Zeeland locations
Chasing Light in Zeeland: A Weekend of Sunrises and Sunsets
This past weekend, I had the chance to explore the stunning province of Zeeland in the Netherlands—a region where land, water, and sky meet in ever-changing compositions. With my camera in hand and no fixed plan beyond chasing golden hours, I explored a handful of locations to capture both sunrises and sunsets. Some moments were perfect, others not quite what I hoped for—but that’s the charm of landscape photography. Here’s a look at the highlights.
Veerse Meer, South of Schotsman – Sunset
My personal favorite from the trip. As the sun began to dip behind the horizon, the waters of Veerse Meer turned into a canvas of pastel colors—soft oranges, purples, and blues. The water added a serene touch to every shot. I found a perfect vantage point just south of Schotsman, away from the crowds, which made the experience even more special. It’s one of those evenings where everything just came together.
Zoutelande – Sunset
Zoutelande is well-known for its wide beach and distinctive rows of wooden wave breakers stretching into the sea. I arrived just in time to catch the sun setting behind them. The texture of the sand, the repetitive patterns of the breakers, and the golden glow of the low sun created a classic yet compelling coastal scene. This location offered so many compositional opportunities—it’s one I’ll definitely return to with different tides and light conditions.
Marina Wissenkerke – Sunset After Rain
This one was unexpected. After a long day of rain, I wasn’t expecting much. But just as the clouds began to break, I walked down to the small marina at the holiday park where I was staying. The light was soft and moody, with mist still hanging in the air. The boats, the still water, and the subtle reflections all combined into a beautifully atmospheric scene. Sometimes, it’s not about chasing perfect light—it’s about being present when it finally appears.
Zeelandbrug – Sunrise
I had high hopes for this one, and it taught me an important lesson in patience. On day one, the sky was clear—too clear, with no clouds to catch the early colors. On day two, thick clouds blanketed the sky, blocking any hint of sunrise. Still, there’s something powerful about this iconic bridge, even when the light doesn’t cooperate. I came home without a keeper from this location, but with a deeper appreciation for the effort it takes to truly capture it well.
Veerse Meer at Vrouwenpolder – Windy Sunrise
The final morning of my trip brought strong winds and a dense layer of clouds. Not ideal, but I headed to the water’s edge near Vrouwenpolder anyway. There, I found a small wooden pier reaching into the lake—a perfect subject for long exposure photography. With my ND filters and tripod, I managed to turn the choppy water into a smooth, misty surface, creating a moody and almost minimalist set of images. Sometimes, the story of a photo lies in how it was made, not just in the scene itself.
Final Thoughts
Zeeland delivered in its own, unpredictable way. From golden skies to overcast mornings, each location had its own mood and character. Not every shot was a portfolio piece, but every outing taught me something—about the light, the weather, and the joy of slowing down to observe. If you’re a photographer looking for diverse coastal landscapes, Zeeland deserves a spot on your list.
Other interesting locations in Zeeland are Domburg, Burgh-Haamstede and Scharendijke!