Workshop in "Het Leudal" // The last colors of Autumn

Today I gave another photography workshop in my local nature reserve. “Het Leudal” for two nice guys from Belgium. My clients were really into learning how to find new compositions, look for leading lines, framing, and just looking and experiencing a forest (in this case) for photography. Also very much to just slow down and enjoy nature ofcourse.

We did walk about 9km through the area and encountered a lot of nice places. Some Leudal classics, and beautiful random encounters. Some interesting conversations about photography accompanied us during our walks. We all had a great day. Thank you for joining me today guys, and to you: Thanks for checking out this blogpost. Below is a selection of photographs from today.

The Classic. A long exposure at the watermill in Het Leudal

A well spotted beautiful leaf with waterdrops by one of the participants. I had to shoot it too ofcourse.

The beautiful landscape in Het Leudal

A rainy morning in the forest

Today I woke up early, headed to the forest and show a few snaps. The rain didn’t stop me. I actually liked it, as it added some mood to the photographs.

Forest photography in the rain is a captivating and ethereal experience. As the raindrops cascade through the lush green canopy, the forest comes alive with an enchanting atmosphere. The rain adds an element of mystery and intrigue to the photographs, creating a soft and dreamlike ambiance. The moisture in the air enhances the vibrant colors and textures of the foliage, making them appear more saturated and vivid. Every droplet becomes a reflection of the beauty within the forest, transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary moments.

Through the lens, one can capture the dance of rain-kissed leaves, the glistening bark, and the delicate balance between light and shadow. Forest photography in the rain is an opportunity to explore the hidden corners of nature, revealing its secrets and inviting viewers into a world of tranquility and awe.

Secret Sea Cliffs in Iceland

Iceland has a lot of famous and popular places, but also a lot of not so known places that are often just as beautiful and impressive as the popular places. In this video I am showing one of those locations. Amazing cliffs and sea stacks on the Icelandic coast. I won't mention its name or location. But enjoy the scenery. And if you ever want to see this place, just come back to this video and re-watch it again.

Connection - De Groote Peel

De Groote Peel is a National Park in the area that I live. It is a place I have always been drawn to. Ever since I photograph basically. So much to see, hear and feel there.

The older I get the more I feel emotionally attached to this piece of land. I have family roots in this area. This area is like a magnet, its pretty much always on my mind and radar.

And when I visit and stroll along the tiny pathways crossing the bogs/wetlands into the distance, passing by forestland I listen to the silence. Get humbled by the clouds passing by, wind on my face, and nature setting the pace of life. It is like seeing with your eyes closed. The silence in this place is special, its louder then anywhere else. Isn't it beautiful how you can connect and ground with a place, a strip of land?

And I envision my forefathers and long gone family living here. Working and simply being part of this area. Their blood, veins, and bones are part of this. I am part of this. I am rooted here. It is my Identity.

Shots taken today, on 2nd Christmas day. On a little stroll with my family. To pay tribute to who I am, and where I come from. To those who shaped and are part of me. And very much to whom I wish to be.

Viðareiði - The Faroe Islands

The Northernmost town in The Faroe Islands - Viðareiði

Viðareiði is the northernmost village on the island of Viðoy of the Faroe Islands. The village is situated on an isthmus between two high mountains: on the north side Mount Villingdalsfjall rises 844 meters high above sea level. This is also the highest mountain in the northern islands and the third highest in the entire Faroe archipelago.

Getting to Viðareiði
Viðareiði is connected to the rest of the islands by a dam and tunnel system that allows easy access to the regional center of Klaksvík on Borðoy. The road to Viðareiði goes largely along the west coast of Viðoy with beautiful views of the fjord, where you can also see the many "fish circles," in which mainly salmon are farmed.

In the 17th century, the old church was destroyed in a storm. It is said that a part of the cemetery was washed away by the sea and that coffins from the cemetery were recovered in Hvannasund and reburied in Viðareiði. The current church was built in 1892. On the northern wall of the church hangs an altar plate, one of the oldest church treasures in the Faroe Islands. Thomas Koppen from Hamburg, who obtained the monopoly on Faroese trade in 1533, donated the altar plate to the church

Viðareiði is known as a good starting point for hikes to Viðoy's northernmost point, Cape Enniberg, which, at 754 meters, is the second highest sea cliff in Europe. The breathtaking view, especially in clear weather, alone makes the trip to Viðareiði worthwhile.

Viðareiði is a true paradise for the landscape photographer. Walk down by the church towards where the ocean waves are crashing on the rocks for some dramatic seascapes. Keep in mind though that the ocean can get very wild and rough here. Often the waves splash all the way up into town. So be sure to judge and respect the weather and conditions the right way.

Check out this drone video that I shot in Viðareiði in February 2022.

The Faroe Islands Photography Workshop and Tour - April 2023

Feeling like visiting and experiencing Viðareiði yourself? You can join my friend Páll Jökull from Iceland and myself in April 2023 on a 7 day workshop. Viðareiði is for sure part of the program, and we spend a decent amount of time here for you to capture this amazing place. Interested in the workshop?
Click the button below, and we look forward to see you in April.