Batavia / Bataviastad

A replica that is bigger than you expect

At Bataviastad in Lelystad you will find the Batavia, a fully reconstructed VOC return ship from 1628. In photographs it looks impressive, but you only understand how large this ship truly is when you are standing next to it. The tall wooden hull, the masts, the rigging, the decorative figureheads: there is not an angle that is not interesting. That also makes it a challenge for a photographer. How do you make an image that tells more than just 'look how big this is'?

The shipyard itself plays a part in that. Work on historical shipbuilding projects is ongoing, and that gives the place an industrial, almost raw atmosphere you would not expect next to a shopping centre. Wood, tar, tools, authentic construction techniques. If you are lucky you will see craftspeople at work. That context lifts the photographs to a different level.

Light and composition

The ship is moored on the western side of the site, fairly clear of surrounding buildings. Morning light catches the hull softly and works well for texture details in the wood. Later in the day you get hard shadows in the rigging, which can be graphically strong but also quickly becomes busy. Overcast conditions give you the most control over exposure, especially for close-ups of the decorations and details on deck.

A focal length of around 24 to 35mm works well for wider views that make the scale of the ship felt. For detail work, the coils of rope, the carved decorations, the weathered planks, 85mm or longer is more suitable. You can also photograph the ship from the water if you pass by on a boat, but that takes a bit of organising.

Practical

The Bataviawerf site is separate from the Bataviastad shopping centre. Parking is available at the shopping centre itself and is free. The shipyard has opening hours that vary by season, so check them in advance. It is busier with visitors in summer, but even then there is space early in the morning. Access to the ship requires an entrance fee. Photography for personal use is perfectly permitted.

In winter the ship sits in quieter surroundings, and with low cloud or fog the whole shipyard takes on an atmosphere that recalls the original era. Those are, for me, the finest moments at this location.

Sources and further reading

• Bataviawerf Lelystad (officieel)
• Gemeente Lelystad
• Wikipedia: Batavia (schip)