Pier van Scheveningen

Where sea, people and structure meet

The Pier van Scheveningen stretches some 380 metres into the North Sea. That gives you something you simply don't have on the beach itself: a vantage point in the middle of the water, with the beach and the boulevard as your backdrop. You're not photographing towards the sea, but from within it. That changes everything about your composition.

It's a place that gives a lot, but also demands a lot. Tourists, children playing, anglers with their rods, a vast open sky. You have to make choices. Do you want to capture the beach life or the architecture of the pier itself? Both are possible, but not at the same time.

Light and season

Sunset is at its best here. The west lies open, there are no buildings blocking the light, and the sun drops straight above the sea. In summer that setting sun shifts a little to the northwest, casting a warm glow over the boulevard and the swimmers. With a focal length around 70 to 135mm you can pull in beautiful layers: the pier in the foreground, beach and people behind, sky above.

Stormy days are a category of their own. Waves crash against the supports, there's a salty haze in the air, and the few people still out walking give you strong street photographs. Dress warmly, protect your camera, and expect everything that isn't secured to get wet.

Long exposures and technique

A tripod can be tricky on the pier when it's busy, but early in the morning or after closing time on the beach itself you have more room. With an ND filter and a shutter speed of two to ten seconds the water smooths out beautifully. The pier itself becomes a sharp silhouette against a silky surface. One thing to watch: the planks of the pier vibrate in wind and crowds. Always check your shot is sharp.

Practical

You can park in the car parks along the Strandweg, but in high season they fill up early. Tram line 9 from Den Haag Centraal takes you directly to the boulevard. The pier itself charges an entry fee; check current opening times and prices via the official site. The beach is freely accessible. All things considered, early morning and late evening are the quietest and most photogenic moments, even in summer.

Sources and further reading

• Pier Scheveningen – officiële website
• Gemeente Den Haag – Scheveningen
• Wikipedia – Pier van Scheveningen