A tranquil waterside landscape on Lake Grevelingen

by Sander Poppe

It is still early on the banks of Lake Grevelingen near Den Osse. The sun has now risen, but is out of shot. Nevertheless, a narrow strip of yellow along the horizon reveals that the day has only just begun. Above the water, the clouds are tinged with soft pink, whilst the rest of the landscape is bathed in cool shades of blue.

For this photograph, I deliberately chose a different composition to the one I’d taken a few minutes earlier. A row of small stones leads from the foreground towards the water and slowly draws the eye to an old mooring post that rises majestically above the horizon. The three support beams give this landmark a distinctive character and ensure it immediately stands out in the open expanse of Lake Grevelingen.

What draws me back to Schouwen-Duiveland time and again is the tranquillity you find here at sunrise. The water lies almost still, the first birds are singing, and the landscape seems not yet fully awake. At moments like these, Zeeland feels vast, open and timeless.

Thanks to the combination of water, sky and subtle colours, this Zeeland waterscape exudes tranquillity. The minimalist composition and soft morning hues make it an image that looks particularly good in a home, office or reception area where light, space and relaxation are important.