Volendam haven

Why Volendam haven is photogenic

Volendam is one of the most photographed places in the Netherlands, and for good reason. The harbour combines colourful wooden facades, fishing boats and a quayside that runs perpendicular to the water. That combination gives you as a photographer a rich environment with many layers: foreground, middle ground, background, all present without any effort on your part. You do not have to build the composition here. You find it.

What also makes this place special are the residents and market traders who sometimes still walk around in traditional costume. That gives street photos here a character you rarely encounter elsewhere in the Netherlands. It is authentic enough to photograph seriously, but it does require patience and respect. Ask permission if someone is clearly posing for you. Photograph people on the street as you would anywhere: subtly, without intruding.

Light and timing

The quayside faces the western shore of the Markermeer. That means the morning light falls behind you when you are shooting towards the water, while the facades of the buildings along the Dijk catch the light nicely. Come early. Before nine o'clock the quayside is quiet and you have room to work without groups of tourists in the frame. Later in the day it fills up, especially during the summer season. Late summer and autumn offer warmer, more flattering light and fewer crowds than July and August.

Focal lengths and compositions

A 35mm or 50mm lens works well for the atmosphere on the street. With a short telephoto around 85mm, you can keep your distance and photograph people more naturally. The boats in the harbour call for a low viewpoint. Crouch down or stand on the jetty for a fresh perspective. The colourful facades along the Dijk work well as an abstract background behind a portrait or a detail.

Practical information

The easiest place to park is at the large car parks just outside the centre. In high season these can fill up, so come early or park on the edge of the village. The quayside is freely accessible. You do not need a permit for street photography. Do bear in mind the narrow pavements: with a large bag or tripod you can quickly get in the way of other visitors.

Sources and further reading

• Visit Volendam (officieel toeristenbureau)
• Gemeente Edam-Volendam
• Wikipedia: Volendam