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.

Ninlingspo River in Autumn - Belgium - Photo's & Cinematic Video

A few days ago I went on a daytrip some 1,5h from home. Into the Belgian region called “De Ardennen”. Here you have a completely different landscape then what I am used to at home. Mountainlike valleys, very big and dense forests, forest streams with cascades and small waterfalls and just a lot of space. As it is early Autumn I was hoping to catch this forest with some good colors. And although the transition in colors hasn’t been fully completed yet, the forest still looked really nice.

The Ninglinspo is the only mountain river in Belgium and the trail along this river has the same name. The Ninglinspo is a unique hike in the Ardennes and I recommend it to everyone. Located in the south of the Ardennes, near Aywaille and Remouchamps, you can enjoy the beauty of nature, the waterfalls, the adventurous trails and the wild character of the nature in the area.

Admittedly, the name is complicated. But the beauty of the route near Aywaille is stunning. The trail follows the course of the mountain stream. This walk is a true classic and has therefore been declared an 'Exceptional Natural Heritage of Wallonia'.

You walk along paths and over bridges from one side of the river to the other. The difference in height of 350 meters over three kilometers creates waterfalls. Natural pools have been carved out by the force of the water. These listen to pretty names like "bath of Diana". The water can whirl wildly when it has rained heavily, while in a dry period the river gently flows downstream. Put on your walking shoes, bring food and drink for a picnic and walk this idyllic route. And don’t forget your camera!

Check out this video I have shot during my daytrip there, nice and slow moving cinematic shots to unwind and relax. And maybe get inspired to make it out to place yourself?

My Gear

Recently I have made a new page on this website. To give you an overview of most of my gear that I work with. From my main Camera, to lenses, which drone I use and so on. Feel free to check it out and if you have any questions about one of the items on my list, or want to talk photography gear in general feel free to get in touch!

The last bit of Autumn

These days the leaves are falling from the trees, and the colors are changing faster than lets say 3 weeks ago when the autumn colors were in full effect. It is now mid November and Winter is making its approach. I decided I needed a few more autumn photographs, with these deep tones and rich colors. So a little trip to my local forest later got me just that. A new handful of nice autumn shots.

A new approach to my Youtube videos

I have also shot some video during this little outing. In fact, I have decided to go and make this type of video a sort of a new approach to sharing more of my photography trips. No fancy videos with music, these wild travel/vlog styled transition, catchy music. None of that.

Just way more simple and back to basic. I will simply be showing the area I am out in, mostly by static clips, (still capturing movement) and occasionally showing me at work, photographing and setting up gear and hiking through the environment. I feel there are so many of these typical youtube videos out there. These flashy and poppy videos. Not saying these are bad. I often watch these myself, and truly enjoy them.

But I want create a more calmer and slower viewing experience in my videos. More room for ambiance and sounds, small details and overall “feel” is something I am trying to express and put into these new style of videos. Here’s my first attempt. Hope you like it. I will be putting out more soon.

Video: The Old Bookstore, Flateyri, Iceland

The Old Bookstore, "Gamla Bókabúðin" in Icelandic is located in the charming Westfjords village of Flateyri. Eyþór Jóvinsson runs the bookstore, founded by his great-grandparents in 1914. He is the fourth generation to run the family business.

The Old Bookstore has been turned into a museum where the history of the village is displayed. Visitors can also buy second hand books and visit the old merchant’s home.

The owner Eyþór, is a good friend of mine. He also runs the Iceland Comedy Film Festival that I’ve photographed a couple of times before. And a couple of years ago I was the behind the scenes photographer for a shortfilm production Eyþór was working on.

My first visit to Iceland was back in the summer of 2016, and that is where I did meet Eyþór for the first time. In his bookstore. Now after a few years have passed I have been to Iceland for about 8 times. Many of these visits were collaborating and meeting up with my good friend Eyþór. Safe to say that I am very grateful for him working with me. And therefore I thought this video was a nice way and gesture to say “thank you my friend”

There is an Icelandic version from back in 2015 of this video on Youtube, filmed by Visit Westfjords, which you can see here. Behind the scenes photographs by Tom Reinders

The Old Bookstore seen from the harbor. The store is on the right, and on the left is the apartment.

The beautiful town of Flateyri, my all time favorite place in Iceland without a question.