Deventer

One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands

Deventer is a Hanseatic city that has largely kept its medieval character. The Brink is the beating heart of the old town: an elongated square lined with facades dating from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century. No imitation, no reconstruction. Just old stone, wide sidewalks and a square that is large enough to breathe but intimate enough to have atmosphere.

The Brink works for street photography all year round. In fall, cool morning mists arrive alongside warm facade colors and soft, low-angled light that you rarely find quite so beautiful anywhere else. Shadows stretch long across the cobblestones and the rooflines stand out sharply against a pale sky.

Light and composition

The Brink runs roughly north to south. Early in the morning the light catches the eastern facades. Late in the afternoon the western side warms up. In fall the golden hour is shorter than you might expect, so arrive in good time. Overcast weather works well too: soft shadows, no harsh contrasts, and the wet cobblestones reflect beautifully.

A 35mm or 50mm equivalent is a good choice for street work. For the wide rows of facades and the spatial layout of the square, you can step back a little and use a slightly shorter focal length, around 24mm. Pay attention to the diagonals in the paving stones, they naturally lead your eye towards a vanishing point.

Practical information

The easiest place to park is in one of the parking lots on the edge of the old town, for example near the station or along the Snipperlingsdijk. From there the Brink is a five to ten minute walk. On Saturday mornings there is a market on the square: plenty of color, movement and human interest. On weekday mornings you can have the Brink almost to yourself.

The atmosphere in the narrow streets around the square, such as the Roggestraat and the Korte Bisschopstraat, is at least as interesting as the square itself. Take your time to wander. Deventer rewards it.

Sources and further reading

• Gemeente Deventer
• Visit Deventer
• Wikipedia: Brink (Deventer)