Hometown Glory, a photo from Noord-Holland, South

Photographer's Note

Hometown Glory

I just came home after a cycle tour through my hometown Haarlem in tonight's summer evening mood. Of course together with my camera, so I could try some blue hour photography. Here is one of the results of one of my favourite views of the city, taken at 22.10h, about an hour after sunset.

Haarlem is located in the western part of the Netherlands, in between Amsterdam and the North Sea. It's the capital of the province of Noord-Holland and has about 150,000 inhabitants.
One of the prides of the city is de Grote of Sint Bavokerk (Great or Saint Bavo Church), seen here in the background. As well as het Teylers Museum (the building to the right of the church), which is the oldest public museum in the Netherlands (1784). On the left hand side, you can also see de Waag (Weigh House). The river in the foreground is called het Spaarne.

Hope you like this photo and thanks for your visit. For the title of this photo, I was inspired by the song Hometown Glory of English singer Adele from her debut album 19.

alvaraalto, dip, Blairfraser, smartcat, asajernigan, carper, siolaw, papagolf21, Budapestman, paura, xavshot, jafadabret, atus, jhm, UlfE, gracious, syd1946, bakes888, ChrisJ, Cricri, fulvio52, Henryk_Bilor, chrisnet, feather, emjleclercq, jorgi, Vames, Didi, AiresSantos, rodgerg, Truja, gneufeld, rabdelnoor, adores, stego, aloyho, riclopes, Emile, NorthernLight, mcmtanyel oznaczył to zdjęcie jeko użyteczne

Critiques | Translate

alvaraalto (42804) 2008-05-10 14:54

Hallo Lars,

Mooie sfeervolle avondstemming in onze geboortestad. Soms een rare stad, maar er is veel dat het ook tot een byzondere maakt.

groet Rob

dip (21408) 2008-05-10 15:01

Hi Lars,
beautiful image,well framed and exposed,very good POV and framing,I like also the reflections on the water,
well done,
Dimitris.

jonathan_hart (21276) 2008-05-10 15:14

hello, Lars, good photo, i recognize the place, the quality is fine, i like very much the reflections of lights
regards
jo

Blairfraser (849) 2008-05-10 15:16

Hey Lars.

Just spotted this one in the gallery! This is really good. I always find your pictures nice and sharp. Here I really like the detail of the architecture and the way it stands out against the sky. The reflections in the water also add a nice touch.

Very well done again!

Blair

danyy (0) 2008-05-10 15:18

Bonjour Lars,
une heure bleue de toute beauté avec en prime le contraste de ces lumičres et couleurs chaudes des éclairages publics.
Une photo bien cadrée avec des reflets esthétiques.
Best regards
Daniel.

smartcat (835) 2008-05-10 15:30

Hi Lars!
Beautiful evening picture of the city in Holland, with amazing reflection in the water.
But, it seems, it's just over-contrasted,
Anyway, TFS!
Regards, Igor

asajernigan (21427) 2008-05-10 16:09

Lars,
This is a great blue hour shot. You managed to blend the artificial and natural lighting to produce a very appealing shot. The streaks of color in the reflection lead the eye into the shot nicely. The golden glow of the lights on the buildings contrast nicely with the blue sky.
TFS,
Asa

Stepan (27210) 2008-05-10 22:52

A perfect night light management, a great arhcitecture subject, a good reflection effect... The whole compo is great and works pretty well. Veyr moody as it is almost scarrying...
Stéphane

siolaw (38294) 2008-05-10 23:30

Hi Lars,
You caught superb luminosity at the blue hour with just enough artificial light on the buildings. The reflections are superb and water texture very nice.
Excellent
Laurent

jurek1951 (42198) 2008-05-11 0:25

Hi Lars,
What a superb night shot.Great colours and lights,great composiiton and nice sharpness, beautiful reflections,
Georg

Miha2ou7 (5162) 2008-05-11 1:06

Hey Lars,

It`s always easiest to catch the most beautiful photos at home, you know - you don`t have too rush yourself, you can test the settings, you can search for beautiful motives for years ..

This one reflects that. A beautifully exposed picture, with lovely clarity and excellent reflections. Beautifully done.

Regards.

papagolf21 (152607) 2008-05-11 1:32

Bonjour, cher Lars,
Voilŕ une photographie trčs originale, profiter des derniers rayons du soleil pour mettre la ville sous un jour nouveau !
La ville prend tout de suite une autre dimension. Les lumičres dorent joliment certains éléments architecturaux avec beauté.
Very well done, my friend.
Philippe

greek (7594) 2008-05-11 1:35

beautiful place and colours, nice light too, well exposed, galantis

Budapestman (82620) 2008-05-11 1:47

Hi Lars,
Beautiful blue hour shot with very fine composition and I like the gorgeous lights and the splendid POV. The architectural details are very nice, excellent shot. Have a nice Sunday
George

paura (25802) 2008-05-11 3:12

LArs,
The composition is really beautiful. Lighting and colors are great. An excellent noturne shot indeed.

Abraço

Paulo

xavshot (69835) 2008-05-11 8:14

Bonsoir Lars
superbe photo nocturne dans laquelle tu as su rendre les lumičres et leurs reflets. j'aime beaucoup l'ensemble de cette compo. beau travail;
Xavier

jafadabret (56501) 2008-05-11 9:33

Lars, j'aime beaucoup cette photo de la ville ŕ l'heure bleue. Les reflets des lumičres sont superbes. Une trčs belle photo.
Jacques

carper (96) 2008-05-11 9:34

niet een eenvoudige Lars,
deze moet je zeker eens opnieuw uitproberen zonder wind. De gouden gloed is fraai, de compositie is goed, technisch kan hij volgens mij nog wel beter, Zelf heb ik niet de ervaring in nacht fotografie, maar er zijn ongetwijfeld wel mensen hier die je wel wat kunnen leren over deze tak van onze hobby.......maar het is bijzonder goed werk. prettige dag verder.
groet Jaap

Silvio1953 (221751) 2008-05-11 9:36

Hi Lars, fascinating nocturne shoot with fantastic reflections, splendid light and wonderful colors, very well done, ciao Silvio

atus (15878) 2008-05-11 10:49

Hi Lars,
I like vey much the atmosphere created by the few artificial lights, also reflected in the water. The perspective is great and the blue sky contrasts very well with the darker fg. Very good work!
Tfs and best wishes.
Attila

UlfE (14641) 2008-05-11 12:25

Hi Lars,

A superb night shot. Perfect blue hour and beautiful reflections and very well exposed picture with excellent sharpness. One of your best shots. TFS and have a nice Sunday evening!

Cheers,

Ulf

gracious (20025) 2008-05-11 12:58

Hello my friend Lars,
Many thanks for sharing this wonderful and excellent view of the city in the setting sun mood!
good exposure and focus with those lovely colouration and reflection, just brilliant!
well done
regards
Tony

toto (0) 2008-05-11 16:45

Bonsoir,
belle photo de cette rive de rivičre qui ainssi de nuit est de toute beauté.
Jolies couleurs et bonne netteté, jolies lumičres trčs douces, assé claire pour nous montrer les détails comme ce clocher superbe, cette sculpture ailée etc..

Amitiés Thomas

syd1946 (1167) 2008-05-11 22:09

Hello Lars,
This is an excellent night shot very well composed.Except the fine old architacture there is a very nice night atmosphere.I like it very much!

have a nice week,
Thomas

Graal (103040) 2008-05-11 23:45

Hi Lars,
good night shot, fine warm colours and reflections. I like the lights also. An interesting informations about Haarlem.
Gr., Aleksander

bakes888 (18499) 2008-05-12 1:14

Hi Lars. Well you were successful in your blue hour photography! Great shot. Wonderful colours and reflections. Good sharpness and fine detail also. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.

ChrisJ (171888) 2008-05-12 3:11

Hi Lars

Wonderful reflections, with a superb color combination of amber & blue. Good sharpness & framing. Tfs!

jhm (211736) 2008-05-12 3:13

Dag Lars,

Haarlem, een stad die maar eenmaal bezocht is door mij, maar lang geleden, ik zou hem niet meer herkennen volgens ik kan zien.
U maakte hier een schitterende avond foto, wat hier bijzonder mooi is, zijn de goudgele kleuren zelfs in de weerspiegelingen.
Mooi foto werk Lars.
Bedankt voor uw bezoek.

Groeten,
John.

Cricri (176) 2008-05-12 4:26

Hi Lars,
belle image de nuit avec un beau jeu de lumiére sur ces bâtiments des plus intéressant et les reflets en couleurs sur la riviére, compliment
Have a nice day for you
cricri

fulvio52 (8314) 2008-05-12 7:11

Hi Lars,
simpleweg : zeer MOOI en SFEERVOL!
Heel geraffineerd in mekaar gezet, met prima belichting en definitie. Echt een top-blue hour aan het Spaarne. Chapeaux!
Fijne avond, ik zie je gauw.
Ciao,
Fulvio.

Henryk_Bilor (20803) 2008-05-12 9:34

Hi Lars
Excellent capture. Buildings are perfect illuminated. Great contrast between them and blue sky.
Regards

chrisnet (23062) 2008-05-12 12:18

Hello Lars,
Very well captured at the blue hour, I like much the golden reflections and you have very well managed the exposure, good work.
Regards

feather (51130) 2008-05-12 15:01

Outstanding blue hour shot Lars with a pleasant tone of blue sky. The lights reflected in the rippled water are a stunning feature of the image. Well done
Kath

emjleclercq (15778) 2008-05-12 23:01

A great light effect on the water, with this mix of blue and gold. Gorgeous.

All the best,

Emmanuel

vincz (19113) 2008-05-13 1:05

Such an interesting catch with the city lights at their best. I love the texture on the water. You did an excellent job here.

jorgi (3810) 2008-05-13 2:26

Hi Lars,

it is not hard to understand why this is one of yours favourite views of the city. It is simply marvelous! Love how you managed the lights, very subtle and harmonic with wonderfully exposed reflections in uncalm water surface. Combination of natural bluish sky and orange yellow light works so well together and create very domestic, warm feeling. A view one could easily watch for hours.

Warm regards,
Jeri

gildasjan (43826) 2008-05-13 5:31

Bonjour Lars
Belle photo de nuit réalisé avec le A710IS.Une image nette avec tous ces reflets de lumičre artificielle.
Bonne journée.
Amicalement
Gildas

Vames (4356) 2008-05-13 5:39

hi Lars,very beautiful moment !good work !

polpo56 (15146) 2008-05-13 13:12

Hi Lars,
this is a beautiful night shot, taken at just time.
Good colors and fine reflections.
Ciao
Ludo

AiresSantos (56155) 2008-05-14 0:41

Hi Lars
Amazing reflections and colours in this very nice night composition. Well choden the blue hour and also well framed. Great details and light
TFS and cheers
Aires

Didi (61589) 2008-05-14 3:00

Hi Lars
Well done for tis one, you don't make often night shots.
The foreground is not iced by the long exposition.
I note a good lights exposure management.
I thik you should try to play with the white balance.
Cheers.

John_F_Kennedy (43797) 2008-05-14 5:13

Very nice architecture. I like the contrast of the building with the dark sky. Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

UnTrained (0) 2008-05-14 7:00

Hej Lars,
good dark one with wonderful light reflected on the water. The warm golden tones and the diagonal lines work very well and the more as this seems to be nice also in daylight.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

rodgerg (55767) 2008-05-14 10:54

Dag Lars,

Zeer mooie foto de nacht genomen. Ik houd veel van dit licht, deze doren kleur en vooral deze prachtige afspiegelingen in het water van het kanaal.
Goed avond vriend,
Roger

Truja (4953) 2008-05-14 13:51

Hi Lars,
wonderful composition in an architectonic perspective of luxury, is a brilliant POV.
The atmosphere of magic through the smooth tonalities is excellent and the game of lights is fantastic. Great detail of the reflections and excellent definition of the image.
My admiration Lars!

With best regards,

Jordi

markstaples (15670) 2008-05-14 13:55

A very good night shot with good ambiance. Your POV is good across the water giving a nice perspective effect on the buildings. Good exposure and good quality image.
Best wishes
Mark

gneufeld (15890) 2008-05-14 18:58

Hi Lars,
A very appealing image with very good composition and excellent visual beauty. Colors are stunning and the shimmering water reflections add l ife and punch to the shot. GReat work and TFS. Gerald

crckt (7222) 2008-05-15 16:39

Hi Lars,
Wonderful lighting in this one! The blue hour is definitely the best for this kind of photography.
Regards,
Shaeri

rabdelnoor (3423) 2008-05-15 21:08

Hi Lars,
Very nice view with beautiful colors and reflections. Very good work on the slow exposure rendering an amazing night shot.
Regards,
Ricardo

ahmetgedikli (25609) 2008-05-16 13:18

Hi Lars,
Excellent night composotion... Very good POV and light. Well done.
Have a nice weekend.
Ahmet

adores (46979) 2008-05-19 18:32

Hi Lars!
Good night shot with good exposure and sharpness, it's even possible to see the details of the buildings. The reflections are a nice detail also.

patdeph (35750) 2008-05-20 9:13

hello Lars
even if the sky was still blue,the buildings seem very dark,and the contrast between light and shadows is really great!It's that make originality and the beauty of this photo!And the reflections are splendid!I like very much!
Regards.
Pascale

batalay (41261) 2008-05-21 17:28

Hello Lars,

This photograph is a success from conception to implementation, from the light management to the exposure. You are making Haarlem most enticing, but I've heard that sentiment before.

Warm regards,

Bulent

stego (24132) 2008-05-21 18:17

Hi Lars,
Wonderful blue hour! The architecture is beautiful with those yellow lights that produce amazing reflections on the water slightly waving. I like also the silhouettes against the dark blue sky.
Regards, José.

pablominto (53746) 2008-05-22 5:36

Hello Lars,
An attractive nighttime capture, where I notice the sky still has some brightness!
The artificial lighting brings out some fine details in the architecture, and the golden colour tones are nicely reflected...
Well framed, and the diagonal adds some dynamics!
Greetings,
Pablo -

japiey (10163) 2008-05-27 4:13

Hi Lars,

Excellent in composition, with fine tone details.
Beautifull.
All the best.

jp

aloyho (6798) 2008-05-31 5:50

Hi Lars,
The limited light source on the buildings did create an interesting effect and especially so on the reflections in the water. We do not have sunset at such late hour here and that may explain the difference in the atmosphere in this shot. The inclusion of the unobtrusive structure in the foreground helped to add depth and interest. Well done!!

All good wishes.

riclopes (35577) 2008-06-01 5:27

Olá Lars, marvellous shot of your place, taken at the always wonderful blue hour. I really like the darks that make the iluminated golden details shine beautifully. Also there's nice silhouetted skyline details and the water seems like a lovely painting. Congratulations.
Have a nice sunday,
ricardo

Steft (6109) 2008-06-02 7:31

Hé Lars,
Hier stonden we een tijd geleden te kijken toch? En toen zei je nog: dit is mooi voor een foto. Ben je later speciaal ervoor teruggegaan? Mooi dat die oude gebouwen 's nachts verlicht worden, maar de laatste tijd zijn er een hoop lampen in de binnenstad weggehaald. Misschien energiebesparing?

Mooie foto, hoor. Dit is een van m'n favo-plekjes van de stad en je hebt er een sfeervolle foto van gemaakt.
Stef

Emile (20352) 2008-06-09 14:52

Hola Lars.
An excellent shot captured at the blue hour, very good POV, nice view of the beautiful architecture, great light reflection.
Well done. TFS.
Best regards.

NorthernLight (2383) 2014-10-30 8:58

Hello Lars,

a perfect light management creates a magical atmosphere.

Golden rays of light dancing on soft waves. A welcoming place and an impressive picture of it.

All the best

Peter

mkamionka (74577) 2016-01-03 12:57

Hi Lars,
so this is the view of the other side. I have to say that I have struggled a bit because the place was not very well lit, not uniformly at least. Here it is also clear. I thought actually about picking this side since the church seems more characteristic and lit as well.
I admire in this picture the incredible clarity. Fantastic reflections so vivid as well. Very impressive!

I actually thought about setting an appointment with you but I have visited family and had some other meetings as well so actually I did not have time for photo-walks.

Excellent work here!
M

mcmtanyel (68647) 2016-10-10 20:24

Hello Lars,
The copper tones on the facades of the buildings and in the reflections are magical. This is a beautiful blue hour photo, congratulations & TFS!
Regards,
MT

ikeharel (113453) 2017-04-18 21:28

Good morning Lars,
warm illumination on a blue hour, superbly combined sight with excellent clarity.
majestic town scenery at night, bravo.
Have a nice new day,
Ike