the silver-city Photo

Photographer’s Note

Schoonhoven (population: 12,195 as of 2007) is a city and municipality in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. The municipality covers an area of 6.96 km² (of which 0.67 km² water). It is the third-smallest municipality in the Netherlands in land area (after Bennebroek and Rozenburg).

A historic map of Schoonhoven of 1652 shows the north and west town walls, which were common during medieval times in the Netherlands. The only remaining medieval entrance gate of Schoonhoven is the Veerpoort (Ferry Gate) next to the Lek River (see external link 4). This Veerpoort has protected Schoonhoven from the floods of the river Rhine and from the sea during the North Sea flood of 1953 and is still fully functional as a water barrier today.

A ferry transporting both vehicles and pedestrians across the Lek River (see external link 5) connects Schoonhoven with Gelkenes in Liesveld.

In the grassy fields around the city of Schoonhoven you can see a magnificent bird life such as storks (external link 6).

The first winner of the Dutch version of Pop Idol, Jamai Loman, is from this town. Also Jan Arie van der Heijden, player of football club Ajax, lives in Schoonhoven.

Circa 1220 a castle was built on the north side of little stream Zevender, near its mouth at the Lek River and Schoonhoven formed near the castle. The oldest reference to Schoonhoven is on a document from 1247 where the town is called Sconhoven. In 1280, it was granted city rights.
Around 1350, the citywalls and gates were added to Schoonhoven. Its economy was dependant on shipping, brewing, fishing and agriculture. Schoonhoven was also the marketplace for the region. In 1518 the castle burned down and its remnants were removed in subsequent decades.

Between 1582 and 1601 the city's defense walls were renewed and expanded to include the shipyards as well. And following the Disaster Year of 1672, they were reinforced again and expanded on the west and north sides. Yet in 1816, when bastion fortifications were no longer relevant to the warfare of the time, they were mostly demolished and made way for a cemetery and park.

In 1860 the city had 2900 inhabitants. Not until the middle of the 20th century did the city expand beyond the former fortress limits, first in a north-westerly direction, and then in the east since the 1990s.

Schoonhoven is renowned for its silver, hence it is nicknamed Zilverstad ("Silver City"). Since the 17th century silver smiths have already been present here. Today there are a lot of silver trade possibilities and Schoonhoven is home of the International Silver School.
Another less known tradition in Schoonhoven is that of clock making. There are still small scale clock makers. Some of them can be visited. A beautiful example of large clockwork is the Van den Gheyn Beiaard on the medieval town hall of Schoonhoven (external link 3). In the Dutch Gold, Silver and Clock Museum a lot of other large and small clocks are on display as well.

There are a lot of pubs in the city and also a lot of sport activities.

Lives go's on. This one I have a fantastic winterlight captured. I hope you like the shot,
gr. jaap

zeca, Budapestman, barni, daddo, marion44, gokanlam, bobocortis, belido, AiresSantos, delkoo, wiesnap, ribeiroantonio, gilou530, gneufeld, Wandering_Dan, josepmarin, Cricri, COSTANTINO, jonathan_hart, branley, jlbrthnn, feather, maltese, Photo65Net, Philippe, leo61, Didi, alvaraalto, Charo, ALIRIZA, xavshot, jjcordier, bertolucci, pasternak, chinchini, patdeph, besnard, paura, JCG, salvator, Angshu, danos, Tue, ChrisJ, dip, syd1946, polpo56, danyy, Dpbours, InasiaJones, riclopes, dareco has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Budapestman (42844) 2008-05-20 3:57

Dear Jaap,
Beautiful work. The lights are amazing and the composition is splendid. Picturesque and soothing atmosphere, I like it very much. Have a nice day
George

barni (14569) 2008-05-20 3:58

Hello Jaap
Fantastique point de vue.
La lumière est top.
Have a nice day
Christophe

Bartolomeus (681) 2008-05-20 4:12

Really great composition... perfect POV, colors and sharpness...
Thanks for sharing!
Bartosz

jrj (34779) 2008-05-20 4:14

Pleasure for the eye Jaap. The light of the late day and the silent flood of the canal. Perfect setting for a photo like this. Very good.

npecanhuk (14718) 2008-05-20 4:15

Hi Jaap!
A pretty pleasant photo, with nice colors, pov, sharpness and composition!
I always feel inclined to make good comments about reflections, and this one of yours is very nice!
TFS - Congratulations!
Best regards,
Neyvan

daddo (11557) 2008-05-20 4:17

Hi Jaap. There is really something rich about the northern light.It makes the masonry, rock, grass, water look much more intense in colour. I suppose the absence of the glaring strong sunlight gives a greater range of shades. Whatever the reason, i like the light, colour and of course the composition with the soothing presence of water. Regards. Klaudio.

Paolo (40755) 2008-05-20 4:18

Colours and light at top level Jaap!
wonderful view, full of peace and calm and with an excellent depth of field too.
thanks, ciao

jurek1951 (26156) 2008-05-20 4:18

Hi Jaap,
Marvelous reflection and composition.
Very beautifu place and an excellent photo with wonderful colors and very good perspective,
Georg

marion44 (4284) 2008-05-20 4:19

Hi Daap,
Very nice and calm scenery with the almost unlined channel and the soft light. The foreground pole and the lines of houses and banks are giving a very good perspective... even the planes are crossing at the good angle ;)
Marion

jhm (83352) 2008-05-20 4:21

dag jaap,

Een lage zon die zorgt voor mooie kleuren, zeker niet fel, maar zacht en aantrekkelijk.
Uw opstelling geeft veel diepte en een fantastisch perspectief.
U koos de boot met rechts een dijk wat de huizen half doet verdwijnen, maar het winterbeeld toont aan dat het reeds koud was, ja in deze periode van jaar zien we de schapen wolken niet.
Mooi Hollands plaatje Jaap! Bedankt

Groeten uit Vlaanderen,
John.

gokanlam (6431) 2008-05-20 4:29

Hi Jaap, most of your photos are like paintings.. and this one has so many good things, colors, reflections, soft daylight and shadows.. and the place itself looks great with your good presentation.. Compliments,
ReLa

bobocortis (14144) 2008-05-20 4:33

Hi Jalap.
All is beautiful in this shot, from warm sunset paints to good perspective to reflections in the channel.
Well done, thanks for sharing.
Best regards.
Bobo.

pablominto (41372) 2008-05-20 4:33

Hello Jaap,
The wonderful light makes this one!
It is hard to believe this is December, but I guess once in a while days like this occur...
Great feeling of depth and wonderful details!
Greetings,
Pablo -

belido (16877) 2008-05-20 4:48

Hi Jaap,

it's a marvelous shot. Great use of the warm light from the left. You chose a nice pov with the boat, the buildings in their perspective and the calm water. Excellent clarity and exposure. Well done!
Regards,
Carlos

Floydian (30970) 2008-05-20 4:55

Hallo Jaap,
Fantastisch plaat die je heel erg mooi hebt opgebouwd. Hier past dat bijna vierkante formaat perfect bij het onderwerp. Het licht is erg mooi, ook al zou ik persoonlijk de levels iets terug halen om hem kwa licht nog iets meer te laten schijnen, maar dat is op persoonlijke titel. Vind dit ook al erg mooi en een zeer geslaagde foto kwa compositie, licht en kleur.
Groet, Henk

faubry (32419) 2008-05-20 5:14

wonderfu light here, and nice colors, all is beautiful like usual.. take care
francine

wiesnap (33) 2008-05-20 5:53 [Comment]

Show Comment

ribeiroantonio (21975) 2008-05-20 6:27

The fantastic light makes this beautiful picture. But not only the light as the POV and colours are magnificent too. One more photo for my list of favorites.
Antonio

dkeus31 (26365) 2008-05-20 6:33

Hi Jaap,
a good one, even witout a mill :)
the light is fine and the perspective nice.
regards,didier

izmirli (3285) 2008-05-20 6:51

merhaba dear jaap
magnificent colours and reflections.magnificent picture and composition.well done.
best regards.
gürkan akçakır.

gilou530 (35700) 2008-05-20 6:59

salut jaap
une lumière du soir géniale pour donner ces teintes chaudes d'un lieu plein de charme, un POV bien trouvé comme toujours, beau travail
amitiés
gilbert

TopGeo (22231) 2008-05-20 7:20

Hi Jaap! excellent shot! It is a picture with beauty! You have achieved a splendid reflection and a beautiful and quiet point that impresses. Amazing composition and very good prospect! I liked specially the indirect luminous presence
Georgios

John_F_Kennedy (31994) 2008-05-20 7:21

Excellent details and DOF!! Very good composed and framed! Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

gneufeld (15235) 2008-05-20 8:25

Hi jaap,
Wow, a stunning presentation perfectly composed and all of the elements are complementary and are in excellent balance. The colors and overall claity are warm and clear. Wonderful and TFS. Gerald

Wandering_Dan (3293) 2008-05-20 9:28

Hi, Jaap -

Beautiful capture of late afternoon light, and great colors and diagonals. The post in the lower left adds a nice balance.

Best,
Dan

amaryllis (17826) 2008-05-20 11:27

bonjour, une tres belle perspective de ce canal avec cette péniche et une lumière douce
les couleurs sont superbes
belle composition
juliette

josepmarin (34107) 2008-05-20 11:46

Hi Jaap,
Very beautiful image of this landscape and a great perspective of the canal, which takes the look to us very far.
The winter light is very well managed, I like the luminosity and the color of the photo, they are fantastic and give a great aesthetic result to your work.
Best regards,
Josep

Cricri (43762) 2008-05-20 11:49

Hi Jaap,
La lumiére doue de l'hiver donne de jolies teintes a l'ensemble et de beaux reflets, bon POV et perspective, une image agréable a regarder, félicitations
Have a nice evening for you
cricri

maximage (13602) 2008-05-20 14:40

Bonjour Jaap,
Excellent POV avec une lumière et des couleurs signées "carper". C'est super beau.
Amitiés.
max

jonathan_hart (22627) 2008-05-20 15:14

a fantastic winterlight as you say, it's really the reason why this shot is so good, well done
regards
jo

bucanas (2209) 2008-05-20 19:59

Hi Jaap,
Beautiful photo,beautiful place.
Best regards,
Ralf

zeca (20026) 2008-05-20 20:22

Hello my friend Jaap!
Beautiful picture, with everything in the right place and in great colours. The ligths are just wonderful, and the detail of that tree's shadows on the walls is BEAUTIFUL! Great!
Regards,
Zeca

testmaniac (12262) 2008-05-20 23:31

Hello my frind! Nice and calm photo with warm colors. Good composition and lights.
TFS and regards,
Phil

Graal (58732) 2008-05-20 23:50

Hi Jaap,
an interesting place and view. Great sky like as with used polariser. Good note and excellent quality of picture. I like it.
Gr., Aleksander

branley (3681) 2008-05-21 0:40

Hello Jaap, you have more splendid images since my last visit and though this is your latest post it's the one that stands out well for me. The light is wonderful and well managed whilst the colours are sublime and the sharpness is spot on. It's a superb capture and well spotted my friend.

Regards

Stephen

Nicou (45743) 2008-05-21 0:44

hello,

Fantastique ce bâteau, avec son refle,t ces douceurs dans les couelurs, tèrs très belle compo.

Bravo et amitiés

Nicou

UnTrained (0) 2008-05-21 1:05

Hallo Jaap,
yes, the light is amazing. Wonderful view to enjoy the blue sky, clear reflections and the depth by the canal. The long shadows work very well in that bright capture.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

delkoo (34792) 2008-05-21 1:31

hi jaap
a fabulous catch of the light painting the landscape, The fine varied light adds life to the scenery, a view with a superb feeling of depth!

best regards
didier

mauro61 (16300) 2008-05-21 3:17

hi Jaap,regards for beautiful photo and colours.i love Holland.
maurizio

Gdouble (5245) 2008-05-21 4:22

Dag Jaap,
Schitterend licht and the perfecte POV.
Prettige dag nog
Guy

azaf1 (15547) 2008-05-21 8:00

Hi Jaap
What a reflection and perspective. Clear and sharp with great colors.
Compliments
Argiris

jlbrthnn (38971) 2008-05-21 8:16

Hello Jaap,
The image is perfect, very well composed and profiting of an exceptional light on this quiet and once more very beautiful landscape. Cheer.
Have a nice day
Cordially
Joël

gildasjan (24143) 2008-05-21 8:29

Bonjour Jaap
Composition parfaite,lumière sublime,encore de l'excellent job ici.Une image carrée que tu maitrises très bien.
Bravo et bonne soirée
Amicalement
Gildas

feather (50154) 2008-05-21 8:34

The winter light is lovely. That is some compensation for us northerners that the light is good all day in the winter as long as the sun shines of course. The water looks so still and is providing an excellent surface for the stunning reflections. I also like the tracery of shadows from the trees. Good work
Kath

maltese (21537) 2008-05-21 9:22

Hello Jaap
Une très belle lumière et une composition bien pensée autour de ce canal, même l'avion dans le ciel prend la même direction que les principales lignes de cette photo comme pour ne pas détruire cette belle harmonie.
Très beau travail!!
Amicalement
Hervé

Photo65Net (43096) 2008-05-21 9:41

Jaap,
Again you caugth amazing light here.
I like a lot the depth of the view, and how you used the canal to enhance it.
Regards,
JB.

Philippe (11787) 2008-05-21 9:49

Dag, Jaap. Ja, het licht is zeer mooi hier en het geeft mooie warme kleuren. Het perspectief is zeer goed en je hebt de boot en de palen uitstekend geplaatst in je samenstelling. Er zijn ook mooie reflecties. Het schijnt een eenvoudig beeld te zijn, maar het is zeer goed doordacht.

leo61 (43772) 2008-05-21 10:02

Hi Jaap!
Just perfect,the light,the POV,the exposure,not to forget the composition.A wonderful image with a calm atmosphere.
Regards,Leo

Didi (36452) 2008-05-21 10:26

Bonjout mon cher Japp
Merci pour cette belle image; j'apprécie beaucoup la lumière latérale de fin de journée.
Lumière douce très bien répartie; une image très belle à regarder.
Amitiés.

alvaraalto (5303) 2008-05-21 12:42

Hallo Jaap,

Heerlijke foto met prachtig avondlicht uit de plaats waar mijn opa werd geboren. Hij was koperslager van beroep en geen zilversmit zoals toepasselijker was geweest in deze zilverstad.

groet Rob

ALIRIZA (16197) 2008-05-21 14:14

Hi Jaap,
Really great work. The lights are amazing, reflection is superb and the composition is marvelous. Well done my dear friend...
All the best...
Ali Rıza

xavshot (63133) 2008-05-21 21:44

Bonjour Jaap
le point de vue est très agréable au regard et la luminère est superbe. Une belle photo et une excellente qualité.
Xavier

jjcordier (25256) 2008-05-21 22:10

Jaap
Comme d'habitude, une superbe composition et une fantastique lumière qui donne des couleurs magnifiques. Excellent travail!
Amicalement
JJ

bertolucci (12014) 2008-05-21 22:13

Hoi Jaap, wat heb je hier het warme licht fantastisch weergegeven. Prachtige kleuren en perspectief ook. Verstild Schoonhoven - erg mooi en zeer goed gepresenteerd werk!
Fijne week,
Bert

pasternak (13650) 2008-05-22 1:37

This is so beautiful, Jaap, Schoonhoven is a town where I have been twice but the weather was bad so I couldn't make anything even remotely similar to this, light and perspective are amazing here!

Cheers
A

jemaflor (39759) 2008-05-22 3:30

Hi Jaap,
great light captire, so lovely reflection, good frame, nice view bravo !

Charo (31811) 2008-05-22 3:54

Hola Jaap,
Qué bonitos colores tiene esta toma, tienen mucha calidez. Excelente composición con muy buena profundidad. Bonito trabajo.
Cordialmente
Charo

chinchini (27811) 2008-05-22 6:26

Salut Jaap,
Encore un petit chef-d'oeuvre avec cette photo vespérale aux teintes chaudes. La définition est excellente et le POV bien placé, accordant une grande perspective. Le sillage du jet dans le ciel n'est pas dérangeant ;o)
Compliments !
Mes amitiés
Pierre

COSTANTINO (23239) 2008-05-22 7:11

hI jaap,
AS always a beautiful work,artistic work
with a lovely colourful composition..
Again an excellent scene with attractive
details,
THANKS FOR SHARING
cOSTANTINO

evanrizo (456) 2008-05-22 8:49

Hi Jaap, hte light is the best, the light is fantastic and gives a superb atmosphere to your cpature.
The place is so beautiful with the best sharpness.
Cheers
Evangelos

patdeph (18346) 2008-05-22 9:14

hello Jaap
one more time,this is the light that makes the phto!A splendid and warm light,on which we can add a great perspective,and beautiful reflections!
Regards.
Pascale

Silvio1953 (42869) 2008-05-22 9:58

Hi Jaap, fantastic composition with splendid perspective and fascinating reflections, wonderful colors, very well done, ciao Silvio

AiresSantos (42924) 2008-05-22 10:16

Hi dear Jaap
Amazing light and POV here. I like this perspective and reflections.
Excellent note as usual
Greetings and have a nice evening
Aires

batalay (21205) 2008-05-22 10:37

Hello Jaap,

A first rate shot (nothing less can be expected of you)! Unlike many people, the contrail of the high flying airliner is very appealing to me. I would rather date a photo or a painting with contemporary objects in the picture. When I drew or painted the streets of ancient Oxford, I would frequently place a car in the scene, rather than make it an empty cobblestone street (they are all asphalted streets now), as if it were an image created in the distant past. The note is highly informative as usual.

Warm regards,

Bulent

paura (39306) 2008-05-22 10:52

Jaap,
A supperb composition, with excellent exposure settings at f/14.0 and 1/60 seconds. The artistic compo also is very beautiful.

Very well done!

Paulo

besnard (31072) 2008-05-22 10:54

Bonsoir Jaap
Je ne m'explique pas comment j'ai pu laisser passer ce superbe cliché. Je me dépéche de réparer cet oubli. C'est tout simplement superbe, bien cadré et la lumière d'hiver donne de magnifiques couleurs.
Merci pour le partage et bonne soirée.
Nicole

JCG (25753) 2008-05-22 12:02

Hi Jaap,

You still found us a pretty place of Holland here. The winter light is very beautiful here and emphasizes well the colors of the composition. The channel gives a beautiful prospect and depth to the photograph. Beautiful work Jaap and thank you for the instructive note.

With all my friendships and a very good evening,

Jean-Charles

salvator (18941) 2008-05-22 14:24

Hi Jaap,
Wonderful use of light and superb colors. The sharpness and details allover, and the rees in the background, the blue of the sky and river look superb.
Best regards. Salvator.

Clementi (45245) 2008-05-22 14:40

Ciao Jaap,
the warm lights and the long shades do a poetry of this photo. you have created a very quiet atmosphere which leaves without words, but to observe the photo for hours.
nice work
Giorgio

vincz (19045) 2008-05-23 0:27

Fantastic light here and such incredible quality in the details. Beautiful work I love it.

devimeuxbe (56370) 2008-05-23 0:29

Hi Jaap
one more beautifull picture with water in a nice landscape. Always you found a beautifull light.
Excellent work
Bertrand

Angshu (34119) 2008-05-23 0:30

Dag Jaap
The perspective with the canal, the delicious winter light, the reflections, the jet trails in the sky, all combine to create this beauty. The boat also has the same name as the town. Good work!
Best Regards
Angshu

albertz (2310) 2008-05-23 0:50

I find tranquility in this picture. Looking at this scene followed by a very deep breath makes me feel relief of stress after long hours of agony in work. thanks for sharing this wonderful picture. excellent one.

Gerrit (36287) 2008-05-23 2:25

Dag Jaap,
Ik zie dat ik deze nog niet heb gehad. Prachtig POV zo van onder de dijk vanuit het scheepsperspectief en geweldig licht. De gouden glans op de huizen contrasteert heel mooi met het diepe blauw van de lucht en de lijnen zijn heel sterk. Topwerk.
Groeten Gerrit

danos (33300) 2008-05-23 13:33

Hello Jaap,
splendid perspective of this old city with the canal to create a great depth of field.I like the reflections and the contrasted colors.The light and the sharpness,as ever is great.Informative your note too.

Have a nice weekend,Danos

Tue (25608) 2008-05-23 13:46

Goedenavond Jaap,
Het lage winterlicht is hier echt prachtig, plezierig warm en het zorgt voor mooie schaduwen op de gevels van de huizen. Ook de spiegelingen in het kalme water zijn heel mooi. De sfeer van deze foto is bijzonder, heel mooi werk, bedankt!
Groeten,
Lars

ChrisJ (70443) 2008-05-23 21:44

Hi jaap

Fantastic reflections in the canal. with a marvellous blue sky, & superb color & sharpness. Good contrast, with the boat acting as a focal point. Tfs!

dip (12850) 2008-05-24 1:39

Hi Jaap,
you captured the scene at right time which the low light gives a wonderful and quiet atmosphere,
very good pov and framing too,
Greetings,
Dimitris.

syd1946 (17965) 2008-05-24 10:16

Hello Jaap,
Once more your image is amazing...For this one except the fine colors I admire the low light conditions that adding so much to the atmosphere!

nice weekend,
Thomas

polpo56 (8120) 2008-05-24 13:12

Hi Jaap,
I like very much your shot.
Perfec framing and composition, lights and colors, sharpness and depht...all at the top.
Ciao
Ludo

MarianneS (14426) 2008-05-24 15:17

Dag Jaap,
Another very nice composition you offer us.
The light is superb. The colours too. And the peaceful view is very nice to look at.
Thank you and regards,
Marianne

jafadabret (40325) 2008-05-25 1:25

Bonjour Jaap.
Cette photo est encore du très beau travail. J'aime la composition avec la perspective, la belle lumière et les reflets.
Jacques

danyy (69465) 2008-05-27 2:12

Bonjour Jaap,
j'aurais raté tant de belles photos si j'avais quitté TE et surtout les tiennes devant lesquels je suis resté si souvent admirateur.
Des couleurs très chaudes, la photo prise au meileur moment de la journée sous un ciel très serein. L'endroit est bien choisi et bien cadré.
Cheers.
Daniel.

Dpbours (220) 2008-05-30 1:07

Hi Jaap,

That is wonderful light you have captured here! And what an amazing load of facts on Schoonhoven. Where did you get those? Guess somewhere on the internet with all the 'external link x' in the text :-).
Yep, very nice light. You're someone who gets out of be early for a good photograph. I'm more the stay-up-late type of guy ;-).

Greetings!
Dennis

chrisnet (20376) 2008-06-01 11:12

Hello Jaap,
I like the perspective of the canal and the boat in the foreground, good clarity and nice exposure, another good work.
Regards

wolf38 (13085) 2008-06-07 5:32

Hello jaap. The photo is worth seeing like always. One recognizes your personal handwriting by the photos. Light and colors are fascinating in this photo. Very beautifully. Best regards, Wolfgang.

Bluejeans (33081) 2008-06-09 10:11

Ola Jaap,
Que beleza de fotografia as cores ficaram lindas devido ao sol se encontrar baixo ,os reflexos ficaram muito bonitos , gostei muito do barco em primeiro plano , parabéns!!!
Um abraço Gonçalo

Good luck for your Netherlands National footbal team :)

InasiaJones (20703) 2008-06-12 0:38

Hi mister Carper,

Please, don't tell me that you still have time to go fishing while posting these carefully taken shots, day after day...

Admirable photo of a beautiful Dutch scene, with strong perspective and magical light. I like the composition with the leading point off-centred.

Good shot!

André

riclopes (33135) 2008-06-17 11:46

What a marvellous light, Jaap. No windmills at sight but instead a lovely view of the river, the ferry and houses upthere, over the grass. The result is fantastic as usual with amazing image quality. Congrats, once again.
Groet,
ric

dareco (17104) 2008-07-22 11:39

I could spend hours in your gallery!! Another really beautiful scene and the lighting and colors are excellent! A very peaceful looking place. TFS and have a happy day!

Luko (13896) 2008-10-05 5:10

Lovely sunset light, a little dense but pleasant to look at. So peaceful.
Even the airliners streams converge to an infinite focal point.