I knew the opportunity to get on the roof of the Nieuwe Kerk was coming to a close (yesterday was the last day), so I decided to go last Friday.

It started off well when I hadn't even folded out my tripod entirely when a member of staff informed me tripods weren't allowed. Not that I could have actually used my tripod, as the floor was either somewhat flexible, or so flexible that you would have even felt an ant walking by. So cranking up the ISO and shooting out of my hands it was, and fingers crossed I had gotten something somewhat sharp.

Not going to lie, I definitely needed my photo editing software to get rid of the noise and to get this photo sharper, but all things considered, I'm not too dissatisfied. 🙂 Worth the € 7,50 admission fee and the effort of having to be in the Amsterdam city center that I have started to love to hate over the years. 😉

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/15th of a second, F/5, ISO 640
October 31st 2025, 17:11

#jdjphotographynl #nieuwekerk #magnaplaza #tram #openbaarvervoer #publictransport #amsterdam #iamsterdam #oogvoornoordholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl #zonsondergang #sunset

Time to add a little colour into this boring grey morning. 😊

#jdjphotographynl #mooizuidholland #zuidhollandslandschap #zuidholland #inholland #bestofnetherlands #ig_discover_holland #super_holland #holland_photolovers #natuurlijk_nederland #hollandinbeeld #hollandgram #nederland_ontdekt #alluring_netherlands #mooi__nederland #hollandse_foto #heelnederland_fotografeert #heelholland_fotografeert #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #mooiholland #netherlandstravelers #dutchcaptures #photographersassociates #catch_holland #hollands_mooiste_fotos #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl #mooistefotovannederland

I can't help it, here's another noctilucent cloud photo from the same night at the Zaanse Schans, but this time more aimed towards the river Zaan and the town of Zaandijk.

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
10 seconds, F/5.6, ISO 250
30th of June 2025, 0:05 CET

#jdjphotographynl #iamsterdam #oogvoornoordholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

Imagine this: a warm summer evening, the sky a deep, velvety blue, glowing with an otherworldly shimmer. Above the world-famous windmills of the Zaanse Schans, rare and mysterious noctilucent clouds dance across the northern horizon. This spectacular natural phenomenon, made up of ice crystals at an altitude of 80 kilometers, is only visible for a few weeks in June and July—just after sunset. Captured beautifully in this unique photograph, these are the highest clouds on Earth—and perhaps the most mysterious. Their origin lies in meteor dust, and possibly even in subtle shifts in our climate.

The Zaanse Schans is a historic and touristic area located along the Zaan River in the municipality of Zaanstad, just north of Amsterdam. It is one of the most iconic heritage sites in the Netherlands, attracting over two million visitors annually. The Zaanse Schans is renowned for its traditional wooden houses, working windmills, and authentic craft workshops that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The area was developed in the 1960s as an open-air museum and heritage zone. Many of the buildings were relocated from other parts of the Zaan region to be preserved here. Today, the Zaanse Schans is a unique blend of cultural history, artisanal tradition, and natural beauty—offering a quintessentially Dutch landscape that feels both timeless and alive.

And then last night the NLC party was on again. This time I wasn't so much surprised about it, so I had more time to go somewhere a bit nicer than my neighbourhood farmland. Though not very original, it became the windmills of the Zaanse Schans.

Nice feature; this photo was used in today's weather report on one of the Dutch national TV channels. 😁 Happy and an honour for that to have happened.

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
13 seconds, F/5, ISO 250
30th of June 2025, 0:37 CET

#jdjphotographynl #iamsterdam #oogvoornoordholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

Imagine this: a warm summer evening, the sky a deep, velvety blue, glowing with an otherworldly shimmer. Above the world-famous windmills of the Zaanse Schans, rare and mysterious noctilucent clouds dance across the northern horizon. This spectacular natural phenomenon, made up of ice crystals at an altitude of 80 kilometers, is only visible for a few weeks in June and July—just after sunset. Captured beautifully in this unique photograph, these are the highest clouds on Earth—and perhaps the most mysterious. Their origin lies in meteor dust, and possibly even in subtle shifts in our climate.

The Zaanse Schans is a historic and touristic area located along the Zaan River in the municipality of Zaanstad, just north of Amsterdam. It is one of the most iconic heritage sites in the Netherlands, attracting over two million visitors annually. The Zaanse Schans is renowned for its traditional wooden houses, working windmills, and authentic craft workshops that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The area was developed in the 1960s as an open-air museum and heritage zone. Many of the buildings were relocated from other parts of the Zaan region to be preserved here.

I was about to go to bed last night when a mate of mine said the NLCs are here. Looked out of the window, and my mate was most definitely right.

So I dressed up again, but didn't feel like going very far, not in the last place out of 'fear' the display would have fizzled out if I would have gone somewhere further away. Then the best nearby place for me with a clear view towards the north is this farmland.

Not necessarily the most interesting of places as it doesn't give me a foreground topic that I do prefer in a lot of my photos, but at least I have caught the NLCs, so mission accomplished altogether. 😊

It was a right call to stay close to home in the end, by the way, as the display got significantly weaker after some 15 minutes.

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
15 seconds, F/5, ISO 400
29th of June, 0:48 CET

#jdjphotographynl #iamsterdam #oogvoornoordholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

Whispering high above the twilight, noctilucent clouds shimmer like a dream painted in silver and ice. 🌌✨ These rare “night-shining” clouds form near the edge of space—over 80 km up—when sunlight catches ice crystals drifting in the mesosphere.

You’ll see them in summer, just after sunset, glowing electric blue and white against the deepening sky. They’re Earth’s highest clouds, and also its most mysterious—linked to meteoric dust and changing climates.

Catch them if you can—they’re elusive, fleeting, and absolutely magical.

That you're having a very tasty lemonade with your partner on a terrace somewhere in Delft, when you're getting all intrigued by a light bulb. 🤦

I have never been officially diagnosed with it, but I wouldn't be surprised if I have an at the very least mild case of ADHD. 🤣

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/2000th of a second, F/5, ISO 200
9th of May 2025, 15:14 CET

#jdjphotographynl #delft #igersdelft #zuidholland #zuidhollandslandschap #mooizuidholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

Delft is a charming and historic city in the province of South Holland, Netherlands, nestled between The Hague and Rotterdam. It is renowned for its beautiful canals, rich cultural heritage, and strong connections to both Dutch royalty and the painter Johannes Vermeer.

Delft received city rights in 1246 and played a prominent role in Dutch history during the Golden Age. It was the residence of William of Orange, the founding father of the Netherlands, who was assassinated in Delft in 1584. The Royal House of Orange-Nassau has strong ties to the city—most members are buried in the Nieuwe Kerk.

Delft was the hometown of Johannes Vermeer, one of the greatest Dutch painters of the 17th century. You can visit the Vermeer Centrum Delft, a museum dedicated to his life and works, though it doesn't house original paintings—it offers interactive displays and reproductions.

With its canals, gabled houses, and bike-friendly streets, Delft offers a quintessential Dutch experience. The central market square (Markt) is one of the largest in the Netherlands, surrounded by cafés, shops, and historic buildings. Delft is world-famous for its blue-and-white pottery, known as Delftware or Delfts Blauw.

When you live in the Netherlands, you'll quickly enough get used to boats sailing by on the canals and rivers. I however don't quite see it every day that a houseboat is sailing by though. 😁

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/125th of a second, F/9, ISO 100
17th of May 2025, 14:02 CET

#jdjphotographynl #weesp #welkominweesp #iamsterdam #oogvoornoordholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

Weesp is a picturesque, historic town in North Holland, located just southeast of Amsterdam along the River Vecht. Often referred to as “Little Amsterdam,” it offers a charming alternative to the capital, with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Weesp's origins trace back to the Middle Ages, receiving city rights in 1355. Its strategic position along the River Vecht made it a vital trading hub from the 12th to the late 15th century. The town was fortified, and remnants of its bastions, moats, and forts still exist today. In March 2022, Weesp officially became part of the municipality of Amsterdam, yet it retains its distinct identity and charm.

Weesp boasts a well-preserved historic center with canals, cobblestone streets, and 17th- and 18th-century architecture. The town is home to three historic windmills, including Molen de Vriendschap, which is open to the public on Saturdays.

Located in the former city hall, Museum Weesp showcases local history, including porcelain and chocolate production. Wispe Brouwerij is an independent brewery housed in a restored 19th-century church, offering tours, tastings, and even a luxury suite in the tower.

One from the archives. I came for the cherry blossom, I went away with the remainder of a castle. 😁

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/400th of a second, F/9, ISO 200
23rd of March 2025, 14:11 CET

#jdjphotographynl #kasteelschonauwen #houten #utrechtinbeeld #exploringutrecht #ontdekutrecht #utrecht_netherlands #utrechts_landschap #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

Kasteel Schonauwen is a historic site located in Houten, in the province of Utrecht, Netherlands. Established in 1261, it originally served as a monastic grange for the Premonstratensian abbey of Mariënwaard in Beesd. In the early 14th century, the property was transformed into a fortified residence by the Van Beusichem family, who began calling themselves Van Schonauwen.

Throughout the centuries, the castle changed hands multiple times. In 1536, it was recognized as a 'ridderhofstad' (knightly manor), granting its owners a seat in the Provincial States of Utrecht. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle underwent significant renovations, transitioning from a medieval fortress to a more comfortable residence with gardens and orchards.

In 1812, the castle was purchased by Hendrik Ravée, who demolished most of the structure for fiscal reasons, leaving only the current round tower intact. This tower stands approximately 13.5 meters tall with a diameter of 5.5 meters.

Today, Kasteel Schonauwen is a private residence and is not open to the public.

Going up the Euromast never gets boring, does it? 😊

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
13 seconds, F/8, ISO 200
3rd of May 2025, 21:56 CET

#jdjphotography #rotterdam #rotterdammakeithappen #rotterdamhotspots #kommieuitrotterdamdan #mooizuidholland #zuidhollandslandschap #zuidholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

The Euromast is an iconic observation tower in Rotterdam, Netherlands, standing at 185 meters tall. Originally constructed between 1958 and 1960 for the 1960 Floriade horticultural exhibition, it was designed by architect Hugh Maaskant. The tower was inaugurated on March 25, 1960, by Princess Beatrix. In 1970, the Euromast was extended with the addition of the Space Tower, increasing its height by 85 meters and making it the tallest public building in the Netherlands at the time.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Rotterdam from the observation deck located at 112 meters. For an even higher vantage point, the Euroscoop—a rotating glass elevator—ascends to 180 meters, providing a 360° view of the city and beyond.

The Euromast features a restaurant situated at 96 meters above ground, offering a unique dining experience with stunning views of the Rotterdam skyline. Guests can indulge in brunch, lunch, high tea, high wine, or a three-course dinner.

For a truly unique experience, the Euromast offers two luxury hotel suites located at a height of 100 meters. Each suite comes with its own balcony, providing guests with breathtaking views of the city or the harbour.

Thrill-seekers can partake in abseiling from the Euromast during the abseiling season, which runs from May to September. Participants descend from a height of 100 meters.

Riding high

Sony A73, Sony FE 24-105mm lens
1/320th of a second, F/9, ISO 200
3rd of May 2025, 16:21 CET

#jdjphotography #rotterdam #rotterdammakeithappen #rotterdamhotspots #kommieuitrotterdamdan #mooizuidholland #zuidhollandslandschap #zuidholland #inholland #netherlands #hollandspracht #bestofnetherlands #nederland_wat_ben_je_mooi #hollands_mooiste_fotos #landscape #landscapephotography #nightphotography #cameranu_nl #zoomnl #cameraland_nl

A Ferris wheel is a large, rotating upright wheel with passenger cabins (often called gondolas) attached along its rim. As the wheel turns, these cabins remain upright, offering riders elevated views of the surrounding area. Ferris wheels are staples at amusement parks, fairs, and cityscapes worldwide.

Ferris wheels operate using a combination of mechanical and physical principles. Rotation Mechanism: Electric motors drive gears that turn the central axle, causing the wheel to rotate. Gravity's Role: While motors initiate movement, gravity assists in the wheel's rotation, especially as it descends, contributing to the ride's smooth motion. Cabin Stability: Gondolas are designed to pivot at their attachment points, allowing them to remain upright due to gravity as the wheel turns.

Riders often experience a sensation of lightness at the top of the wheel and increased pressure at the bottom, due to changes in apparent weight caused by the wheel's motion.

Before the modern Ferris wheel, "pleasure wheels" existed in the 17th century, where passengers rode in chairs suspended from large wooden rings turned manually. The first modern Ferris wheel was designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Standing at 80.4 meters (264 feet), it featured 36 cars, each accommodating up to 60 passengers.