5 photo spots on the Dutch coast - South Holland
One could say that the roots of my project Shore Goods date back to 2010 and my first visit to the Netherlands. It was then, during a few days' stay in the Netherlands, that I ended up in Zandvoort, and I fell in love with the aesthetics of the Dutch coastline.
And even though Zandvoort doesn't have the most charming boulevard (a lot of high-rises, blocks, and concrete), I still believe it has something special about it.
Many years have passed, I eventually move to the Netherlands, and for the past two years, I've been photographing Dutch beaches regularly. There was a period when I photographed it from the air and water, but currently, I focus primarily on both digital and analog cameras.
In the meantime, I’ve learned to appreciate photographing close to home even more. I've come to know the beaches of South Holland like the back of my hand. I’m getting to know the coastlines of North Holland and Zeeland as well, but realistically, I’ll need at least another season before I can say there are no secrets left for me.
That's why today, I'm sharing my favorite photo spots on the Westland stretch of South Holland’s coastline.
Hoek van Holland - Rechtestraat
Especially the building of the surf school is my favorite spot on the coast. For some reason, this place feels iconic to me. Kind of reminds me of American beaches, I suppose. It has this photogenic factor, regardless of the season.
And even when the small beach cabins disappear in winter, this building remains and looks even better. Plus, there's always a place to grab a coffee after a photo walk, no matter the time of year. The terrace (a grand word for it) of the vegan Pele Surf Shack is itself a spot worth visiting with a camera.
Zandmotor - between monster and Kijkduin
Zandmotor is an artificially widened stretch of coastline that is constantly evolving. Created as an attempt to control coastal erosion caused by the movement of the sea, it also serves a recreational purpose.
There are two bodies of water here. The larger one, on the Kijkduin side, turns into a playground for kite surfers when the wind picks up. Worth checking if you’re into water sports photography.
Additionally, dozens of bird species reside here, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot a fox. Wildlife photographers, check it out.
‘s-Gravenzande - slag Beukel
Especially from spring to autumn, this stretch of beach, with its characteristic white beach cabins, is one of my favorite spots. I love photographing these wooden huts, no matter the weather.
Additionally, this is one of the few surf spots in Westland. When conditions are right, you can experiment with surf photography in an atmosphere slightly different from that in The Hague (see point 5). It’s way less busy here.
Hoek van Holland - pier and the beach
Hoek van Holland can evoke mixed feelings. When I was focused on a typical seascape, I avoided this place entirely. The industrial character of Hoek van Holland, due to its proximity to Europort, didn’t align with my sense of aesthetics.
Now, as I focus on documenting all aspects of coastal life, I return to Hoek regularly. There’s always something happening here - ships passing through the Nieuwe Waterweg, fishermen, year-round beach bars, and the long pier, all providing a variety of interesting frames and subjects.
The Hague - Scheveningen
I have similarly mixed feelings about The Hague’s coastline. Scheveningen feels a bit like an open-air marketplace to me, especially in summer. It gets super busy and sometimes messy. It’s hard to tell what takes center stage here - the sea or the endless consumption of everything that can be consumed - and there are plenty of options. But that’s also part of this place’s character.
The most obvious landmark is, of course, the pier. It has its charm, though not exactly a romantic one.
My favorite spots are the sections of the beach near both harbor entrances. This is home to the largest surf spot in the Netherlands. Here, you can stumble upon early morning cold-water swimmers. Fishing boats set out from here, and hobby anglers cast their lines. No matter the season or weather, there are always interesting subjects to photograph.
Wanna see more photos from my ongoing project Shore Goods? Check this out.
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Explore more photo spots in the Netherlands:
→ Best photo spots in Rotterdam
→ A day of photography in Amsterdam