A Quiet Guardian of the Forest
On our walk through the forest near an old, forgotten building, my wife suddenly looked up — and there he was. A Boreal Owl (Aegolius funereus, or Ruigpootuil in Dutch), resting quietly on the edge of the roof, half asleep but faintly aware of the world. Every now and then, one bright yellow eye would peek open, catching a shimmer of the noon light.
The oak trees around him were dressed in their autumn palette — green fading into yellow and deep orange-brown. In that setting, his mottled plumage blended perfectly with the wood and leaves, a masterclass in camouflage. Boreal owls are rare in the Netherlands, typically nesting in old woodpecker holes in mature coniferous or mixed forests. Occasionally, one finds refuge in an old structure like this — proof of how wildlife adapts when natural habitats change.
Photographed first with the Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm (effectively ~600mm thanks to the crop sensor), and then with the Canon 5DsR and the same lens. The 5DsR reveals even more detail when zoomed in, but for social media, the 7D’s reach gives it a beautiful balance of sharpness and framing.
A quiet encounter, a patient gaze — and a reminder that even in silence, the forest watches back.
#BorealOwl #Ruigpootuil #AegoliusFunereus #WildlifePhotography #NaturePhotography #OwlPhotography #BirdPhotography #DutchNature #CanonPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #Canon5DsR #Sigma100400 #ForestLife #AutumnColors #Surea #NoordBrabant #BirdsOfEurope #OwlsOfTheWorld #ForestMagic #NatureStory #MacroAndMore #WildlifeStories #NatureLovers #EcologyInFocus #AnimalCamouflage #ConservationThroughPhotography #NaturalHabitat #PhotographyDetails #QuietMoments #BirdingNetherlands #AvianBeauty #WoodlandCreatures #ScientificPhotography #StoryBehindTheShot #AutumnVibes #CanonWildlife #EyesOfTheForest #DutchWildlife #MaikeldeBakkerPhotography #ByMaikelPhotography
#Canon7DMarkII
The Language of Light and Leaf
Sometimes, beauty hides in the smallest and simplest things — like the way sunlight passes through a single leaf. During my walk in Surea, I noticed how the low morning sun lit the trees from behind, turning their leaves into glowing jewels of orange, yellow, and green. I raised my Canon 7D Mark II with the Sigma 100–400mm lens and focused on a single leaf, backlit by the warm sunlight.
But what you see here isn’t just colour — it’s chemistry in motion. When autumn arrives and the days grow shorter, trees start reclaiming the nutrients stored in chlorophyll — the pigment that gives leaves their green colour and fuels photosynthesis. As chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments emerge: carotenoids, responsible for yellows and oranges, and anthocyanins, which add red and purple tones. These pigments have been there all along — just hidden behind the green curtain of summer.
So, in a way, autumn is nature’s gentle way of revealing what’s always been there, waiting for the right light to be seen. Through my lens, it’s a reminder that endings can be beautiful too.
#AutumnMagic #BacklitBeauty #MacroNature #LeafArt #AutumnColors #NatureLovers #CanonPhotography #Sigma100400 #MacroShot #NatureMacro #LeafLover #BacklitLeaf #ForestMagic #LightAndColor #SureaForest #NatureInDetail #MacroPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #FineArtNature #AutumnVibes #ChlorophyllBreakdown #Carotenoids #Anthocyanins #ScienceInNature #NaturalWonder #SeasonChange #ForestWalks #DutchNature #NetherlandsNature #NaturePhotography #NatureArt #WildernessBeauty #ColorfulNature #ArtInNature #MacroDetail #HiddenBeauty #LightPlay #PhotoStory #ByMaikeldeBakker #ByMaikelPhotography
Sometimes, beauty hides in the smallest and simplest things — like the way sunlight passes through a single leaf. During my walk in Surea, I noticed how the low morning sun lit the trees from behind, turning their leaves into glowing jewels of orange, yellow, and green. I raised my Canon 7D Mark II with the Sigma 100–400mm lens and focused on a single leaf, backlit by the warm sunlight.
But what you see here isn’t just colour — it’s chemistry in motion. When autumn arrives and the days grow shorter, trees start reclaiming the nutrients stored in chlorophyll — the pigment that gives leaves their green colour and fuels photosynthesis. As chlorophyll breaks down, other pigments emerge: carotenoids, responsible for yellows and oranges, and anthocyanins, which add red and purple tones. These pigments have been there all along — just hidden behind the green curtain of summer.
So, in a way, autumn is nature’s gentle way of revealing what’s always been there, waiting for the right light to be seen. Through my lens, it’s a reminder that endings can be beautiful too.
#AutumnMagic #BacklitBeauty #MacroNature #LeafArt #AutumnColors #NatureLovers #CanonPhotography #Sigma100400 #MacroShot #NatureMacro #LeafLover #BacklitLeaf #ForestMagic #LightAndColor #SureaForest #NatureInDetail #MacroPhotography #Canon7DMarkII #FineArtNature #AutumnVibes #ChlorophyllBreakdown #Carotenoids #Anthocyanins #ScienceInNature #NaturalWonder #SeasonChange #ForestWalks #DutchNature #NetherlandsNature #NaturePhotography #NatureArt #WildernessBeauty #ColorfulNature #ArtInNature #MacroDetail #HiddenBeauty #LightPlay #PhotoStory #ByMaikeldeBakker #ByMaikelPhotography
Close encounter with a forest master beetle
Meet Trypocopris vernalis, also known as the spring dor beetle — one of the true “masters” of the forest floor. Yesterday, while exploring a beautiful larch and pine forest near Rijen and Oosterhout (the Surea area) with my wife, I spotted this little armored worker quietly making its way through the moss. The day was grey and moody, but a brief ray of sunlight broke through — just enough to bring out that deep black sheen that makes these beetles so mesmerizing up close.
This shot was taken with my Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon MP-E 65mm super macro lens at 5× magnification — a lens that truly lets you dive into another world. At this distance, even a beetle’s face feels monumental. You can see the fine texture of its exoskeleton, this time no grains of forest soil clinging to it, and even the subtle reflection of the forest canopy above.
Scientifically speaking, Trypocopris vernalis plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It’s a dung beetle — recycling nutrients, aerating soil, and quite literally keeping the forest clean. A quiet little hero beneath our feet.
#TrypocoprisVernalis #BeetlePhotography #MacroPhotography #SuperMacro #Canon7DMarkII #CanonMPE65mm #ForestMaster #MacroWorld #WildlifeMacro #NaturePhotography #ByMaikelPhotography #DutchNature #Oosterhout #Rijen #Surea #MossForest #LarchForest #InsectPhotography #MacroDetails #CloseUpPhotography #WildlifeLovers #EcoPhotography #Biodiversity #DungBeetle #NatureStory #InsectWorld #MicroWorld #CanonMacro #NaturalBalance #WildlifeConservation #InTheForest #MacroArt #NatureCloseUp #PhotoStory #NatureLovers #FieldPhotography #MacroMagic #WildlifeMacroPhotography #CanonEurope #ForestEcosystem #TinyWorld
Meet Trypocopris vernalis, also known as the spring dor beetle — one of the true “masters” of the forest floor. Yesterday, while exploring a beautiful larch and pine forest near Rijen and Oosterhout (the Surea area) with my wife, I spotted this little armored worker quietly making its way through the moss. The day was grey and moody, but a brief ray of sunlight broke through — just enough to bring out that deep black sheen that makes these beetles so mesmerizing up close.
This shot was taken with my Canon 7D Mark II and the Canon MP-E 65mm super macro lens at 5× magnification — a lens that truly lets you dive into another world. At this distance, even a beetle’s face feels monumental. You can see the fine texture of its exoskeleton, this time no grains of forest soil clinging to it, and even the subtle reflection of the forest canopy above.
Scientifically speaking, Trypocopris vernalis plays a vital role in the ecosystem. It’s a dung beetle — recycling nutrients, aerating soil, and quite literally keeping the forest clean. A quiet little hero beneath our feet.
#TrypocoprisVernalis #BeetlePhotography #MacroPhotography #SuperMacro #Canon7DMarkII #CanonMPE65mm #ForestMaster #MacroWorld #WildlifeMacro #NaturePhotography #ByMaikelPhotography #DutchNature #Oosterhout #Rijen #Surea #MossForest #LarchForest #InsectPhotography #MacroDetails #CloseUpPhotography #WildlifeLovers #EcoPhotography #Biodiversity #DungBeetle #NatureStory #InsectWorld #MicroWorld #CanonMacro #NaturalBalance #WildlifeConservation #InTheForest #MacroArt #NatureCloseUp #PhotoStory #NatureLovers #FieldPhotography #MacroMagic #WildlifeMacroPhotography #CanonEurope #ForestEcosystem #TinyWorld
Sometimes nature reminds you that the best moments are the ones you didn’t plan for. Last week, I set off with my wife Christel to Huis ter Heide near Tilburg, hoping for birds and landscapes in the soft early morning light. The birds were quiet, the landscapes less inspiring than I’d hoped—but the insects stole the show.
First came the hardworking Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum), captured close-up as it buried itself in a flower’s nectar. Next, a Pyrausta purpuralis, a tiny but striking moth with purple and gold tones, resting perfectly still on a leaf. Both were taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and the MP-E 65mm f/2.8 Super Macro—a lens built for the extreme close-ups that reveal details our eyes often miss.
Switching to my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm, I caught a vivid Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) perched near the water, and finally, a Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria) warming itself on a sunlit leaf.
This is why I carry nearly 15 kg of gear on long walks: two cameras, four lenses, and a tripod. Because in nature, the unexpected is always waiting.
#HuisTerHeide #NaturePhotography #MacroPhotography #BugPhotography #InsectPhotography #BombusPascuorum #CarderBee #PyraustaPurpuralis #MothPhotography #DragonflyPhotography #SympetrumSanguineum #RuddyDarter #ParargeAegeria #SpeckledWood #CanonPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65 #SuperMacro #NatureLovers #NatureObsessed #NatureOnEarth #WildlifePhotography #MacroNature #NatureFocus #PhotographyGear #NatureBrilliance #NatureSeekers #NatureHealing #PhotographyLovers #WildlifeMacro #MacroWorld #NaturePerfection #DiscoverNature #NatureShot #NaturePhotographyDaily #MacroBug #NatureCaptures #NatureBeauty #CanonGear
First came the hardworking Common Carder Bee (Bombus pascuorum), captured close-up as it buried itself in a flower’s nectar. Next, a Pyrausta purpuralis, a tiny but striking moth with purple and gold tones, resting perfectly still on a leaf. Both were taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and the MP-E 65mm f/2.8 Super Macro—a lens built for the extreme close-ups that reveal details our eyes often miss.
Switching to my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm, I caught a vivid Ruddy Darter (Sympetrum sanguineum) perched near the water, and finally, a Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria) warming itself on a sunlit leaf.
This is why I carry nearly 15 kg of gear on long walks: two cameras, four lenses, and a tripod. Because in nature, the unexpected is always waiting.
#HuisTerHeide #NaturePhotography #MacroPhotography #BugPhotography #InsectPhotography #BombusPascuorum #CarderBee #PyraustaPurpuralis #MothPhotography #DragonflyPhotography #SympetrumSanguineum #RuddyDarter #ParargeAegeria #SpeckledWood #CanonPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65 #SuperMacro #NatureLovers #NatureObsessed #NatureOnEarth #WildlifePhotography #MacroNature #NatureFocus #PhotographyGear #NatureBrilliance #NatureSeekers #NatureHealing #PhotographyLovers #WildlifeMacro #MacroWorld #NaturePerfection #DiscoverNature #NatureShot #NaturePhotographyDaily #MacroBug #NatureCaptures #NatureBeauty #CanonGear
Flowers of the Kampina – Part 3
Summer in the Kampina is a feast for the senses, and nowhere is this more evident than in its wildflowers.
I began with Sagittaria graminea (smalbladig pijlkruid), its delicate white petals catching the morning light, while a honeybee worked busily at the top of the frame. Nearby, the toxic yet beautiful Cicuta virosa (waterscheerling) stood tall, its blossoms framed by a shimmering bokeh from the water behind.
The humble Prunella vulgaris (gewone brunel or bijenkorfje) was next—a true bee magnet. I captured it with my Canon 5D Mark III and MP-E 65mm macro lens, a rare, specialized lens that magnifies from life-size to five times life-size without additional accessories. It’s a tool for those who want to dive into the smallest worlds nature hides.
At the northeast near Huisvennen, I wandered into a sea of blooming clover. My photo shows just one flower, but the meadow was alive with bees darting between blossoms.
The heath is also in bloom, painting the landscape in purples and pinks. In the early morning, unopened buds still held tiny dew droplets—each a perfect lens for the rising sun.
Finally, the Galeopsis tetrahit, here in a pale form with purple specks. While modest in appearance, it belongs to the vast orchid family—one of the oldest and most diverse plant families on Earth.
Next: Part 4 – Birds of the Kampina.
Hashtags:
#Wildflowers #Kampina #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65mm #SagittariaGraminea #CicutaVirosa #PrunellaVulgaris #CloverFlower #HeathInBloom #GaleopsisTetrahit #OrchidFamily #BeeFriendly #PollinatorLove #NatureCloseUp #DutchNature #Oisterwijk #WildNetherlands #MacroMagic #FloralPhotography #BotanyLovers #PlantScience #FlowerDetails #TinyWorld #FlowerMacro #InsectPollination #BeePhotography #NatureArt #BokehLovers #MorningDew #BloomSeason #SummerFlowers #WildFlora #NatureObservation #PhotographyForTheSoul #BotanicalBeauty #PlantDiversity #WildflowerSeason #HiddenNature
Summer in the Kampina is a feast for the senses, and nowhere is this more evident than in its wildflowers.
I began with Sagittaria graminea (smalbladig pijlkruid), its delicate white petals catching the morning light, while a honeybee worked busily at the top of the frame. Nearby, the toxic yet beautiful Cicuta virosa (waterscheerling) stood tall, its blossoms framed by a shimmering bokeh from the water behind.
The humble Prunella vulgaris (gewone brunel or bijenkorfje) was next—a true bee magnet. I captured it with my Canon 5D Mark III and MP-E 65mm macro lens, a rare, specialized lens that magnifies from life-size to five times life-size without additional accessories. It’s a tool for those who want to dive into the smallest worlds nature hides.
At the northeast near Huisvennen, I wandered into a sea of blooming clover. My photo shows just one flower, but the meadow was alive with bees darting between blossoms.
The heath is also in bloom, painting the landscape in purples and pinks. In the early morning, unopened buds still held tiny dew droplets—each a perfect lens for the rising sun.
Finally, the Galeopsis tetrahit, here in a pale form with purple specks. While modest in appearance, it belongs to the vast orchid family—one of the oldest and most diverse plant families on Earth.
Next: Part 4 – Birds of the Kampina.
Hashtags:
#Wildflowers #Kampina #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65mm #SagittariaGraminea #CicutaVirosa #PrunellaVulgaris #CloverFlower #HeathInBloom #GaleopsisTetrahit #OrchidFamily #BeeFriendly #PollinatorLove #NatureCloseUp #DutchNature #Oisterwijk #WildNetherlands #MacroMagic #FloralPhotography #BotanyLovers #PlantScience #FlowerDetails #TinyWorld #FlowerMacro #InsectPollination #BeePhotography #NatureArt #BokehLovers #MorningDew #BloomSeason #SummerFlowers #WildFlora #NatureObservation #PhotographyForTheSoul #BotanicalBeauty #PlantDiversity #WildflowerSeason #HiddenNature
The Wonderful World of Fungus – Part 2
After last week’s rains, the Kampina near Oisterwijk revealed a hidden kingdom—one that thrives quietly beneath our feet. This week, I set my lenses to macro mode and explored the intricate, often overlooked life of fungi and slime molds.
First, I found Rickenella fibula, a tiny moss-dwelling mushroom just a few millimeters tall, its orange caps glowing against the green carpet. Nearby, Mycena stylobates stood on delicate stems, their translucent caps perched above fallen leaves. Looking closely, I could see the long, thread-like hyphae weaving underneath—nature’s living network, breaking down leaf litter and recycling nutrients.
Then came the slime molds. One bright orange species looked like clusters of tiny eggs, each a potential transformation into a spore-bearing structure. Another, still a mystery to me, appeared as a single white, chalk-like sphere on moss—perhaps the fruiting body of another slime mold, or something else entirely. Nature loves to leave puzzles for us to solve.
After hours in this miniature world, I reached the heart of the Kampina and paused at a weathered workman’s hut before heading home. My Canon 5D Mark III with MP-E macro lens captured the fine details, while the Canon 7D Mark II with Sigma 100–400mm kept watch for the bigger picture.
Next up: Part 3—The blooming heath and wildflowers of the Kampina.
Hashtags:
#MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65mm #FungiPhotography #RickenellaFibula #MycenaStylobates #MossLovers #TinyMushrooms #FungusAmongUs #SlimeMold #Mycology #MushroomLovers #FungiMacro #ForestFloorFinds #NatureCloseUp #DutchNature #Kampina #Oisterwijk #WildNetherlands #MushroomSeason #MicroWorld #FungiFriday #InstaFungi #MycoBeauty #ForestMagic #MossAndFungi #TinyWorld #FungiOfTheNetherlands #MacroMagic #MushroomArt #SlimeMoldSpotting #MysteryMushroom #SporeLife #NatureDetails #HiddenNature #WildlifeMacro #NatureObservation #CloseUpNature
After last week’s rains, the Kampina near Oisterwijk revealed a hidden kingdom—one that thrives quietly beneath our feet. This week, I set my lenses to macro mode and explored the intricate, often overlooked life of fungi and slime molds.
First, I found Rickenella fibula, a tiny moss-dwelling mushroom just a few millimeters tall, its orange caps glowing against the green carpet. Nearby, Mycena stylobates stood on delicate stems, their translucent caps perched above fallen leaves. Looking closely, I could see the long, thread-like hyphae weaving underneath—nature’s living network, breaking down leaf litter and recycling nutrients.
Then came the slime molds. One bright orange species looked like clusters of tiny eggs, each a potential transformation into a spore-bearing structure. Another, still a mystery to me, appeared as a single white, chalk-like sphere on moss—perhaps the fruiting body of another slime mold, or something else entirely. Nature loves to leave puzzles for us to solve.
After hours in this miniature world, I reached the heart of the Kampina and paused at a weathered workman’s hut before heading home. My Canon 5D Mark III with MP-E macro lens captured the fine details, while the Canon 7D Mark II with Sigma 100–400mm kept watch for the bigger picture.
Next up: Part 3—The blooming heath and wildflowers of the Kampina.
Hashtags:
#MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65mm #FungiPhotography #RickenellaFibula #MycenaStylobates #MossLovers #TinyMushrooms #FungusAmongUs #SlimeMold #Mycology #MushroomLovers #FungiMacro #ForestFloorFinds #NatureCloseUp #DutchNature #Kampina #Oisterwijk #WildNetherlands #MushroomSeason #MicroWorld #FungiFriday #InstaFungi #MycoBeauty #ForestMagic #MossAndFungi #TinyWorld #FungiOfTheNetherlands #MacroMagic #MushroomArt #SlimeMoldSpotting #MysteryMushroom #SporeLife #NatureDetails #HiddenNature #WildlifeMacro #NatureObservation #CloseUpNature
Summer’s Small Wonders
It’s been an intense week job hunting—stressful, but necessary. When the tension builds, I return to my medicine: walking and photography. This time of year, midsummer, wildlife can be scarce. So I turned my attention to the smaller residents of the Kampina near Oisterwijk.
With my Canon 5D Mark III and MP-E macro lens, I captured a common honeybee at work. Then a Calopteryx splendens—known in Dutch as the weidebeekjuffer—its metallic blues shimmering in the sun. A gatekeeper butterfly (Pyronia tithonus) with weathered wings reminded me that beauty exists in imperfection. Another posed with wings closed, its patterned eyes giving the illusion of a cross-eyed stare—an optical quirk of insect anatomy.
A small emerald moth (Hemistola chrysoprasaria) rested among blooming heath (Calluna vulgaris), a gentle hint that summer’s edge is near. Nearby, four perfectly shaped green leaves formed the silhouette of a butterfly—nature’s accidental mimicry.
Switching to my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm, I explored further. After a week of rain, the forest floor has begun to transform—mushrooms emerging like quiet sculptures. These fruiting bodies of fungi are not just beautiful; they are vital recyclers, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting entire ecosystems.
Next up: a closer look at the “wonderful world of fungus.” Until then, I’ll keep walking, keep noticing, and keep sharing.
#MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65mm #WildlifeMacro #NatureCloseUp #InsectPhotography #BeePhotography #Damselfly #CalopteryxSplendens #Weidebeekjuffer #ButterflyPhotography #PyroniaTithonus #GatekeeperButterfly #SmallEmeraldMoth #HemistolaChrysoprasaria #HeathFlowers #CallunaVulgaris #LeafMimicry #NaturePatterns #SummerNature #Kampina #Oisterwijk #DutchNature #Biodiversity #InsectMacro #Pollinators #WildlifeOfTheNetherlands #InsectsOfInstagram #MothOrButterfly #NatureObservation #CloseUpNature #MacroMagic #SmallWorldBigBeauty
It’s been an intense week job hunting—stressful, but necessary. When the tension builds, I return to my medicine: walking and photography. This time of year, midsummer, wildlife can be scarce. So I turned my attention to the smaller residents of the Kampina near Oisterwijk.
With my Canon 5D Mark III and MP-E macro lens, I captured a common honeybee at work. Then a Calopteryx splendens—known in Dutch as the weidebeekjuffer—its metallic blues shimmering in the sun. A gatekeeper butterfly (Pyronia tithonus) with weathered wings reminded me that beauty exists in imperfection. Another posed with wings closed, its patterned eyes giving the illusion of a cross-eyed stare—an optical quirk of insect anatomy.
A small emerald moth (Hemistola chrysoprasaria) rested among blooming heath (Calluna vulgaris), a gentle hint that summer’s edge is near. Nearby, four perfectly shaped green leaves formed the silhouette of a butterfly—nature’s accidental mimicry.
Switching to my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm, I explored further. After a week of rain, the forest floor has begun to transform—mushrooms emerging like quiet sculptures. These fruiting bodies of fungi are not just beautiful; they are vital recyclers, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting entire ecosystems.
Next up: a closer look at the “wonderful world of fungus.” Until then, I’ll keep walking, keep noticing, and keep sharing.
#MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #Canon7DMarkII #Sigma100400 #MPE65mm #WildlifeMacro #NatureCloseUp #InsectPhotography #BeePhotography #Damselfly #CalopteryxSplendens #Weidebeekjuffer #ButterflyPhotography #PyroniaTithonus #GatekeeperButterfly #SmallEmeraldMoth #HemistolaChrysoprasaria #HeathFlowers #CallunaVulgaris #LeafMimicry #NaturePatterns #SummerNature #Kampina #Oisterwijk #DutchNature #Biodiversity #InsectMacro #Pollinators #WildlifeOfTheNetherlands #InsectsOfInstagram #MothOrButterfly #NatureObservation #CloseUpNature #MacroMagic #SmallWorldBigBeauty
📸 A Journey Through the Fog of Depression
Today started heavy. Depression does that—it numbs, isolates, and pulls like gravity. But I’ve learned through years of therapy, especially MBT (Mentalization-Based Treatment), that passivity feeds the darkness.
So I fought. Gently. I got up, told my loved ones how I felt, grabbed my camera, and walked. Not far—just through my neighborhood. But far enough.
I started with a black-and-white shot of crows over a church—still feeling the weight. Then, purple campanula—color pushing through the gray. At the museum gates, the structured lines mirrored the limits depression imposes. I saw old doors, one with a “poop scraper” from centuries past—a reminder that darkness was always part of history, and we’ve always found ways to clean it off. The next door, a symbol of resilience, built in the 1930s—a time of rebuilding.
Then came the Goldstrum, tall and open to the sun. I stood tall too. I felt the warmth. At Spoorpark, I watched people relax, ducks glide, a young coot close to me—a quiet connection. A boy gazed over the water in stillness. Just like me. Still. Strong. Present.
Photography helped me reconnect. If you’re struggling: talk to someone. Move. Create. It doesn’t fix everything—but it can make everything feel possible again.
📷Canon 7D Mark II with EF-S 15–85mm
#DepressionAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #MBT #PhotographyAsTherapy #Canon7DMarkII #EF15_85mm #NatureHeals #Spoorpark #Tilburg #HealingJourney #MentalHealthPhotography #GetOutside #YouAreNotAlone #SmallStepsBigChange #MindfulMoments #WalkingTherapy #UrbanNature #EmotionalHealth #ArtAndHealing #VisualDiary #FlowerTherapy #BlackAndWhiteMood #SelfCareSunday #StreetPhotography #PersonalGrowth #NaturePhotography #HealingThroughLens #ResilienceInBloom #SymbolismInPhotography #MoodInFrames #InnerStrength #ColorAndContrast #FightTheFog #CreativeRecovery #HopeInNature #DutchLight #TilburgMoments #DailyWalk #MindfulLiving #PhotographyForTheSoul #InspirationThroughArt
Today started heavy. Depression does that—it numbs, isolates, and pulls like gravity. But I’ve learned through years of therapy, especially MBT (Mentalization-Based Treatment), that passivity feeds the darkness.
So I fought. Gently. I got up, told my loved ones how I felt, grabbed my camera, and walked. Not far—just through my neighborhood. But far enough.
I started with a black-and-white shot of crows over a church—still feeling the weight. Then, purple campanula—color pushing through the gray. At the museum gates, the structured lines mirrored the limits depression imposes. I saw old doors, one with a “poop scraper” from centuries past—a reminder that darkness was always part of history, and we’ve always found ways to clean it off. The next door, a symbol of resilience, built in the 1930s—a time of rebuilding.
Then came the Goldstrum, tall and open to the sun. I stood tall too. I felt the warmth. At Spoorpark, I watched people relax, ducks glide, a young coot close to me—a quiet connection. A boy gazed over the water in stillness. Just like me. Still. Strong. Present.
Photography helped me reconnect. If you’re struggling: talk to someone. Move. Create. It doesn’t fix everything—but it can make everything feel possible again.
📷Canon 7D Mark II with EF-S 15–85mm
#DepressionAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #MBT #PhotographyAsTherapy #Canon7DMarkII #EF15_85mm #NatureHeals #Spoorpark #Tilburg #HealingJourney #MentalHealthPhotography #GetOutside #YouAreNotAlone #SmallStepsBigChange #MindfulMoments #WalkingTherapy #UrbanNature #EmotionalHealth #ArtAndHealing #VisualDiary #FlowerTherapy #BlackAndWhiteMood #SelfCareSunday #StreetPhotography #PersonalGrowth #NaturePhotography #HealingThroughLens #ResilienceInBloom #SymbolismInPhotography #MoodInFrames #InnerStrength #ColorAndContrast #FightTheFog #CreativeRecovery #HopeInNature #DutchLight #TilburgMoments #DailyWalk #MindfulLiving #PhotographyForTheSoul #InspirationThroughArt
Pride Walk – Roze Maandag, Tilburg Kermis (Part 4)
“Born This Way”
In a world where being yourself isn’t always safe, accepted, or even allowed, Pride Walks like this one matter more than ever. They offer visibility, solidarity, and celebration to those whose identities are often silenced.
I’m proud to live in a country where we embrace the beauty of diversity — where no matter your skin color, body type, religion, or heritage, your identity deserves respect and joy. Pride is not just for the LGBTQIA+ community; it is for everyone who believes in freedom of expression and equality. Even if you’re straight — you’re welcome to walk, support, learn, and celebrate. That’s how we build inclusive societies: together.
The portraits in this post — taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 100–400mm lens — capture just a few of the powerful, beautiful individuals who walked with pride, dignity, and color. The wide shots, from my Canon 7D Mark II and 15–85mm lens, show just how many hearts and banners filled the streets. And yes, the city was awash in pink — and it was perfect.
Because no one should ever have to hide who they are.
#bornthisway #pridewalk2025 #rozemaandag #tilburgsekermis #inclusionmatters #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon7dmarkii #diversityisbeautiful #prideforeveryone #lgbtqia #identitymatters #freedomtobe #equalityforall #celebratediversity #photodocumentary #queervisibility #supportallidentities #communitysupport #dutchpride #intersectionalpride #standwithpride #tilburgcity #loveisfree #humanrightsforall #fromtheheart #belongingmatters #inclusivesociety #prideandpeace #allarewelcome #togetherwecelebrate
“Born This Way”
In a world where being yourself isn’t always safe, accepted, or even allowed, Pride Walks like this one matter more than ever. They offer visibility, solidarity, and celebration to those whose identities are often silenced.
I’m proud to live in a country where we embrace the beauty of diversity — where no matter your skin color, body type, religion, or heritage, your identity deserves respect and joy. Pride is not just for the LGBTQIA+ community; it is for everyone who believes in freedom of expression and equality. Even if you’re straight — you’re welcome to walk, support, learn, and celebrate. That’s how we build inclusive societies: together.
The portraits in this post — taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 100–400mm lens — capture just a few of the powerful, beautiful individuals who walked with pride, dignity, and color. The wide shots, from my Canon 7D Mark II and 15–85mm lens, show just how many hearts and banners filled the streets. And yes, the city was awash in pink — and it was perfect.
Because no one should ever have to hide who they are.
#bornthisway #pridewalk2025 #rozemaandag #tilburgsekermis #inclusionmatters #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon7dmarkii #diversityisbeautiful #prideforeveryone #lgbtqia #identitymatters #freedomtobe #equalityforall #celebratediversity #photodocumentary #queervisibility #supportallidentities #communitysupport #dutchpride #intersectionalpride #standwithpride #tilburgcity #loveisfree #humanrightsforall #fromtheheart #belongingmatters #inclusivesociety #prideandpeace #allarewelcome #togetherwecelebrate
Pride Walk – Roze Maandag, Tilburg Kermis (Part 2)
Young and Old, With Smiles and Pride
Part 2 of my Roze Maandag series brings you into the heart of the Pride Walk — a moving celebration of love, visibility, and community that began at Tilburg Central Station.
Though the official start was at 14:00, the first participants arrived hours earlier, ready to make their presence known. As the parade began to move through the city, so did I — sprinting ahead again and again to capture fresh angles (seven times in total, with 12.5 kg on my back and two cameras strapped to my front… safe to say, I felt it in my legs later).
In this set, you’ll find a wide-angle shot showing the sheer scale of the event — a long, beautiful river of rainbow flags and waving hands. One photo captures three generations of women — young, middle-aged, and elderly — each radiating pride in her own way. Along the route, bystanders paused, smiled, clapped, or stood in amazed silence. Even those not walking became part of the moment.
Pride is not just for the young or for one group — it's for everyone who believes in dignity, visibility, and love without conditions. That message walked right through the streets of Tilburg yesterday.
#rozemaandag #pridewalktilburg #tilburgsekermis #lhbtq #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon7dmarkii #prideevent #dutchpride #streetphotography #inclusivesociety #generationsunited #walkwithpride #queercommunity #loveislove #documentingpride #urbanphotography #tilburglife #photodocumentary #paradephotography #queerjoy #multigenerationalpride #supportequalsvisibility #runningphotographer #rainbowflags #pridecapture #natuurindestad #queerhistory #safeandseen #humanrightsforall
Young and Old, With Smiles and Pride
Part 2 of my Roze Maandag series brings you into the heart of the Pride Walk — a moving celebration of love, visibility, and community that began at Tilburg Central Station.
Though the official start was at 14:00, the first participants arrived hours earlier, ready to make their presence known. As the parade began to move through the city, so did I — sprinting ahead again and again to capture fresh angles (seven times in total, with 12.5 kg on my back and two cameras strapped to my front… safe to say, I felt it in my legs later).
In this set, you’ll find a wide-angle shot showing the sheer scale of the event — a long, beautiful river of rainbow flags and waving hands. One photo captures three generations of women — young, middle-aged, and elderly — each radiating pride in her own way. Along the route, bystanders paused, smiled, clapped, or stood in amazed silence. Even those not walking became part of the moment.
Pride is not just for the young or for one group — it's for everyone who believes in dignity, visibility, and love without conditions. That message walked right through the streets of Tilburg yesterday.
#rozemaandag #pridewalktilburg #tilburgsekermis #lhbtq #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon7dmarkii #prideevent #dutchpride #streetphotography #inclusivesociety #generationsunited #walkwithpride #queercommunity #loveislove #documentingpride #urbanphotography #tilburglife #photodocumentary #paradephotography #queerjoy #multigenerationalpride #supportequalsvisibility #runningphotographer #rainbowflags #pridecapture #natuurindestad #queerhistory #safeandseen #humanrightsforall
A Quiet Reward – A Long Walk and a Long-Tailed Friend
Yesterday was a remarkable day out in the field — 15 kilometers through the forests and heathlands, 12 kilos on my back, chasing light, sound, and stillness. The birdlife was active but elusive. A falcon flew over me twice in the pre-dawn dimness, barely two meters above — breathtaking, but far too fast for a photo.
I spotted geese, some fluttering tits leaping through treetops, and then… almost home. Just before reaching my Ioniq 5, tired and happy, I was gifted one last moment: a long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus, or staartmees in Dutch), feasting on berries just meters away.
I shifted into stealth mode, barely breathing, and quietly captured the scene with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens. This small bird, with its oversized tail and round body, is a social species, often seen in flocks — but today, I had a private audience.
To close the walk, a pararge aegeria (bont zandoogje) fluttered by, resting in a sunny patch. A bonus. A bow at the end of the forest’s performance.
#staartmees #aegithaloscaudatus #longtailedtit #birdencounter #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #bontzandoogje #parargeaegeria #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturewalk #dutchwildlife #natuurfotografie #forestlife #vogelsinbeeld #urbanwildlife #tilburgnatuur #earlymorningwalk #natuurmoment #birdwatchinglife #macroandmore #brabantnature #hiddenbeauty #heathlandbirds #nederlandsenatuur #closeencounters #stealthphotography #wildlifelovers #ontheroadback #naturemagic
Yesterday was a remarkable day out in the field — 15 kilometers through the forests and heathlands, 12 kilos on my back, chasing light, sound, and stillness. The birdlife was active but elusive. A falcon flew over me twice in the pre-dawn dimness, barely two meters above — breathtaking, but far too fast for a photo.
I spotted geese, some fluttering tits leaping through treetops, and then… almost home. Just before reaching my Ioniq 5, tired and happy, I was gifted one last moment: a long-tailed tit (Aegithalos caudatus, or staartmees in Dutch), feasting on berries just meters away.
I shifted into stealth mode, barely breathing, and quietly captured the scene with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens. This small bird, with its oversized tail and round body, is a social species, often seen in flocks — but today, I had a private audience.
To close the walk, a pararge aegeria (bont zandoogje) fluttered by, resting in a sunny patch. A bonus. A bow at the end of the forest’s performance.
#staartmees #aegithaloscaudatus #longtailedtit #birdencounter #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #bontzandoogje #parargeaegeria #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #naturewalk #dutchwildlife #natuurfotografie #forestlife #vogelsinbeeld #urbanwildlife #tilburgnatuur #earlymorningwalk #natuurmoment #birdwatchinglife #macroandmore #brabantnature #hiddenbeauty #heathlandbirds #nederlandsenatuur #closeencounters #stealthphotography #wildlifelovers #ontheroadback #naturemagic
Morning Jewels – Dew, Webs & Wildflowers at Regte Heide
Yesterday’s early walk on the Regte Heide wasn’t just about the sweeping landscape — it was also about the quiet, intricate wonders revealed on my way back. With the sun slowly rising behind me, the morning dew settled like a gentle veil over everything — from spider webs to flower buds, grasses, and seed heads.
Armed with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens, I focused in. The Calluna vulgaris (common heather) had just begun to bloom — visible in the first and fifth photos. In the second, a European garden spider (Araneus diadematus) sits patiently in its dew-covered web, each droplet catching light like tiny crystals.
Photo three reveals seeding grass, delicate and fragile. The fourth features a dew-dusted thistle. Then come two species I identified later with Google Lens: Chamaenerion angustifolium (wilgenroosje) in the sixth shot and Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’ (boskamperfoelie) in the seventh.
And finally — a glance outward again. My Canon 7D Mark II with the Sigma 100–400mm lens captured the distant skyline of my hometown, Tilburg, as seen from the edge of the heather fields.
In every drop and bloom, nature whispers its detail. We just need to slow down and look.
#regteheide #morningdew #macrophoto #canon5dmarkiii #canonmpe65 #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #heidebloei #araneusdiadematus #dewcovered #wildflowers #natuurmoment #tilburgview #earlymorningwalk #boskamperfoelie #wilgenroosje #nederlandsenatuur #landschapsfotografie #macrodetails #floweringheath #dewphotography #natuurfotografie #herbaceousplants #dutchlandscape #macroexploration #urbanhorizon #quietnature #biodiversity #wildplantsoftheday #hiddenbeauty
Yesterday’s early walk on the Regte Heide wasn’t just about the sweeping landscape — it was also about the quiet, intricate wonders revealed on my way back. With the sun slowly rising behind me, the morning dew settled like a gentle veil over everything — from spider webs to flower buds, grasses, and seed heads.
Armed with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens, I focused in. The Calluna vulgaris (common heather) had just begun to bloom — visible in the first and fifth photos. In the second, a European garden spider (Araneus diadematus) sits patiently in its dew-covered web, each droplet catching light like tiny crystals.
Photo three reveals seeding grass, delicate and fragile. The fourth features a dew-dusted thistle. Then come two species I identified later with Google Lens: Chamaenerion angustifolium (wilgenroosje) in the sixth shot and Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’ (boskamperfoelie) in the seventh.
And finally — a glance outward again. My Canon 7D Mark II with the Sigma 100–400mm lens captured the distant skyline of my hometown, Tilburg, as seen from the edge of the heather fields.
In every drop and bloom, nature whispers its detail. We just need to slow down and look.
#regteheide #morningdew #macrophoto #canon5dmarkiii #canonmpe65 #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #heidebloei #araneusdiadematus #dewcovered #wildflowers #natuurmoment #tilburgview #earlymorningwalk #boskamperfoelie #wilgenroosje #nederlandsenatuur #landschapsfotografie #macrodetails #floweringheath #dewphotography #natuurfotografie #herbaceousplants #dutchlandscape #macroexploration #urbanhorizon #quietnature #biodiversity #wildplantsoftheday #hiddenbeauty
Rise and Shine at the Grafheuvels – Regte Heide, Goirle
This morning began early — 04:00, to be precise. After a rough night’s sleep and a reluctant push out of bed, I followed my usual routine and drove my Ioniq 5 to the Regte Heide near Goirle. From the parking lot, it was a 5 km walk to my goal: witnessing sunrise over the grafheuvels (burial mounds) that dot this historic heathland.
Despite the early hour and heavy eyelids, I didn’t regret a single step.
As the sun began to rise, soft golden light broke through the mist. It illuminated the ancient burial mounds in a way that felt both timeless and fleeting — like stepping into a quiet conversation between past and present. The Regte Heide is a protected Natura 2000 site, home to heathland biodiversity and archaeological significance. These burial mounds date back to the Bronze Age, reminding us that long before our cameras and electric cars, people walked these same paths with different stories.
Most photos were taken with my Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 15–85mm lens — wide enough to catch both the land’s ancient contours and the sky’s delicate drama.
Mornings like this don’t just reward the lens. They nourish the soul.
#regteheide #grafheuvels #sunrisewalk #earlymorninglight #canon7dmarkii #canon1585mm #brabantnatuur #landschapsfotografie #heidegebied #natuurmoment #bronstijd #burialmounds #nederlandsenatuur #mistymorning #sunrisephotography #slowtravel #walkinginnature #heritagelandscape #heidewandeling #ancientlandscape #naturephotography #quietbeauty #goirle #morninghike #solitudewalk #heathlandmagic #natura2000 #dutchlandscape #timelessscenery #photographersjourney
This morning began early — 04:00, to be precise. After a rough night’s sleep and a reluctant push out of bed, I followed my usual routine and drove my Ioniq 5 to the Regte Heide near Goirle. From the parking lot, it was a 5 km walk to my goal: witnessing sunrise over the grafheuvels (burial mounds) that dot this historic heathland.
Despite the early hour and heavy eyelids, I didn’t regret a single step.
As the sun began to rise, soft golden light broke through the mist. It illuminated the ancient burial mounds in a way that felt both timeless and fleeting — like stepping into a quiet conversation between past and present. The Regte Heide is a protected Natura 2000 site, home to heathland biodiversity and archaeological significance. These burial mounds date back to the Bronze Age, reminding us that long before our cameras and electric cars, people walked these same paths with different stories.
Most photos were taken with my Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 15–85mm lens — wide enough to catch both the land’s ancient contours and the sky’s delicate drama.
Mornings like this don’t just reward the lens. They nourish the soul.
#regteheide #grafheuvels #sunrisewalk #earlymorninglight #canon7dmarkii #canon1585mm #brabantnatuur #landschapsfotografie #heidegebied #natuurmoment #bronstijd #burialmounds #nederlandsenatuur #mistymorning #sunrisephotography #slowtravel #walkinginnature #heritagelandscape #heidewandeling #ancientlandscape #naturephotography #quietbeauty #goirle #morninghike #solitudewalk #heathlandmagic #natura2000 #dutchlandscape #timelessscenery #photographersjourney
Morning Mischief – Encounter with the Eurasian Jay
Yesterday, during an early walk through our local forest in Tilburg, I was surprised by two Garrulus glandarius — Eurasian jays, or Vlaamse gaaien in Dutch. Perched between shadows and streaks of morning light, they were hopping, chasing, and seemingly playing among the branches.
Photographing them with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens proved to be a delicate dance with the low light and their quick movements — but the experience itself was more valuable than any perfect shot.
Eurasian jays belong to the corvid family, known for their intelligence and complex behavior. They’re not just beautiful with their electric-blue wing feathers — they’re problem-solvers, mimics, and even cache acorns for future meals, playing a vital role in forest regeneration.
It reminded me how even a local patch of woodland can offer something extraordinary — a moment of wild behavior, rarely seen up close. You don’t have to travel far for wonder. Sometimes it finds you.
#eurasianjay #vlaamsegaai #garrulusglandarius #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #birdphotography #forestlife #wildlifephotography #earlymorningwalk #dutchforest #nederlandsenatuur #tilburgnatuur #birdbehavior #urbanwildlife #natuurfotografie #birdsofeurope #birdencounter #forestbirds #wildbirds #playingbirds #beautifulbirds #wingsintrees #boswandeling #unexpectednature #birdlovers
Yesterday, during an early walk through our local forest in Tilburg, I was surprised by two Garrulus glandarius — Eurasian jays, or Vlaamse gaaien in Dutch. Perched between shadows and streaks of morning light, they were hopping, chasing, and seemingly playing among the branches.
Photographing them with my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens proved to be a delicate dance with the low light and their quick movements — but the experience itself was more valuable than any perfect shot.
Eurasian jays belong to the corvid family, known for their intelligence and complex behavior. They’re not just beautiful with their electric-blue wing feathers — they’re problem-solvers, mimics, and even cache acorns for future meals, playing a vital role in forest regeneration.
It reminded me how even a local patch of woodland can offer something extraordinary — a moment of wild behavior, rarely seen up close. You don’t have to travel far for wonder. Sometimes it finds you.
#eurasianjay #vlaamsegaai #garrulusglandarius #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #birdphotography #forestlife #wildlifephotography #earlymorningwalk #dutchforest #nederlandsenatuur #tilburgnatuur #birdbehavior #urbanwildlife #natuurfotografie #birdsofeurope #birdencounter #forestbirds #wildbirds #playingbirds #beautifulbirds #wingsintrees #boswandeling #unexpectednature #birdlovers
Kasteel de Haar – Grandeur and Greenery
Yesterday, my wife and I visited Kasteel de Haar in Utrecht — one of the most famous castles in the Netherlands. Honestly, I expected a polished tourist hotspot… but what I found was something truly special.
This place is jaw-dropping. From the detailed brickwork and turrets to the landscaped gardens and old trees, every corner seemed to carry a story. It’s not just the castle’s architecture — a mix of medieval inspiration and 19th-century opulence — but also the way it sits in its environment: surrounded by green, reflecting in calm waters, quietly blending power and beauty.
Despite the many visitors, I challenged myself to capture a more timeless perspective, using my Canon 7D Mark II with the 15–85mm lens and the 5D Mark III with the Sigma 100–400mm. By framing carefully, I could (mostly) keep the modern world out of the frame and focus on the castle’s presence.
Sometimes, popular places earn their fame. This one definitely did.
#kasteeldehaar #utrecht #canon7dmarkii #canon5dmarkiii #canon1585mm #sigma100400 #dutchcastles #architecturephotography #nederlandsefotografie #travelphotography #hiddenbeauty #castleandgarden #kasteleninnederland #historicalarchitecture #landschapsfotografie #kasteelwandeling #visitnetherlands #romantischnederland #cultuurhistorie #middeleeuws #timelessplaces #heritagesite #slowtravel #wandeleninnatuur #exploringtogether
Yesterday, my wife and I visited Kasteel de Haar in Utrecht — one of the most famous castles in the Netherlands. Honestly, I expected a polished tourist hotspot… but what I found was something truly special.
This place is jaw-dropping. From the detailed brickwork and turrets to the landscaped gardens and old trees, every corner seemed to carry a story. It’s not just the castle’s architecture — a mix of medieval inspiration and 19th-century opulence — but also the way it sits in its environment: surrounded by green, reflecting in calm waters, quietly blending power and beauty.
Despite the many visitors, I challenged myself to capture a more timeless perspective, using my Canon 7D Mark II with the 15–85mm lens and the 5D Mark III with the Sigma 100–400mm. By framing carefully, I could (mostly) keep the modern world out of the frame and focus on the castle’s presence.
Sometimes, popular places earn their fame. This one definitely did.
#kasteeldehaar #utrecht #canon7dmarkii #canon5dmarkiii #canon1585mm #sigma100400 #dutchcastles #architecturephotography #nederlandsefotografie #travelphotography #hiddenbeauty #castleandgarden #kasteleninnederland #historicalarchitecture #landschapsfotografie #kasteelwandeling #visitnetherlands #romantischnederland #cultuurhistorie #middeleeuws #timelessplaces #heritagesite #slowtravel #wandeleninnatuur #exploringtogether
Gorinchem – A Walk Through Time
Yesterday, I explored the fortified city of Gorinchem with a good friend — a return to a region I recently visited near Slot Loevestein. This time, we wandered through the historic city center, where traces of the past still stand proudly: ancient windows, brickwork shaped by time, and windmills that defy the modern skyline.
Despite the scars of World War II, Gorinchem has preserved many of its old buildings — a living archive of Dutch resilience and craftsmanship. I brought both my Canon 7D Mark II with the 15–85mm lens and my 5D Mark III with the Sigma 100–400mm lens to capture these quiet witnesses of history.
This small compilation begins with a humble window — aged wood, weathered glass — a detail that reminded me how beauty often lies in the overlooked. In a world that moves fast, cities like Gorinchem offer a chance to slow down and really see.
#gorinchem #vestingstad #canon7dmarkii #canon5dmarkiii #canon1585mm #sigma100400 #dutcharchitecture #oudegebouwen #windmolens #nederlandsegeschiedenis #walkthroughtime #urbanheritage #citydetails #brickandstone #timelesstravel #documentingdutch #streetphotography #travelphotography #fortifiedcity #oudebinnenstad #slotloevestein #historylovers #architecturelovers #historicalperspective #slowtravel
Yesterday, I explored the fortified city of Gorinchem with a good friend — a return to a region I recently visited near Slot Loevestein. This time, we wandered through the historic city center, where traces of the past still stand proudly: ancient windows, brickwork shaped by time, and windmills that defy the modern skyline.
Despite the scars of World War II, Gorinchem has preserved many of its old buildings — a living archive of Dutch resilience and craftsmanship. I brought both my Canon 7D Mark II with the 15–85mm lens and my 5D Mark III with the Sigma 100–400mm lens to capture these quiet witnesses of history.
This small compilation begins with a humble window — aged wood, weathered glass — a detail that reminded me how beauty often lies in the overlooked. In a world that moves fast, cities like Gorinchem offer a chance to slow down and really see.
#gorinchem #vestingstad #canon7dmarkii #canon5dmarkiii #canon1585mm #sigma100400 #dutcharchitecture #oudegebouwen #windmolens #nederlandsegeschiedenis #walkthroughtime #urbanheritage #citydetails #brickandstone #timelesstravel #documentingdutch #streetphotography #travelphotography #fortifiedcity #oudebinnenstad #slotloevestein #historylovers #architecturelovers #historicalperspective #slowtravel
Life in a Garden – The Beauty of Staying Close
Sometimes, you don’t have to go far to witness wild beauty. In my own backyard — no tiles, just native plants — I recently photographed three amazing visitors:
• Ochlodes sylvanus, the Large Skipper butterfly (Groot dikkopje, taken with my Canon 7D Mark II + Sigma 100–400mm)
• Mus musculus, the house mouse (Kleurmuis, 7D Mark II + Canon 15–85mm)
• Anomala dubia, a metallic green beetle species (Canon 5D Mark III + MP-E 65mm macro lens)
Each one is a sign that a small, pesticide-free garden can support real biodiversity — from pollinators to small mammals. These species play essential roles: the butterfly as a pollinator, the mouse as part of the food chain, and the beetle as a natural recycler of plant material.
A sustainable garden isn’t just for beauty; it’s a refuge. It reminds me that conservation doesn’t always require travel — sometimes, it starts just outside your door.
#sustainablegarden #biodiversityathome #canon7dmarkii #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon1585mm #canonmpe65 #macrophotography #wildlifegarden #localplants #grootdikkopje #musmusculus #anomaladubia #urbanwildlife #dutchbiodiversity #naturephotography #wildlifelovers #insectlovers #natuurinjetuin #tuinleven #backyardwildlife #ecologicalgardening #nativeplantsmatter #nopoison #lifeinthegarden
Sometimes, you don’t have to go far to witness wild beauty. In my own backyard — no tiles, just native plants — I recently photographed three amazing visitors:
• Ochlodes sylvanus, the Large Skipper butterfly (Groot dikkopje, taken with my Canon 7D Mark II + Sigma 100–400mm)
• Mus musculus, the house mouse (Kleurmuis, 7D Mark II + Canon 15–85mm)
• Anomala dubia, a metallic green beetle species (Canon 5D Mark III + MP-E 65mm macro lens)
Each one is a sign that a small, pesticide-free garden can support real biodiversity — from pollinators to small mammals. These species play essential roles: the butterfly as a pollinator, the mouse as part of the food chain, and the beetle as a natural recycler of plant material.
A sustainable garden isn’t just for beauty; it’s a refuge. It reminds me that conservation doesn’t always require travel — sometimes, it starts just outside your door.
#sustainablegarden #biodiversityathome #canon7dmarkii #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #canon1585mm #canonmpe65 #macrophotography #wildlifegarden #localplants #grootdikkopje #musmusculus #anomaladubia #urbanwildlife #dutchbiodiversity #naturephotography #wildlifelovers #insectlovers #natuurinjetuin #tuinleven #backyardwildlife #ecologicalgardening #nativeplantsmatter #nopoison #lifeinthegarden
A Field Day for the Bees – Cornflower & Thistle in Bloom
A few days ago, while hiking with my wife, we stumbled upon a sea of cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) and thistles in full bloom — a buzzing paradise for bees. I grabbed my Canon 7D Mark II with the Sigma 100–400mm lens and captured three moments from this joyful dance of wings and petals.
Cornflowers and thistles are more than just wild beauty. They are nectar-rich species that play a crucial role in supporting pollinators like honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees. In an age where pollinator populations are under pressure due to habitat loss and pesticide use, seeing this thriving patch felt like a hopeful sign — a reminder of how small pieces of land can become sanctuaries.
The buzzing was almost musical, a chorus of life continuing its quiet work. It’s easy to overlook how vital these tiny creatures are. Without pollinators, most flowering plants — including many of our food crops — would struggle to reproduce.
Small flowers. Small insects. Huge impact.
#cornflower #thistle #wildflowers #pollinators #beesofinstagram #biodiversity #nederlandsenatuur #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #wildlifelovers #insectphotography #pollination #ecologicalbalance #natuurfotografie #summerblooms #naturemoments #meadowmagic #fieldofbees #savethebees #rewilding #beeconservation #flowersandbees #dutchlandscape #naturewalk #naturalharmony
A few days ago, while hiking with my wife, we stumbled upon a sea of cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) and thistles in full bloom — a buzzing paradise for bees. I grabbed my Canon 7D Mark II with the Sigma 100–400mm lens and captured three moments from this joyful dance of wings and petals.
Cornflowers and thistles are more than just wild beauty. They are nectar-rich species that play a crucial role in supporting pollinators like honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees. In an age where pollinator populations are under pressure due to habitat loss and pesticide use, seeing this thriving patch felt like a hopeful sign — a reminder of how small pieces of land can become sanctuaries.
The buzzing was almost musical, a chorus of life continuing its quiet work. It’s easy to overlook how vital these tiny creatures are. Without pollinators, most flowering plants — including many of our food crops — would struggle to reproduce.
Small flowers. Small insects. Huge impact.
#cornflower #thistle #wildflowers #pollinators #beesofinstagram #biodiversity #nederlandsenatuur #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #wildlifelovers #insectphotography #pollination #ecologicalbalance #natuurfotografie #summerblooms #naturemoments #meadowmagic #fieldofbees #savethebees #rewilding #beeconservation #flowersandbees #dutchlandscape #naturewalk #naturalharmony
Geometry of Power – Beneath the High Voltage Lines
On the same walk where I spotted a rare beaver, I also found myself beneath something entirely different: a high voltage mast. With my Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 15–85mm lens, I explored a more industrial kind of wilderness — capturing the sharp lines, symmetry, and tension of these steel giants.
High voltage pylons carry immense electrical energy across long distances, transforming landscapes both physically and symbolically. They are the arteries of our modern world, often unnoticed until we look straight up — where triangles, steel beams, and insulators form geometric patterns against the sky.
While I was careful (never approach these in stormy or foggy conditions), I felt a strange stillness beneath them. Nature and technology collided here — the buzzing of distant wires mingled with birdsong and wind through reeds. Moments like these remind me how interconnected our world is: organic and engineered, chaotic and precise.
#highvoltagemast #canon7dmarkii #canon1585mm #engineeringandnature #infrastructureart #industriallandscape #geometricphotography #powerlines #electricalgrid #energytransition #urbanexploration #pylonphotography #linesandshapes #steelstructures #modernlandscape #invisibleinfrastructure #tilburgnoord #photowalk #artinnature #techmeetsnature #contrastincomposition #seeingdifferently #nederlandselandschappen #architectureinnature #structurestudy
On the same walk where I spotted a rare beaver, I also found myself beneath something entirely different: a high voltage mast. With my Canon 7D Mark II and Canon 15–85mm lens, I explored a more industrial kind of wilderness — capturing the sharp lines, symmetry, and tension of these steel giants.
High voltage pylons carry immense electrical energy across long distances, transforming landscapes both physically and symbolically. They are the arteries of our modern world, often unnoticed until we look straight up — where triangles, steel beams, and insulators form geometric patterns against the sky.
While I was careful (never approach these in stormy or foggy conditions), I felt a strange stillness beneath them. Nature and technology collided here — the buzzing of distant wires mingled with birdsong and wind through reeds. Moments like these remind me how interconnected our world is: organic and engineered, chaotic and precise.
#highvoltagemast #canon7dmarkii #canon1585mm #engineeringandnature #infrastructureart #industriallandscape #geometricphotography #powerlines #electricalgrid #energytransition #urbanexploration #pylonphotography #linesandshapes #steelstructures #modernlandscape #invisibleinfrastructure #tilburgnoord #photowalk #artinnature #techmeetsnature #contrastincomposition #seeingdifferently #nederlandselandschappen #architectureinnature #structurestudy
Castor fiber – The Quiet Engineer
Sometimes, nature rewards patience with a surprise. While walking through the serene Gedbootre Bos in Tilburg-Noord with my wife, hoping to spot the elusive kingfisher, we stumbled upon something even rarer: a beaver (Castor fiber).
Once extinct in the Netherlands, the beaver is slowly making a comeback thanks to conservation efforts. This gentle giant plays a vital role in shaping wetlands — building dams, creating habitats, and improving biodiversity. Its presence is a strong signal that nature is healing, even in urban edges like Tilburg.
I photographed this individual from the side of a large ditch using my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens. Though the image may not be award-winning, the encounter certainly was. Moments like these remind me that it’s not always about the perfect shot — sometimes, it’s about witnessing something wild, alive, and rare.
#castorfiber #bever #beaver #urbanwildlife #naturephotography #wildlifemoments #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #tilburgnoord #gedbootrebos #natuurpunt #rewilding #wetlandrestoration #nederlandsenatuur #dutchwildlife #rareencounter #beaverwatching #conservationstories #animalencounter #natuurbeleving #biodiversitywins
Sometimes, nature rewards patience with a surprise. While walking through the serene Gedbootre Bos in Tilburg-Noord with my wife, hoping to spot the elusive kingfisher, we stumbled upon something even rarer: a beaver (Castor fiber).
Once extinct in the Netherlands, the beaver is slowly making a comeback thanks to conservation efforts. This gentle giant plays a vital role in shaping wetlands — building dams, creating habitats, and improving biodiversity. Its presence is a strong signal that nature is healing, even in urban edges like Tilburg.
I photographed this individual from the side of a large ditch using my Canon 7D Mark II and Sigma 100–400mm lens. Though the image may not be award-winning, the encounter certainly was. Moments like these remind me that it’s not always about the perfect shot — sometimes, it’s about witnessing something wild, alive, and rare.
#castorfiber #bever #beaver #urbanwildlife #naturephotography #wildlifemoments #canon7dmarkii #sigma100400 #tilburgnoord #gedbootrebos #natuurpunt #rewilding #wetlandrestoration #nederlandsenatuur #dutchwildlife #rareencounter #beaverwatching #conservationstories #animalencounter #natuurbeleving #biodiversitywins
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