamera #Mediumformat #Photography #Analogue #Dutchfilmshooters #grainypicture #staybrokeshootfilm #onfilm #cameranu_nl #kecommunity #fotobond #120film #shotonfilm #blackandwhite #oldcameras #mediumformat120 #oldfilmcamera #filmphotography #120film #doubleexposure #nijmegen