Delft Markt en Nieuwe Kerk

A square that has known its own worth for centuries

The Markt in Delft is probably the most photographed square in the city, and for good reason. The Nieuwe Kerk on the north side and the Stadhuis on the west side together form a facade that almost automatically steers you towards an angle that works. The paving runs wide and open, there are hardly any modern obstructions, and the facades are in proportion with their surroundings. That makes compositions here relatively straightforward to find.

Light and timing

The blue hour is particularly strong at this location. When the church is lit and the sky still holds a little colour, you get that combination of warm artificial light and cool blue that architectural photographers tend to seek out. Arrive well before sunset to work out your position. During the day the square is lively, with café terraces and passers-by, which makes it interesting for street photography. In the morning the sun sits low in the east and hits the church tower directly, giving you pleasing raking shadows across the brickwork.

In winter the square is quieter and the lines are cleaner. In summer there is more movement, but also more clutter in the frame. Both have value, depending on what you want to say.

Compositions and focal lengths

For architecture, a focal length around 24mm to 35mm works well if you want to make use of the width of the square. If you want to isolate the tower and remove the busyness around it, you will want something closer to 85mm or longer. From the corner near the Voldersgracht you have a diagonal line that leads nicely towards the church. Reflections in wet paving after rain are a classic, but they work for a reason.

For portrait and street photography the market offers plenty of anchors: stallholders on market days, tourists looking up at the church, locals going about their day. On Tuesdays and Saturdays there is a market, which brings extra life but also extra crowds.

Practical

The easiest way to park is in one of the surrounding car parks, as the Markt itself is largely car-free. Drone photography is prohibited above the centre of Delft, so check the current rules via the Drone Safety Map system from Rijkswaterstaat. No permit is required for photography from public roads.

Sources and further reading

• Nieuwe Kerk Delft (officiële website)
• Gemeente Delft
• Drone Safety Map (Rijkswaterstaat / ILT)