Kagerplassen

Water, sky and light

The Kagerplassen lie just north of Leiden, between Warmond and Kaag. It is a network of open lakes, narrow channels and reed-lined banks. On a summer evening, when the wind drops and the water turns glassy, this is one of the finest spots in Zuid-Holland for landscape photography. The combination of open water, sailing boats and the occasional windmill in the background naturally gives you a layered image.

What really works here is the sky. It is big. Wide. There is very little built-up area to interrupt the view, which gives you the freedom to make cloud formations your main subject. At sunset the water picks up the colour, and when it is still you get the near-perfect reflection you are hoping for.

Long exposures on calm water

Long exposures have two enemies here: wind and recreational boat traffic. In summer the water is busy, especially at weekends. On weekdays, early in the evening, there is a much better chance of it being calm enough for a smooth mirror surface. An ND filter helps you achieve longer shutter speeds during the day, but honestly the results are at their best in the golden hour, when you can already stretch the exposure naturally.

Bring a sturdy tripod. The banks can be soft or uneven, and on a jetty or pontoon you will feel the vibration from passing boats. Waiting it out is your best approach.

Composition and focal length

A wide angle between 16mm and 24mm captures the breadth of the water well and emphasises the sky. If you want to isolate a windmill or a sailing boat, something like a 70-200mm is the better choice. The village of Warmond itself offers a few small bridges and quaysides that work as foreground. Look for lines in the water, landing stages, or reed beds that lead the eye back into the frame.

In winter it is quieter here and the light is softer, but summer gives you more colour and more to choose from on the water. July and August are busy; June and September are the sweet spots.

Practical

You can park in Warmond itself, on the edge of the village. From the Veerpolder or the bank towards the Kagerplassen you reach open water quickly. You do not need a permit to photograph from the public bank. Bear in mind that at popular sunsets other photographers will show up here. Arriving early pays off.

Sources and further reading

• Gemeente Teylingen (beheerder regio Warmond)
• Recreatieschap Kagerplassen
• Wikipedia: Kagerplassen