Naardermeer

What makes the Naardermeer photogenic

The Naardermeer is the oldest protected nature reserve in the Netherlands. That sounds historical, and it is, but for photographers it means something specific: little development, plenty of open space, and a richness of birds you rarely get this close to anywhere else. The lake itself is a wetland landscape of reed beds, open stretches of water and small islands. In spring, spoonbills, herons and cormorants nest here in large colonies. In autumn, migratory birds gather. The morning light hits the water at an angle and picks out the reeds sharply against a dark sky.

Light and season

The best hours are just after sunrise. The lake is still quiet then, mist sits above the water, and there is the best chance of birds being active without you disturbing them. Spring, from April through June, is the busiest period for birdlife. The breeding colonies are spectacular in number. Autumn gives you a different picture: quieter, cooler colours, and migratory birds present only briefly. Winter can be beautiful in frost, but it is also much quieter.

Compositions and focal lengths

From a canoe or boat you get closest to the birds, but that requires a permit from Natuurmonumenten. From the fixed observation posts and walking paths, a long telephoto lens, think 400mm or more, will still get you solid results. If you want to photograph the landscape itself, a wider focal length works well to let the open flats and skies breathe. A graduated neutral density filter helps when the sky is bright and the water dark.

Practical

The Naardermeer is owned by Natuurmonumenten and has restricted access to protect the nature. You can visit the area through organised excursions or by canoe with a permit. Parking is available near the ring road towards Naarden-Vesting. Bear in mind that freely entering the reed land is not permitted. For current opening times and excursions, the Natuurmonumenten website is the best place to start.

Sources and further reading

• Natuurmonumenten – Naardermeer
• Wikipedia – Naardermeer
• Vogelbescherming Nederland