Photography in a Nutshell
Sometimes photography is romanticized — as if every step outside delivers a masterpiece. But the truth is gentler and more humbling. Out of a hundred frames, maybe one or two feel “good.” And the truly great ones? They appear like rare gifts, one in a thousand.
You plan your walks, chase forecasts, and watch the light… only to find that nature doesn’t follow your schedule. The storm breaks too far away. The colors fade just before you arrive. But once in a while, the sky ignites — red, orange, and gold tearing through the dark clouds — and for a few seconds, you remember why you keep coming back.
Stay too long in one place, and you’ll miss a hundred unseen wonders. Chase too many horizons, and you might overlook the beauty right before your lens. Photography is that balance — between patience and pursuit, light and shadow, control and surrender.
In the end, anyone can take a picture. But those who see — who feel, wait, and listen to the world — capture something more.
(Taken with the Canon 5DsR and Sigma ART 24–70mm lens at Westkapelle.)
#PhotographyJourney #NaturePhotography #LandscapeLovers #PhotographyLife #Westkapelle #SunriseMagic #StormySky #DutchCoast #CanonPhotography #SigmaArtLens #FineArtPhotography #PhotoOfTheDay #ChasingLight #GoldenHourMagic #VisualStorytelling #NatureInspires #MoodyLandscapes #LightAndShadow #EmotivePhotography #PhotographyInANutshell #CoastalScenes #PhotographyIsLife #SeascapePhotography #NaturalDrama #CreativeMindset #BehindTheLens #RealPhotography #PhotographyReality #PhotographyTruth #DutchNature #ArtOfSeeing #MasteringLight #Canon5DsR #Sigma2470Art #WestkapelleMoments #MoodyMorning #PhotographyWisdom #PhotographyTips #ByMaikelPhotography #MaikeldeBakkerPhotography #ByMaikeldeBakker
#DutchCoast
Bye bye, Westkapelle It’s been an unforgettable trip — four seasons in just one week! From storms to sunshine, every moment brought new opportunities to capture the beauty of this place. Now that I’m home, still recovering from the long journey and endless laundry, I’m slowly making my way through all the photos. There are so many still waiting to be shared.
For now, I’ll keep it short and let the images do most of the talking. Here are two shots of Westkapelle’s iconic lighthouses, taken with my Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm, and one captured with my Canon 5DsR paired with the Sigma ART 24–70mm.
There’s something timeless about lighthouses. They don’t just guide ships — they remind us that even in rough seas, a steady light can lead the way.
I am off to bed now...
#Westkapelle #Lighthouse #SeasideViews #CoastalPhotography #CanonPhotography #SigmaLens #Canon5DMarkIV #Canon5DsR #SigmaArt #Seascape #OceanMood #DutchCoast #Zeeland #PhotographyLovers #NaturePhotography #ByMaikelPhotography #TravelPhotography #BeachWalks #LightAndSea #DailyWonder
For now, I’ll keep it short and let the images do most of the talking. Here are two shots of Westkapelle’s iconic lighthouses, taken with my Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm, and one captured with my Canon 5DsR paired with the Sigma ART 24–70mm.
There’s something timeless about lighthouses. They don’t just guide ships — they remind us that even in rough seas, a steady light can lead the way.
I am off to bed now...
#Westkapelle #Lighthouse #SeasideViews #CoastalPhotography #CanonPhotography #SigmaLens #Canon5DMarkIV #Canon5DsR #SigmaArt #Seascape #OceanMood #DutchCoast #Zeeland #PhotographyLovers #NaturePhotography #ByMaikelPhotography #TravelPhotography #BeachWalks #LightAndSea #DailyWonder
There’s a jetty at Westkapelle, near the KNRM rescue station. At first glance, it looks like many others: a path of wood reaching into the sea. But when you take a closer look, it reveals a story written in salt, waves, and time.
From the start, the jetty looks strong, straight, well-maintained. Walk further and cracks begin to show, scars of endless storms, bolts rusting, wood worn down. At the very end, the jetty seems to surrender — twisted, broken, almost consumed by the sea. Yet, beneath it, you can still see how often it has been repaired. Again and again, people tried to keep it standing.
It struck me how much this resembles life. We all start with strength and promise, but storms leave marks. Salt crystals, like tiny blades, slowly break down the wood’s fibers; waves hammer it endlessly, reshaping it grain by grain. And still, despite everything, it stands.
Each scar tells a story — of survival, of endurance, of humanity. Just like the jetty, we are never untouched, but always carrying traces of time. And maybe that’s where the beauty lies: not in perfection, but in the evidence of having weathered the storm.
Canon 5DsR + Sigma ART 24/70mm
#Westkapelle #Zeeland #Jetty #SeaAndSky #StoryInWood #WeatheredByTime #DutchCoast #KNRM #SeascapePhotography #LandscapePhotography #PhotographyArt #NaturePhotography #DutchLandscape #OceanWaves #CoastalLife #Resilience #ScarsTellStories #Survival #Endurance #HumanSpirit #HiddenStories #WabiSabi #EmbraceTheScars #PhotographyIsLife #maikeldebakker #SeasideMood #OceanPhotography #WoodAndWater #CanonPhotography #SigmaArtLens #Canon5DsR #ThroughMyLens #SeascapeStory #CoastalMood #WavesAndWood #NatureAndTime #DecayAndBeauty #WestkapelleJetty #PhotoStory #WonderInDetails #ByMaikelPhotography
From the start, the jetty looks strong, straight, well-maintained. Walk further and cracks begin to show, scars of endless storms, bolts rusting, wood worn down. At the very end, the jetty seems to surrender — twisted, broken, almost consumed by the sea. Yet, beneath it, you can still see how often it has been repaired. Again and again, people tried to keep it standing.
It struck me how much this resembles life. We all start with strength and promise, but storms leave marks. Salt crystals, like tiny blades, slowly break down the wood’s fibers; waves hammer it endlessly, reshaping it grain by grain. And still, despite everything, it stands.
Each scar tells a story — of survival, of endurance, of humanity. Just like the jetty, we are never untouched, but always carrying traces of time. And maybe that’s where the beauty lies: not in perfection, but in the evidence of having weathered the storm.
Canon 5DsR + Sigma ART 24/70mm
#Westkapelle #Zeeland #Jetty #SeaAndSky #StoryInWood #WeatheredByTime #DutchCoast #KNRM #SeascapePhotography #LandscapePhotography #PhotographyArt #NaturePhotography #DutchLandscape #OceanWaves #CoastalLife #Resilience #ScarsTellStories #Survival #Endurance #HumanSpirit #HiddenStories #WabiSabi #EmbraceTheScars #PhotographyIsLife #maikeldebakker #SeasideMood #OceanPhotography #WoodAndWater #CanonPhotography #SigmaArtLens #Canon5DsR #ThroughMyLens #SeascapeStory #CoastalMood #WavesAndWood #NatureAndTime #DecayAndBeauty #WestkapelleJetty #PhotoStory #WonderInDetails #ByMaikelPhotography
Storms by the sea are never just about wind and waves — they’re about raw forces of nature colliding in ways you can feel with your whole body. During last week’s storm, taking sharp pictures felt like a battle in itself. Every shot was handheld, because even a tripod wouldn’t survive the gale. The wind howled, the sea roared, and then came the sand — endless grains, propelled like tiny bullets by the gusts, mixed with salty sea spray.
In the first image, the wave breakers bear the marks of that power. Lines of airborne sand cut past the poles, revealing just how ferocious the storm’s energy was. Scientifically, this process is called saltation — grains lifted and bounced by wind, gaining enough speed to carve and erode whatever they strike. It’s the same force that shapes dunes and slowly wears down coastlines.
The second image shows a man braving the storm near the shore. His stance, his struggle, and the visible streams of sand all capture what it means to endure weather at its fiercest. To stand on that beach was to be humbled — by the sheer scale of forces that shape landscapes and remind us of the balance between human presence and natural power.
These moments were captured with the Canon 5DsR + Sigma ART 24/70 and the Canon 5D Mark IV + Sigma 100/400. A tough test for both camera and photographer — but worth every grain of sand.
#stormforce #sandblasted #windpower #beachstorm #zeeland #westkapelle #canon5dsr #canon5dmarkiv #sigma2470art #sigma100400 #coastalforces #gailwinds #seastorm #naturepower #weatherphotography #stormchaser #seasideview #beachlife #roughweather #oceanenergy #wavebreakers #coastalprotection #seastates #weatherwatching #extremeweather #coastalphotography #seascapes #windstorm #stormyweather #canonphotography #stormcapture #coastalstorm #dutchcoast #northsea #natureelements #weatherlovers #beachphotography #canonshooters #intenseweather #photographycommunity #pixelfed
In the first image, the wave breakers bear the marks of that power. Lines of airborne sand cut past the poles, revealing just how ferocious the storm’s energy was. Scientifically, this process is called saltation — grains lifted and bounced by wind, gaining enough speed to carve and erode whatever they strike. It’s the same force that shapes dunes and slowly wears down coastlines.
The second image shows a man braving the storm near the shore. His stance, his struggle, and the visible streams of sand all capture what it means to endure weather at its fiercest. To stand on that beach was to be humbled — by the sheer scale of forces that shape landscapes and remind us of the balance between human presence and natural power.
These moments were captured with the Canon 5DsR + Sigma ART 24/70 and the Canon 5D Mark IV + Sigma 100/400. A tough test for both camera and photographer — but worth every grain of sand.
#stormforce #sandblasted #windpower #beachstorm #zeeland #westkapelle #canon5dsr #canon5dmarkiv #sigma2470art #sigma100400 #coastalforces #gailwinds #seastorm #naturepower #weatherphotography #stormchaser #seasideview #beachlife #roughweather #oceanenergy #wavebreakers #coastalprotection #seastates #weatherwatching #extremeweather #coastalphotography #seascapes #windstorm #stormyweather #canonphotography #stormcapture #coastalstorm #dutchcoast #northsea #natureelements #weatherlovers #beachphotography #canonshooters #intenseweather #photographycommunity #pixelfed
Last week’s storm brought more than just dramatic skies and roaring waves — it also brought a reminder of the courage and skill of those who protect lives at sea. As I photographed the storm at sunset, I suddenly caught flashing lights from the corner of my eye. A large vessel stormed across the beach: the KNRM (Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij).
Within moments, the lifeboat hit the water, cutting through crashing waves with incredible force. The sheer power of the launch was breathtaking — in one frame, the ship burst through a backlit wave, sending a giant spray skyward, and in the next, it rose above the water as if weightless. To witness such a scene, and to capture it, felt like pure luck and timing.
The KNRM is staffed largely by volunteers, men and women who risk the elements to rescue others in need. Seeing them in action, even in training or readiness, is a striking reminder of the human dedication behind maritime safety.
These shots were taken with my Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm, with the storm winds and salt spray making it as much a battle for my gear as for the lifeboat crew. Once again, cleaning up after the shoot was no small task — but moments like these are worth every grain of sand.
#KNRM #reddingboot #lifeboat #zeerescue #stormchasing #stormyseas #roughseas #zeeland #westkapelle #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #maritimesafety #wavesplash #oceanpower #seastorm #nauticallife #coastguard #maritimerescue #canonphotography #seaphotography #stormphotography #actionshot #photographerslife #zeelandbeach #oceanwaves #rescueatsea #maritimevolunteers #courageatsea #canonshooters #wavecrash #seascapephotography #canonphotographer #lifesavers #maritimeheroes #photographycommunity #stormwatching #northsea #dutchcoast #seapower #pixelfed
Within moments, the lifeboat hit the water, cutting through crashing waves with incredible force. The sheer power of the launch was breathtaking — in one frame, the ship burst through a backlit wave, sending a giant spray skyward, and in the next, it rose above the water as if weightless. To witness such a scene, and to capture it, felt like pure luck and timing.
The KNRM is staffed largely by volunteers, men and women who risk the elements to rescue others in need. Seeing them in action, even in training or readiness, is a striking reminder of the human dedication behind maritime safety.
These shots were taken with my Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm, with the storm winds and salt spray making it as much a battle for my gear as for the lifeboat crew. Once again, cleaning up after the shoot was no small task — but moments like these are worth every grain of sand.
#KNRM #reddingboot #lifeboat #zeerescue #stormchasing #stormyseas #roughseas #zeeland #westkapelle #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #maritimesafety #wavesplash #oceanpower #seastorm #nauticallife #coastguard #maritimerescue #canonphotography #seaphotography #stormphotography #actionshot #photographerslife #zeelandbeach #oceanwaves #rescueatsea #maritimevolunteers #courageatsea #canonshooters #wavecrash #seascapephotography #canonphotographer #lifesavers #maritimeheroes #photographycommunity #stormwatching #northsea #dutchcoast #seapower #pixelfed
During a morning walk to the nature reserve Natuurpark Oranjezon we passed a row of pastel-colored beach houses. I was just about to photograph them when two people strolled by, followed by a young boy, head down, slowly kicking his ball forward with an air of boredom. That was the moment I pressed the shutter.
The scene struck me as a double contrast: the boy’s mood against the lively, cheerful backdrop, and the pale sand blending with his hair against the colorful beach houses framed by dark dunes. It’s a reminder that sometimes life feels gray, even when surrounded by color.
Although this wasn’t shot in a city, it still belongs to street photography. The genre isn’t limited to actual streets — it’s about candid, unposed human moments unfolding in their natural environment. Whether in a square, a metro station, or here on the beach, the essence of street photography lies in observing and capturing the fleeting stories of everyday life.
Taken with my Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm.
#streetphotography #beachhouses #natuurparkoranjezon #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #storytellingphotography #decisivemoment #humanpresence #documentaryphotography #photographylovers #moodyphotography #contrastphotography #streetlife #streetmood #seasidephotography #dutchcoast #everydaymoments #candidshot #photographerslife #visualstorytelling #timingiseverything #photooftheday #moodytones #lifeincolor #dutchphotography #streetcapture #candidphotography #humanstories #fleetingmoment #storyinapicture #photographysoul #sandandsea #streetstylephotography #streets_storytelling #environmentalportrait #moodyvibes #lensculturestreets #streetsincolor #visualnarrative #momentcaptured #streetframe
The scene struck me as a double contrast: the boy’s mood against the lively, cheerful backdrop, and the pale sand blending with his hair against the colorful beach houses framed by dark dunes. It’s a reminder that sometimes life feels gray, even when surrounded by color.
Although this wasn’t shot in a city, it still belongs to street photography. The genre isn’t limited to actual streets — it’s about candid, unposed human moments unfolding in their natural environment. Whether in a square, a metro station, or here on the beach, the essence of street photography lies in observing and capturing the fleeting stories of everyday life.
Taken with my Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm.
#streetphotography #beachhouses #natuurparkoranjezon #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #storytellingphotography #decisivemoment #humanpresence #documentaryphotography #photographylovers #moodyphotography #contrastphotography #streetlife #streetmood #seasidephotography #dutchcoast #everydaymoments #candidshot #photographerslife #visualstorytelling #timingiseverything #photooftheday #moodytones #lifeincolor #dutchphotography #streetcapture #candidphotography #humanstories #fleetingmoment #storyinapicture #photographysoul #sandandsea #streetstylephotography #streets_storytelling #environmentalportrait #moodyvibes #lensculturestreets #streetsincolor #visualnarrative #momentcaptured #streetframe
The day after the storm we returned to the beach, and the North Sea was more furious than ever. The wind cut across the shore with brutal force, and the waves rose higher than I have ever seen before — each one crashing with a power that humbles you.
We arrived just as sunset painted the aftermath. Between two storm fronts, the light broke through the clouds in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. Though the sun itself was hidden, its glow illuminated the scene in gold, turning even the wild waves into liquid fire. In the middle of this chaos stood the red buoy, a small but steady marker battling the storm — I call this shot “Red Buoy in the Stormy Golden Waves.”
Photographing in these conditions is always a challenge. I traveled, as usual, with most of my gear, but the sandblasting was relentless. Every gust carried grains that crept into zippers, joints, and even deep into my camera bag. The next day was spent carefully cleaning my Canon 5D Mark IV, Sigma 100–400mm, and everything else — a reminder that nature always leaves its mark, even on the tools we use to capture it.
This image is more than a photograph; it is a moment of resilience, light, and raw power held together in one frame.
#stormphotography #redbuoy #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #zeeland #northsea #stormywaves #oceanpower #goldenwaves #stormylight #coastalphotography #seascapelovers #weatherphotography #extremeweather #sandblasted #naturephotography #dutchcoast #westkapelle #seaandsky #moodylandscape #oceanenergy #climatephotography #wildsea #stormchasing #wavecrash #stormclouds #canonphotography #landscapephotography #northseacoast #stormwatch #dramaticlight #backlitwaves #sunsetglow #oceanstorm #powerofnature #weatherwatching #seascapeart #stormylightscape #naturepower #seascapephotography #photographerslife
We arrived just as sunset painted the aftermath. Between two storm fronts, the light broke through the clouds in a way that seemed almost otherworldly. Though the sun itself was hidden, its glow illuminated the scene in gold, turning even the wild waves into liquid fire. In the middle of this chaos stood the red buoy, a small but steady marker battling the storm — I call this shot “Red Buoy in the Stormy Golden Waves.”
Photographing in these conditions is always a challenge. I traveled, as usual, with most of my gear, but the sandblasting was relentless. Every gust carried grains that crept into zippers, joints, and even deep into my camera bag. The next day was spent carefully cleaning my Canon 5D Mark IV, Sigma 100–400mm, and everything else — a reminder that nature always leaves its mark, even on the tools we use to capture it.
This image is more than a photograph; it is a moment of resilience, light, and raw power held together in one frame.
#stormphotography #redbuoy #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #zeeland #northsea #stormywaves #oceanpower #goldenwaves #stormylight #coastalphotography #seascapelovers #weatherphotography #extremeweather #sandblasted #naturephotography #dutchcoast #westkapelle #seaandsky #moodylandscape #oceanenergy #climatephotography #wildsea #stormchasing #wavecrash #stormclouds #canonphotography #landscapephotography #northseacoast #stormwatch #dramaticlight #backlitwaves #sunsetglow #oceanstorm #powerofnature #weatherwatching #seascapeart #stormylightscape #naturepower #seascapephotography #photographerslife
Last Saturday I found myself at Westkapelle, Zeeland, during a fierce southwesterly storm. The sea was alive with raw energy, its rhythm both terrifying and mesmerizing. My first image captures a red buoy fighting its endless battle against towering waves — a symbol of resilience in an outraged sea. The backlit waves revealed deep emerald tones through their translucent crests, crowned with foamy white spray, the buoy holding steady above.
A gull flew straight toward me in another frame — simple, yet powerful. Its wings spread against the turbulent backdrop, it seemed to embody the calm determination needed to survive such storms.
The third shot froze the sheer force of water as it crashed violently against the wooden breakers, sunlight catching the spray in a fleeting golden shimmer.
And finally, my favorite: sunset breaking through storm clouds, with beams of light stretching across the horizon. Even in the midst of chaos, nature reveals its beauty — a reminder that turbulence and serenity are often only a moment apart.
Captured with the Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm, these images remind me why storms have always fascinated both scientists and artists: they are nature’s raw poetry.
#stormphotography #zeeland #westkapelle #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #seascapephotography #stormyseas #oceanpower #climatephotography #weatherphotography #wavepower #stormchasing #stormylight #sunsetphotography #seabirds #gull #coastalphotography #northsea #dutchcoast #wildsea #seascapeart #canonphotography #naturephotography #extremeweather #windandwaves #stormysky #dramaticlight #wavecrash #stormwatch #climateawareness #landscapephotography #oceanenergy #seastorm #stormclouds #moodylandscape #backlitwaves #seascapelovers #weatherwatching #naturepower #photographerslife #sunsetstorm
A gull flew straight toward me in another frame — simple, yet powerful. Its wings spread against the turbulent backdrop, it seemed to embody the calm determination needed to survive such storms.
The third shot froze the sheer force of water as it crashed violently against the wooden breakers, sunlight catching the spray in a fleeting golden shimmer.
And finally, my favorite: sunset breaking through storm clouds, with beams of light stretching across the horizon. Even in the midst of chaos, nature reveals its beauty — a reminder that turbulence and serenity are often only a moment apart.
Captured with the Canon 5D Mark IV and Sigma 100–400mm, these images remind me why storms have always fascinated both scientists and artists: they are nature’s raw poetry.
#stormphotography #zeeland #westkapelle #canon5dmarkiv #sigma100400 #seascapephotography #stormyseas #oceanpower #climatephotography #weatherphotography #wavepower #stormchasing #stormylight #sunsetphotography #seabirds #gull #coastalphotography #northsea #dutchcoast #wildsea #seascapeart #canonphotography #naturephotography #extremeweather #windandwaves #stormysky #dramaticlight #wavecrash #stormwatch #climateawareness #landscapephotography #oceanenergy #seastorm #stormclouds #moodylandscape #backlitwaves #seascapelovers #weatherwatching #naturepower #photographerslife #sunsetstorm
Zoutelande Through My Lens — Stories in Stillness
Photography is often about more than light and focus — it’s about perspective, emotion, and timing. These four images, taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 100–400mm lens, represent a quiet but powerful narrative from last Sunday in Zoutelande.
📸 Image 1: My wife walking away between the wave breakers, avoiding the deeper water where I stood. A moment of everyday humor and love — where practicality meets poetry in motion.
📸 Image 2: A young girl standing alone on a small, sandy island surrounded by water. She gazes out toward the ocean, her solitude and wonder mirroring our own curiosity about the world beyond.
📸 Image 3: Here, lines take over the story — the towering dunes on one side, the endless sea on the other, and a wooden walkway that leads the eye straight to the horizon. Composition meets contemplation.
📸 Image 4: A solitary blue beach cabin, perfectly framed by sand and dune. It stands quiet and grounded — a symbol of stillness amidst the natural elements.
Each photo is a reminder that beauty lies in how we see things — and sometimes, in the space between what is and what could be.
—
#zoutelande #landscapephotography #beachvibes #dutchcoast #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #leadinglines #coastalphotography #zandduinen #zeelandnatuur #naturestory #visualnarrative #photographerslife #bluecabin #solitude #seascape #seadunes #compositionmatters #wavebreakers #dutchlandscape #naturalframe #oceanvibes #lifebythesea #dunesofholland #seasideview #perspectivephotography #sandpatterns #emotiveimagery #natureandpeople #climateandcoast #wanderlustphotography #natuurbeleving #femalefigure #everydaybeauty #photographyart #lensbasedmedia #beachperspective #wandelendvrouw #kustzicht #zoutelandemoment #maikeldebakker
Photography is often about more than light and focus — it’s about perspective, emotion, and timing. These four images, taken with my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 100–400mm lens, represent a quiet but powerful narrative from last Sunday in Zoutelande.
📸 Image 1: My wife walking away between the wave breakers, avoiding the deeper water where I stood. A moment of everyday humor and love — where practicality meets poetry in motion.
📸 Image 2: A young girl standing alone on a small, sandy island surrounded by water. She gazes out toward the ocean, her solitude and wonder mirroring our own curiosity about the world beyond.
📸 Image 3: Here, lines take over the story — the towering dunes on one side, the endless sea on the other, and a wooden walkway that leads the eye straight to the horizon. Composition meets contemplation.
📸 Image 4: A solitary blue beach cabin, perfectly framed by sand and dune. It stands quiet and grounded — a symbol of stillness amidst the natural elements.
Each photo is a reminder that beauty lies in how we see things — and sometimes, in the space between what is and what could be.
—
#zoutelande #landscapephotography #beachvibes #dutchcoast #canon5dmarkiii #sigma100400 #leadinglines #coastalphotography #zandduinen #zeelandnatuur #naturestory #visualnarrative #photographerslife #bluecabin #solitude #seascape #seadunes #compositionmatters #wavebreakers #dutchlandscape #naturalframe #oceanvibes #lifebythesea #dunesofholland #seasideview #perspectivephotography #sandpatterns #emotiveimagery #natureandpeople #climateandcoast #wanderlustphotography #natuurbeleving #femalefigure #everydaybeauty #photographyart #lensbasedmedia #beachperspective #wandelendvrouw #kustzicht #zoutelandemoment #maikeldebakker
Where the Dunes Meet the Sea — Zoutelande’s Living Landscape
Last Sunday, as I stood atop the dunes of Zoutelande, I took in a breathtaking view. Below me, the coastline buzzed with life: grandparents at the water’s edge with their grandchild, a small sailboat drifting peacefully across the sea, and beside me in the dune grass, a woman absorbed in her book — both of us quietly observing the world below.
These dunes are more than just scenic vantage points. In the Netherlands, they are vital to our survival. Formed over centuries by wind and tide, dunes serve as natural coastal defenses, protecting our low-lying country from storm surges and sea-level rise. Their height, structure, and vegetation act as buffers against the power of the North Sea.
They are also vibrant ecosystems. From hardy dune grasses to rare species like sea holly and sand lizards, dunes are full of life adapted to shifting sands and salty air. Their fragile balance reminds us of how deeply interconnected we are with nature.
So the next time you find yourself on a dune, take a moment. Look out, breathe in, and appreciate this living landscape — a place of peace, protection, and resilience.
—
#zoutelande #dunes #duinen #nederlandnatuur #coastaldefense #beachlife #dutchcoast #landscapelovers #coastalecosystems #naturephotography #canon5dmarkiii #ecology #sustainablecoast #sigma100400 #natuurfotografie #coastallandscape #waddenzee #wildnetherlands #erosioncontrol #dunehabitat #dunegrass #protectnature #duneecology #zeeland #zandduinen #lifebythesea #natureinspiration #climateresilience #maikeldebakker #landschapvanzee
Last Sunday, as I stood atop the dunes of Zoutelande, I took in a breathtaking view. Below me, the coastline buzzed with life: grandparents at the water’s edge with their grandchild, a small sailboat drifting peacefully across the sea, and beside me in the dune grass, a woman absorbed in her book — both of us quietly observing the world below.
These dunes are more than just scenic vantage points. In the Netherlands, they are vital to our survival. Formed over centuries by wind and tide, dunes serve as natural coastal defenses, protecting our low-lying country from storm surges and sea-level rise. Their height, structure, and vegetation act as buffers against the power of the North Sea.
They are also vibrant ecosystems. From hardy dune grasses to rare species like sea holly and sand lizards, dunes are full of life adapted to shifting sands and salty air. Their fragile balance reminds us of how deeply interconnected we are with nature.
So the next time you find yourself on a dune, take a moment. Look out, breathe in, and appreciate this living landscape — a place of peace, protection, and resilience.
—
#zoutelande #dunes #duinen #nederlandnatuur #coastaldefense #beachlife #dutchcoast #landscapelovers #coastalecosystems #naturephotography #canon5dmarkiii #ecology #sustainablecoast #sigma100400 #natuurfotografie #coastallandscape #waddenzee #wildnetherlands #erosioncontrol #dunehabitat #dunegrass #protectnature #duneecology #zeeland #zandduinen #lifebythesea #natureinspiration #climateresilience #maikeldebakker #landschapvanzee
Wings Over Water — Zoutelande’s Coastal Birdlife
What do you see when you’re at the sea? Some see waves and endless sky. I see movement, feathers, and stories. At Zoutelande, seabirds are more than background scenery — they are coastal sentinels, perfectly adapted to a life between land and sea.
I photographed a mix of species: adult gulls perched on wave breakers, keeping a watchful eye on the tide, and a juvenile Larus cachinnans (Pontische Meeuw or Caspian Gull) resting quietly on a boardwalk, still growing into its adult plumage. These gulls are skilled opportunists — coastal recyclers playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
Among them, a special guest: Haematopus longirostris, the Australian Pied Oystercatcher. A striking species with a powerful bill and strong personality, often mistaken for a local — but likely a rare visitor or misidentification (since they don't normally appear in Europe). Either way, a reminder of the magic of migration and the surprises nature offers.
Shot with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Sigma 100–400mm lens, these images capture the texture of the coast: salt on the wind, waves on the shore, and wings in the sky.
Where there are birds, there is life — and always something worth protecting.
—
#zoutelande #birdphotography #seabirds #pontischemeeuw #laruscachinnans #oystercatcher #haematopuslongirostris #canonwildlife #sigma100400 #wildlifelens #coastallife #dutchcoast #vogelfotografie #birdlovers #coastalbirds #natuurfotografie #naturejournalism #birdwatching #oceanwildlife #shorebirds #ornithology #nederlandnature #featheredfriends #birdsoftheworld #gulls #wildlifeinsight #ecologyawareness #conservationphotography #maikeldebakker #eurobirds #lensbasedstories
What do you see when you’re at the sea? Some see waves and endless sky. I see movement, feathers, and stories. At Zoutelande, seabirds are more than background scenery — they are coastal sentinels, perfectly adapted to a life between land and sea.
I photographed a mix of species: adult gulls perched on wave breakers, keeping a watchful eye on the tide, and a juvenile Larus cachinnans (Pontische Meeuw or Caspian Gull) resting quietly on a boardwalk, still growing into its adult plumage. These gulls are skilled opportunists — coastal recyclers playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
Among them, a special guest: Haematopus longirostris, the Australian Pied Oystercatcher. A striking species with a powerful bill and strong personality, often mistaken for a local — but likely a rare visitor or misidentification (since they don't normally appear in Europe). Either way, a reminder of the magic of migration and the surprises nature offers.
Shot with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Sigma 100–400mm lens, these images capture the texture of the coast: salt on the wind, waves on the shore, and wings in the sky.
Where there are birds, there is life — and always something worth protecting.
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#zoutelande #birdphotography #seabirds #pontischemeeuw #laruscachinnans #oystercatcher #haematopuslongirostris #canonwildlife #sigma100400 #wildlifelens #coastallife #dutchcoast #vogelfotografie #birdlovers #coastalbirds #natuurfotografie #naturejournalism #birdwatching #oceanwildlife #shorebirds #ornithology #nederlandnature #featheredfriends #birdsoftheworld #gulls #wildlifeinsight #ecologyawareness #conservationphotography #maikeldebakker #eurobirds #lensbasedstories
Two Futures on One Shoreline
Yesterday in Zoutelande, I walked along the beach with my wife while our kids played nearby. As I looked out over the sea, an enormous red LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) transport vessel passed silently across the horizon. In the foreground, a young boy played joyfully with a football — unaware of the environmental burden drifting behind him.
This image captures more than just a moment; it shows two futures crossing paths. The ship represents a system still deeply tied to fossil fuels — a system contributing to increasingly severe climate disasters: wildfires now raging across Canada, Greece, France, and Turkey; record heat; failing crops. And yet, the child reminds us what — and who — we’re trying to protect.
LPG may emit less CO₂ than coal or oil, but it is still a fossil fuel. Its use delays the transition we urgently need — toward renewables, electrification, and circular energy systems. Every year of delay means a hotter, less stable world for the next generation.
This photograph is not about blame. It’s a reminder: the future is already watching us. Let’s choose wisely, and act boldly.
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#climatephotography #fossilfuelawareness #zoutelande #canonphotography #documentaryphoto #energytransition #climatecrisis #environmentalstorytelling #visualactivism #sustainability #planetoverprofit #lpgship #carbonfootprint #climatejustice #beachcontrast #childandclimate #climateemergency #climateactionnow #ecologicalawareness #oceanview #dutchcoast #netherlandsphotography #energyawareness #futuregenerations #photojournalism #lowcarbonfuture #invisibleimpact #maikeldebakker #climatehope #fightforourfuture
Yesterday in Zoutelande, I walked along the beach with my wife while our kids played nearby. As I looked out over the sea, an enormous red LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) transport vessel passed silently across the horizon. In the foreground, a young boy played joyfully with a football — unaware of the environmental burden drifting behind him.
This image captures more than just a moment; it shows two futures crossing paths. The ship represents a system still deeply tied to fossil fuels — a system contributing to increasingly severe climate disasters: wildfires now raging across Canada, Greece, France, and Turkey; record heat; failing crops. And yet, the child reminds us what — and who — we’re trying to protect.
LPG may emit less CO₂ than coal or oil, but it is still a fossil fuel. Its use delays the transition we urgently need — toward renewables, electrification, and circular energy systems. Every year of delay means a hotter, less stable world for the next generation.
This photograph is not about blame. It’s a reminder: the future is already watching us. Let’s choose wisely, and act boldly.
—
#climatephotography #fossilfuelawareness #zoutelande #canonphotography #documentaryphoto #energytransition #climatecrisis #environmentalstorytelling #visualactivism #sustainability #planetoverprofit #lpgship #carbonfootprint #climatejustice #beachcontrast #childandclimate #climateemergency #climateactionnow #ecologicalawareness #oceanview #dutchcoast #netherlandsphotography #energyawareness #futuregenerations #photojournalism #lowcarbonfuture #invisibleimpact #maikeldebakker #climatehope #fightforourfuture
A leisurely hike through the dunes along the coastline near IJmuiden, reminiscent of the good times I had growing up in the area. The comforting sound of the sea, combined with the salty smell and the view of sandy hills and the comforting green of the sea oats, makes it special.
#Hiking #Landscape #SeaScape #NatureLovers #CoastalWalk #Dunes #IJmuiden #Netherlands #SeaView #GoodVibes #SandyHills #DutchCoast
#Hiking #Landscape #SeaScape #NatureLovers #CoastalWalk #Dunes #IJmuiden #Netherlands #SeaView #GoodVibes #SandyHills #DutchCoast
When my mental health is a bit weak, the ocean always makes things better. Yesterday I took the train to Scheveningen, at the Dutch coast, where I enjoyed the sea breeze, put my bare feet in the sand, talked to some people (and a few ravens), waved at smiling babies and collected cool shells. Not a bad way to spend the spring equinox :)
Today, I’m washing the shells and looking at them all closely. They are such marvels 🩵
#VitaminSea #MentalHealth #SpringEquinox #Pagan #ILoveTheOcean #SeaShells #Oysters #Mussels #Shells #Clams #Outdoors #Scheveningen #DutchCoast #SeaSide #DutchNature #CloudPorn #BlueSkies #GetOutside #SunnyDays #SlowLiving #BeachDays #BeachPhotos #NaturesWonders #OceanLife #OceanSoul
Today, I’m washing the shells and looking at them all closely. They are such marvels 🩵
#VitaminSea #MentalHealth #SpringEquinox #Pagan #ILoveTheOcean #SeaShells #Oysters #Mussels #Shells #Clams #Outdoors #Scheveningen #DutchCoast #SeaSide #DutchNature #CloudPorn #BlueSkies #GetOutside #SunnyDays #SlowLiving #BeachDays #BeachPhotos #NaturesWonders #OceanLife #OceanSoul
Standing ground...
#coastline
#kustlijn
#flockofbirds
#groepvogels
#birds
#vogels
#northsea
#Noordzee
#Dutchcoast
€Nederlandsekust
#brach
#strand
#animalkingdom
#dierenrijk
#seagulls
#meeuwen
#mobilephotography
#birdphotography
#nature
#natuur
#coastline
#kustlijn
#flockofbirds
#groepvogels
#birds
#vogels
#northsea
#Noordzee
#Dutchcoast
€Nederlandsekust
#brach
#strand
#animalkingdom
#dierenrijk
#seagulls
#meeuwen
#mobilephotography
#birdphotography
#nature
#natuur
Cold days at the beach. I like the happy dogs and the irrationally angry seagulls.
📷 Minolta X500
🎞️ Kodak Colorplus 200
🧪 @AnaloogStudioArnhem
#analoguephotography #believeinfilm #shotonfilm #filmfeed #35mmfilm #minolta #kodak #grainy #beach #scheveningen #dutchcoast #vitaminsea #ocean #waves #dogs #seagull #oceanlife
📷 Minolta X500
🎞️ Kodak Colorplus 200
🧪 @AnaloogStudioArnhem
#analoguephotography #believeinfilm #shotonfilm #filmfeed #35mmfilm #minolta #kodak #grainy #beach #scheveningen #dutchcoast #vitaminsea #ocean #waves #dogs #seagull #oceanlife
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