Mechelen Vismarkt

What makes the Vismarkt in Mechelen special

The Vismarkt in Mechelen is one of those places you won't easily find on a tourist shortlist, but that a street photographer quickly turns into a regular stop. The square sits along the Dijle, surrounded by cafés and restaurants with terrace seating. During the day it's quiet enough to observe at leisure, in the evening life spills outside. That contrast makes it worth coming back to at different times.

The light that works here

The blue hour is at its best at the Vismarkt. When the sky still holds a little colour and the terrace lights come on, you get that familiar balance between warm artificial light and cool blue tones that city photographers know well. The water of the Dijle reflects the light in a way that adds to the atmosphere. Keep an eye on the reflections in the water, especially after rain. Wet cobblestones and mirror images add depth to an otherwise simple composition.

Composition and focal length

The facades on the far side of the Dijle give you a fine background when shooting from the quay. A 35mm or 50mm lens works well here: wide enough to take in the surroundings, tight enough to bring human activity closer. With a longer focal length, such as 85mm, you can photograph people on the terraces without making yourself too conspicuous. The bridge a little further along offers a diagonal that gives your composition structure.

Practical

Mechelen city centre is largely car-free. Parking is easiest in one of the car parks on the edge of the centre, such as Bruul or the car park at the station. From there the Vismarkt is a ten-minute walk. The square is busiest on Friday and Saturday evenings, when the terraces fill up. There is more life on the street then, but also more distraction. On weekdays, just before or after the dinner hour, you have more room to work.

Sources and further reading

• Stad Mechelen
• Visit Mechelen
• Wikipedia: Vismarkt Mechelen