Botanische tuin Hortus Leiden

Why the Hortus in Leiden is a special place for photographers

The Hortus Botanicus in Leiden is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands, founded in 1590. That means not only historical significance, but also an enormous diversity of plants, trees and glasshouses within a relatively small area. For macro and plant photography, that is invaluable. You barely need to walk to move from one interesting subject to the next.

What sets the place apart from an ordinary city park is the combination of formal beds, old trees and heated glasshouses. That variety gives you as a photographer plenty of room to work, even on an overcast day.

Light and season

Spring and early summer are the strongest periods. Flowering plants, soft colours, and if you are lucky, beautiful morning light falling low through the glasshouses. Cloudy weather works excellently for macro photography: no harsh shadows, even light on petals and textures. Inside the glasshouses you always have diffused light available, regardless of the weather outside.

Go early if you want to work quietly. After ten o'clock it gets noticeably busier during peak seasons, especially at weekends and during school holidays.

Compositions and focal points

For macro work, a lens between 90mm and 105mm is preferable. It gives you enough distance from your subject to avoid flattening everything, and sufficient background blur to separate a plant from its surroundings. Inside the glasshouses, wider angles are also interesting, precisely to include the structure of the cast-iron framework in your image.

Pay attention to backgrounds. The garden has many open spots and light-coloured paths that can distract quickly. Get low, change your position, and look for dark or green backgrounds to add more depth to your photo.

Practical

The Hortus charges an entry fee. Tripods are permitted, but check this in advance at the ticket desk, especially for the glasshouses where space is limited. There is no free parking directly at the entrance; Leiden Centraal is within walking distance and is the easiest option. The garden is open year round, but closes earlier in winter.

Sources and further reading

• Hortus Botanicus Leiden (officiële website)
• Universiteit Leiden over de Hortus
• Wikipedia: Hortus Botanicus Leiden