Zutphen

Zutphen, a city that doesn't advertise itself

Zutphen takes things quietly. No Amsterdam crowds, no tourist rush. What you get is a medieval city centre that has remained largely intact, with 's-Gravenhof as its beating heart. This square, surrounded by the Walburgiskerk and old facades, immediately gives you the feeling that time moves a little slower here. That is exactly what you want as a photographer.

What makes this square photogenic

The combination of the Walburgiskerk with its distinctive tower and the cobblestones of the square itself creates strong lines and natural depth. You can photograph the church up close with a wide focal length, but an 85mm or 135mm also works well for isolating details in the brickwork or the Gothic windows. The surrounding streets, such as the Lange Hofstraat and Groenmarkt, lead naturally away from the square. Classic street photography composition, without any effort required.

Early in the morning you have the square largely to yourself. In the summer months, soft, raking light moves across the facades in a way that simply no longer works later in the day. In winter, with the sun low in the sky, the shadows of the church stretch far across the square. That adds extra character.

Light and season

Autumn and winter are strong seasons in Zutphen. The bare trees along the city canals, the mist that hangs above the IJssel on winter mornings, the muted light of November: it all works well with the grey stone of the church and the dark streets. Summer is fine too, but you need to be early. After nine in the morning it gets busier and the light gets harsher.

Practical

You can park in the car park at Houtmarktplein, a few minutes' walk from 's-Gravenhof. Zutphen is easily reached by train, with the station about twelve minutes on foot from the square. No permits are required for photography in public spaces. During events on the square, such as the summer fair, it gets busier but also more interesting for street photography.

Sources and further reading

• Gemeente Zutphen
• Walburgiskerk Zutphen
• Wikipedia: 's-Gravenhof, Zutphen