winter light Photo

Photographer’s Note

Heemstede castle, near utrecht (the netherlands).

originally built in 1645, in a design that looks back to the medieval castle keeps and towerhouses.

the current structure is much restored after a devastating fire gutted the place in 1987.

Heemstede Castle is not a real medieval castle. It was built in 1645 as a manor in Dutch Classistic style by Hendrick de Pieck. Its medieval predecessor, also called Heemstede Castle, was situated some 500 meters to the west / south west, in what is now the Vuilcopse Polder.
When Heemstede Castle was built everything was focused on comfort and luxury and it became one of the most famous estates in the province of Utrecht. It is characterized by its severe symmetrical exterior. The four corner towers gave the castle a feudal appearance and the castle can be seen as a 17th century variant of a medieval tower house.
After Hendrick de Pieck several other owners followed. Between 1680 and 1695 Heemstede Castle was owned by Diederick van Veldhuysen who embellished the interior and layed out the large baroque gardens. In 1720 the castle again changed hands. Its new owner however destroyed the gardens; most of the trees were cut down and the lead of the fountains was sold.
In 1919 L.J. Heijmeijer, coming from an Amsterdam family of corn merchants, bought the dilapidated castle which had been standing empty for several years. He restored the castle and the gardens and used it as a summer residence. During World War II the castle was inhabited by friars from Zeist and after 1968 the castle stood empty again. In 1972 the castle was sold by the Heijmeijer family and under the new owner restorations were carried out in 1974. On January 10th, 1987 however the castle was destroyed by a large fire.
In 1999 the castle was bought by a building company who rebuilt the castle. This restoration was finished in 2002. The castle is now used as an office for a real estate company and there is a restaurant with 1 Michelin Star in the baseme

I hope you like the shot here, have a nice week.
regard jaap

holmertz, Budapestman, besnard, snunney, feather, jlbrthnn, asajernigan, saxo042, belido, jhm, maximage, vasilpro, AiresSantos, Gerrit, Kielia, jusninasirun, josepmarin, Buin, jwmunro, sonkai, maglex, xavshot, bostankorkulugu, jjcordier, John_F_Kennedy, paura, ChrisJ, Cricri, danyy, Angshu, Cretense, Graal, dip, Tue, danos, bakes888, pauloog, papagolf21, chrisnet, JCG, dareco, alainh, leo61, kiks has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

barrufeto_77 (25935) 2009-08-25 2:58

Hi Jaap.

Ah...excellent light for sure! What time did you get the picture? Well, is not important, possibly too early for me hahahahaha.

My compliments!

holmertz (9939) 2009-08-25 2:59

Hello Jaap,
A wonderful building with the light shining from the left perfectly captured. The branches in the upper right corner may look unimportant but they are quite essential for the composition.
Thanks for sharing,
Gert

Budapestman (42756) 2009-08-25 3:25

Dear Jaap,
you are here again, fortunately...amazing shot of this picturesque place with beautiful composition (as usual), the mood of the photo is romantic, the soft light add a lot to the mood. Great shot. Have a nice day my friend!
George

besnard (31060) 2009-08-25 3:30

Bonjour Jaap
Que c'est joli et bien fait ! Une superbe composition de cet élégant château sous le soleil.
Bravo et bonne journée.
Nicole

delkoo (34726) 2009-08-25 3:35

hi jaap,
i think printing it on high quality at very large size you could hang this everywhere...wonderful photo.

didier

snunney (35436) 2009-08-25 3:46

Hello Jaap,
A fine composition of this splendid and imposing castle. I like the point of view with the bridge coming in from the right and the framing from the overhanging trees. Beautiful light across the left hand frontage creates a very pleasing atmosphere.

feather (50122) 2009-08-25 3:50

When the sun shines on a winter's day the light is perfect for photography. You demonstrate that well with this image. The branches are an important element of the composition, as together with the bridge they lead our eye to the castle.
Kath

npecanhuk (14600) 2009-08-25 3:52

Hello Jaap!
Magnificent dream-like architecture! The place seems to be very pleasant too!
Your photo is wonderful, with excellent sharpness, depth of field, exposure and colors! The pov was very well chosen and the composition is pretty successful, with quite attractive visual results!
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

mauro61 (16252) 2009-08-25 3:53

ciao jaap,
splendida immagine dai colori caldi e la perfetta definizione.
Mi piace la resa del movimento dell'acqua e l'ottima inquadratura
saluti
maurizio

jlbrthnn (38867) 2009-08-25 4:22

Hello Jaap,
The hour of catch of sight is obviously quite selected, which supports a good illumination and superb colors. Good photograph of a beautiful monument in an exceptional environment.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

asajernigan (14268) 2009-08-25 4:41

Jaap,
This is a fantastic shot taken under nice soft lighting. Your composition is great showing the castle from an angle that gives the scene depth. The bridge creates a nice diagonal through the shot and leads the eye to the castle.
TFS,
Asa

Longroute (9801) 2009-08-25 5:18

Intense and incisive tonalities for this austere castle which seems to dominate the countryside and the river.
The light is indeed peculiar and enhances the definition and sharpness creating a strong sense of reality.
A very clean and balanced composition.
Best compliments,
Donato

saxo042 (16234) 2009-08-25 5:26

Hi Jaap,
This marvellous picture bears all your trademarks regarding colours and composition! An excellent photo, all superlatives have already been used here!
Kind regards
Gunnar

belido (16807) 2009-08-25 5:27

Hi Jaap,

this is very your type. That beautiful lighting play, the reflection, and old architecture and finally the square format. What a nice seen, my friend!
Regards,
Carlos

jhm (83276) 2009-08-25 5:44

Dag Jaap,

Opnieuw een van uw beauties, spijtig van het klein beetje wind in de vijver, maar we worden zo kieskeurig, niet waar Jaap.
Man ik vind dit een een prachtige foto, kasteel en brug op een foto, het is mooi. Bedankt.

Groeten uit Vlaandere'n,
John.

john1 (2363) 2009-08-25 5:58

Hi jaap,

beautifull architecture, excellent colors and reflection. good perspective view and nice details.
Thanks for sharing.
John

maximage (13592) 2009-08-25 6:38

Bonjour Jaap,
Très belle image, d'une grande netteté. Magnifique architecture bien mise en valeure par un cadrage parfait.
La lumière et les couleurs sont comme d'habitude d'une grande qualité.
Amitiés.
max

vasilpro (9360) 2009-08-25 7:56

Hello Jaap,
Wonderful view, excellent light management, lovely colors and reflections, a extremely beautiful composition.
Have a nice evening, Vasilis.

AiresSantos (42826) 2009-08-25 8:08

Hi Jaap
Wonderful !
Magnificent colours and winter light in this great picture.
I like how you framed it and reflections
TFS and have a nice day
Aires

Gerrit (36229) 2009-08-25 8:19

Dag Jaap,
mooi zilver winterlight op dat mooie landhuis. Prachtige setting.
Groeten Gerrit

Kielia (8727) 2009-08-25 8:37

Dear Jaap,
I can only praise the excellent management of the light! Outstanding POV on this fascinating architecture and very beautiful colors, especially this cold blue. Congratulation!
Warm regards
Harriet

jusninasirun (10213) 2009-08-25 9:21

Hi Jaap,

Beautiful square frame capture of this fine architecture showered by the winter light. Perfectly composed in balanced framing. Top class work and TFS.

Best regards,
Jusni

josepmarin (34063) 2009-08-25 9:24

Hi Jaap,
A beautiful composition with a perfect framing to catch the majesty and the elegance of this castle, its reflections on the water and the gardens that surround it, in a winter image with a soft light and a few very nice colors.
The naked trees and the sky are a few splendid complements in the composition.
Friendly regards,
Josep

Buin (38196) 2009-08-25 9:42

Hallo Jaap!
This indeed is an all-over perfect picture! A real feast for the eyes ... a wonderful place. What should I say more ... a photo to marvel at.
Greetings from thundery Germany!
Frank

claudeD (11458) 2009-08-25 10:43

Hello Jaap,

wonderful picture with a perfect composition and excellent lights.I like the cold atmophere.A very fine fotojob.TFS.

WIth regards from Luxembourg

Jean-Claude

rodgerg (24909) 2009-08-25 10:48

Dag Jaap,

A very good use of winter's light give here nice colors, beautiful contrasts and especillay superb reflections in the water. Excellent framing very well selected too.
Goed avond,
Roger

MarcT (21103) 2009-08-25 11:31

Hallo Jaap,
't was lang geleden.
Gelukkig dat jij er nog bent...
Heel mooie kleuren en contrasten zoals altijd.
Groet
Marc

Nicou (45639) 2009-08-25 12:20

Hello,

quel reflet, quel ciel fuyant, quel pont, fantastique image, de très doux tons pour uen superbe compo dont tu as le secret.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

Fis2 (46341) 2009-08-25 12:42

Witaj Jaap!
A very curious and beautiful castle.
Interesting architecture.
Good POV and composition.
I like the light and reflections.
Good work.
Nice ewening.
Krzysztof

jwmunro (6251) 2009-08-25 13:17

Hello Jaap -

When we visited Amsterdam last fall we did not rent a car. Looking back we both felt that was a mistake because it placed severe limits on what we could do. Your images are building a case for a return to Holland and a car rental to get out in the country and see the real Holland and meet some of the people. This, as usual, is an excellent image with fantastic light. No dramatic skies though but still a perfect day to be out with a camera. Well done!

Thank you for sharing.

John

sonkai (1017) 2009-08-25 13:26

Hi Jaap,
Nice shot with a perfect light. What a lonely majesty! It helps to this effect of majesty the wide-angle over the building. Thanks for sharing.
Regards,
Sonsoles.

MarianneS (14402) 2009-08-25 13:39

Hello Jaap,
Glad to see you on TE again :-)
A very nice view, once again the square format works very well here. The castle, very nice colours, light... Every single detail to let us appreciate a 'Carperade' again.
Thanks for sharing. Groetjes,
Marianne

maglex (1612) 2009-08-25 21:45

A beautiful shot as always....i love the details and light. Thanks for sharing...Alex

xavshot (63117) 2009-08-25 22:12

Bonjour Jaap
une très belle lumière vient éclairer ce château. La composition est parfaite et le format... carré... est une nouvelle fois bien vu.
Xavier

bostankorkulugu (33962) 2009-08-25 23:54

your sign is written all over it of course... good to see you active again here on TE jaap... cheers...

jjcordier (25200) 2009-08-26 0:05

Jaap
Superbe photo d'une qualité incroyable. La lumière est parfaite et la composition tout autant. Du très grand art!
Amicalement
JJ

gildasjan (24115) 2009-08-26 0:52

Bonjour Jaap
Superbe image de cette demeure et quelle lumière!
Bravo et bonne journée
Amicalement
gildas

John_F_Kennedy (31994) 2009-08-26 4:06

Hello Jaap,
Well this is really nice and creative! The depth is lovely. Again, a nice picture.
Best wishes,
Achim

paura (39170) 2009-08-26 4:47

Jaap,
Lindíssima fotografia, com uma composição esmerada e lindas cores. Penso que um tripé deva ter te ajudado a consegui-la em 1/50. Muito boa.

Abraço

Paulo

ChrisJ (70443) 2009-08-26 6:40

Hi jaap

Missed this one. Superb framing on the old stone castle, with wonderful reflections & well managed perspective. The branches add depth & layering. Good warm cold colour contrasts, & sharpness. Tfs!

testmaniac (12262) 2009-08-26 8:21

Hello Jaap,very nice architecture and good photo, with nice atmosphere and light!

TFS

Phil

Cricri (43706) 2009-08-26 12:55

Hi Jaap
Magnifique lumière et reflets, des couleurs agréable, un cadrage et perspective parfait comme d'hab, félicitations
Have a nice evening
cricri

jafadabret (40281) 2009-08-26 22:58

Bonjour Jaap.
Rien à redire, cette composition dans ce format carré c'est du pur Carper. J'aime la beauté de l'architecture bien mise en valeur par la composition, les reflets et les couleurs.
Amicalement
Jacques

danyy (69393) 2009-08-26 23:10

Bonjour mon ami,
inlassablement, la perfection et le souci du soin extrème sont toujours au rendez-vous sur tes photos. Une fois de plus bien cadrée, net et bien éclairée, elle honore ce magnifique chateau dont l'eau qui l'entoure est incontestablement un plus esthétique.
My best regards.
Daniel.

Angshu (34089) 2009-08-26 23:20

Dag Jaap
Feels good that you're posting again regularly here in TE! A fine picture of the small but magnificent castle, excellently framed by the branches on the top right & the path creating a good lead-in. The compo. is top class, as always, my friend!
Best Regards
Angshu

syrus_persia (2222) 2009-08-27 0:24

salam jaap
Very interesting scene. Amazing place. Nice colours, very good contrast and sharpness. Original capture and frame. Well done!
cyrus

Cretense (57010) 2009-08-27 0:55

Hello Jaap!

this is your specialty, for sure! Fantastic, top quality architecture photography in beautiful natural environment! Great use of the square frame, once more, great composition, perfect light managment and fantastic colours! congratulations!

Hercules

Rafer (4500) 2009-08-27 2:09

Maravillosa luz y color así como el esbelto edificio...saludos

janneman (1236) 2009-08-27 2:20

Mooi dat zachte winterlicht op de zijde van het kasteel.
Fraai contrast met het staalblauw van de lucht.
De diagonale lijnen in de foto passen goed bijde vorm van het kastee.
Het vierkante formaat is een goede vondst bij de vierkante vorm van het kasteeltje.

Groet,
Jan

Graal (58688) 2009-08-27 2:36

Hi Jaap,
another interesting old castle and Your presentation. Friends all told You. Superb photojob, I like, too.
Gr., Aleksander

dip (12834) 2009-08-27 3:24

Hi Jaap,
great shot of the castle with excellent POV and lighting managment,
a wonderful composition as usually from you!
Greetings,
Dimitris.

Silvio1953 (42725) 2009-08-27 6:00

Ciao Jaap, great view of wonderful castle, fantastic reflections, wonderful light and colors, very well done, ciao Silvio

Tue (25608) 2009-08-27 7:15

Goedemiddag Jaap,
Wat een prachtig winterlicht hier, het doet het kasteel heel mooi uitkomen tegen de blauwe achtergrondtinten. De scherpte is ook uitstekend, erg mooi werk!
Groeten,
Lars

jurek1951 (26110) 2009-08-27 10:54

Hi Jaap,

Nice texturee of architectural details, crisp image and vivid colors,
Georg

gunbud (28143) 2009-08-27 17:28

Hi Jaap,
Wonderful sharp details to the incredible lines of this beautiful old castle that makes such a lovely reflection in the riffling pond.
The blue sky and wispy clouds are the perfect compliment to this magnificent architecture.
Regards, Tom

bracasha75 (22353) 2009-08-27 23:54

Hello Jaap
Fenomenal picture ,great distance taken and the result is realy awsome
One beautiful castle
TFS
Cheers,Braca

danos (33192) 2009-08-28 2:52

Hi Jaap,
a very nice presentation of Heemstede's castle surrounding from the canal waters.I like the magnificent light that falls from the left side,as the existence of the leafless branches of the tree, make the scene even more elegance.The sharpness and the clarity are simply perfect.Well done.

Have a nice day,danos

jrj (34779) 2009-08-28 4:24

Stylish and well composed work in the square format Jaap. Fine details and perfect light for presenting this place.

bakes888 (18327) 2009-08-28 23:00

Hi Jaap. This seems an unusual place for a real estate agency! Well chosen POV and nice perspective to give the castle a strong presence. I love that sky you have captured for a backdrop also. Thanks for sharing.
Have a good weekend, Paul.

TopGeo (22181) 2009-08-29 0:11

Hello Jaap,
A wonderful building with perfect architecture! A perspective that leads the interest to the subject Interesting management of lighting and colours Good POV
TFS - congratulations!
Best regards,
Georgios

pauloog (6873) 2009-08-29 2:09

Dag Jaap,
Prachtig licht op dit kasteel met zon en schaduw in een mooie balans. Mooie zachte kleuren en een prachtige hemel als achtergrond. Een plezier om naar te kijken.
Groetjes,
Paul

papagolf21 (56715) 2009-08-29 3:02

Bonjour, mon ami Jaap,
Encore un magnifique trésor présenté ! difficile de rester insensible à ce genre d'image où la beauté générale prend toute sa place.
Un grand merci du partage, ma passion pour l'architecture est gâtée.
Amitiés.
Philippe

subhendu_bagchi (3478) 2009-08-29 11:17

Namaste Jaap,
another great capture using the bright light. The gorgeous looking castle and its reflection is nicely captured with an ideal POV. Tfs. Have a great weekend.
Subhendu.

COSTANTINO (23135) 2009-08-29 12:01

Hello
It is not only the beautiful castle that gives beauty to your shot,there are also many architectural details well composed,the marvellous reflection,the great lightness that create a warm atmosphere,everything
Your return is valuable
regards and compliments
Costantino

chrisnet (20376) 2009-08-29 12:38

Hello Jaap,
Another very good view, the framing, the light, the colors are at the top, excellent composition my friend.
Best regards
Christian

francio64 (11688) 2009-08-29 12:47

Ciao Jaap,
riconoscerei una tua foto tra 1000.
La qualità delle tue foto è sempre al top e vedere una tua foto è sempre un vero piacere per me.

Sono contento che tu sia tornato tra noi!
Francesco

anesugur (16980) 2009-08-29 15:15

Hello Jaap,
Wonderful photo.
Perfect quality, light and beautiful colors.
Thanks for sharing.
Best regards. Uğur

lousat (16022) 2009-08-29 15:23

Hi Jaap,isn't easy to comment a beautiful pic like that.All is perfect...and no people inside! Just my best compliments for this wonderful shot,have a nice Sunday,Luciano

delpeoples (6720) 2009-08-30 2:11

Hi Jaap, can a photo ever be technically perfect? I don't know, but this one gets pretty close! That sky is everything I try (and often fail) to achieve when shooting skies: beautifully exposed, lovely cloud formations and wonderfully natural. The reflections, DOF and composition are all things to look and learn from, TFS, Lisa.

Bruno40 (6442) 2009-08-30 6:12

Hi Jaap
Very beautiful place, nice compo and good winter light.
well done
Jorge

Waylim (11147) 2009-08-30 9:38

Hi Jaap,
the pathway leads us up to the bridge and than cross the bridge over to the castle surrounded by water, the golden soft winter light illuminated teh building wonderfully. The pattern in the icy water look beautiful with strong contrast. Technically, nothing is out of place, just right. Thanks
Way

gervaso (5660) 2009-08-30 16:51

Hello, Jaap!

Wonderful castle, in a picture with excellent colors and sharpness! The reflections and the branches on the first plan are also great! Everything is just perfect! Wonderful composition! Well done!

gilou530 (35642) 2009-09-01 12:20

salut jaap
un super et magnifique chateau dans un cadrage parfait et une lumiére idéale pour le mettre en valeur, beau travail
amitiés
gilbert

guillaumejm (30) 2009-09-01 13:17

Hello jaap,
wonderful light. I like how sky and water reflects are in accordance of tones. nice light on walls.
Best regards
JMarc

JCG (25741) 2009-09-02 5:12

Hello Jaap,

Happy to be of return among you and it is with pleasure that I open tta gallery to discover your news and splendid photographs there. Once more a Carper format superbly carried out which emphasizes well this beautiful castle. I like much the colors and the winter light. Thank you Jaap for the interesting comment.

With all my friendships and a very good end-of-day

Jean-Charles

jazu (386) 2009-09-04 8:23

Hi Jaap.
Excellent colors and composition. I'd slightly fix perspective. I hope you don't mind my workshop.
Thanks again for your help.
cheers
Janusz

[workshop] [compare]

P-S-I-G (24482) 2009-09-04 23:27

Hello Jaap,
A very pleasant shot. I like the sweet light very much. Sharp and clear. Very well taken.
Best regards,
Fabrice

dareco (17104) 2009-09-09 7:13

A very impressive castle! AND a very impressive picture!!! Superb detail, lighting and colors. Excellent composition. TFS

alainh (35387) 2009-09-13 21:37

hello jaap

in french: Magistrale !!!!!
splendid light for a master composition in the famous Carpes's format.
friendly, Jaap
alain

leo61 (43686) 2009-09-15 12:17

Hi Jaap!
Great shot of this unique building.Wonderful light at the castle and good composition with this diagopnal in the foreground and the branches of the tree at the right side.I like too the contrast with this nice sky.
Regards,leo

kiks (6147) 2009-09-21 10:41

Heel mooi gedaan deze compositie. Ik hou van de keuze voor een diagonal en de kleuren zijn zacht en prachtig.
vriendelijke groet,
KIks

Sergey13 (66) 2009-09-21 16:02 [Comment]

Show Comment

coco (28090) 2009-10-01 1:49

Hi Jaap.

Simple but so and so great. I love your gallery and your pictures.
And I think it is easy understand why.

Well done.

sevy (13952) 2009-10-02 5:52

Hello Jaap,

Finally the title you selected 'Winter light' is perfect to describe this photo: the cleaness of the air with the sun low in the sky is well putting in evidence the walls of this castle.
As usual, a very efficient composition in square frame, quite your signature.

Yves.

Photo Information

Copyright: jaap polak (carper) (65598)
Genre: Places
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-12-08
Categories: Castles
Camera: Canon 40D, Canon 10-22 f3.5-4.5 EFS
Exposure: f/11, 1/50 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Theme(s): francio64 (My favourite/5), Castles in the Netherlands [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-08-25 2:54
Favorites: 1 [view]