What are the best, most beautiful and most unique locations for photography in Rotterdam? Edwin Muller knows! This born and raised Rotterdammer is a tour guide for idtours Rotterdam, but also a talented photographer. In his spare time he makes beautiful photos of the port and also of the icons in the city. For this blog, we go out with Edwin and he shares his passion and knowledge with us.
‘I’ve been interested in photography for about twenty years. I started with a Canon EOS 350d, a beginner’s camera. The last two years I’ve taken photography seriously again’, says Edwin. He hopes that his photos sometime will be used by National Geographic. Where possible, he strives for perfection and approaches photography as an art form. Edwin: ‘Photography can be elevated to an art form, particularly in Rotterdam. Here you will find various scenarios: many open spaces with modern architecture, but also the multicultural diversity that can give rise to colour.’
Rotterdam Water City: Willemskade
‘Here you can see Rotterdam as the ultimate water city. You have a wonderful view of the unique skyline, the impressive cruise ships are regularly moored here and of course the fast Watertaxi’s will pass’, tells Edwin at the Willemskade. This place is a household name when it comes to beautiful locations for photography in Rotterdam. Which Rotterdammer or tourist hasn’t tried to capture the South Bank of Rotterdam or tried to capture a highspeed Watertaxi? But that is often easier said than done. Help, Edwin! How can we capture the skyline and Watertaxi’s?
Edwin: ‘It’s best to stand halfway along the Willemskade, about at the level of the Wereldmuseum. Here you have a good view of the skyline. The best thing to do is to take a picture with a mooring post in the foreground and a cruise ship in the background.’ According to Edwin it takes some practice to capture the Watertaxi’s well. Edwin: ‘I took my picture of the Watertaxi with a long shutter speed so that it looks like the Watertaxi is stationary and the rest is moving.’
A whole lot of yellow: Luchtsingel
Once upon a time we had the official ‘city initiative’ in Rotterdam and in 2011 the Luchtsingel was chosen as the first ever ‘city initiative’. Rotterdammers now know the bright yellow walkway. Many have walked over it to enjoy the view and many thirsty fellow citizens walked over it with a mission on their way to the German “pub” Biergarten. Although Edwin likes to drink a beer, he regularly visits the Luchtsingel to take pictures only.
Edwin: ‘The Luchtsingel is a very special abstract location. This is one of the unique locations for photography in Rotterdam where you will find expressive colours and lines. In addition, this place feels very ‘urban’ and the Luchtsingel is a nice place for portraits.’ Edwin adds that taking abstract photos with the soft light of sunset is most beautiful here. But if you want to take portraits, it’s best to come up with a little more light, but avoid the sharp sun around noon. Especially around the open roundabout with its high walls you can make good portrait photos’, he concludes.
Evening photography by bike: Waalhaven
A lot has changed in the more than one hundred year old Waalhaven. You used to find heavy industry here, but now it has become quieter in this port of Rotterdam. ‘But there is always something to see here. The nice thing is that in some places you can almost touch the containers and ships’, says Edwin. So you can take your bike behind the office of Smit Lamnalco. Here you will cycle on a small promontory on the east side of the Waalhaven, deeper into the harbour.
Edwin especially recommends the Waalhaven as one of the most beautiful locations for photography in Rotterdam during the evening or night. Here you get dark scenes with lots of lights. It feels like an industrial Rotterdam fairy tale.
Power of nature: Kralingse Plas
This piece of nature in Rotterdam is one of the most versatile locations for photography in Rotterdam’, says Edwin at the Kralingse Plas. According to him, you can of course capture the beautiful nature here, but here you also have a perfect view of the skyline of Rotterdam. Edwin also has a tip when you can take beautiful pictures around the Kralingse Plas: ‘This is a popular place to shoot unique pictures at sunset or sunrise. So if you have the time, come to this place at the beginning or end of the day.’
The Kralingse Plas is also ideal for street photography. Edwin: ‘The Kralingse Bos and the Kralingense Plas can be busy during spring and summer on warm days. If you like to photograph people in a relaxed setting, then this nature reserve is ideal for that. Many Rotterdammers will already be thinking back to the summer of 2019 with delicious barbecue scents around the Kralingse Plas.
Historical photography: Delfshaven
Imagine yourself in the 17th century and walk through historic Delfshaven. No skyline, modern architecture or skyscrapers over here. Delfshaven is all about the Pilgrim Fathers, Piet Hein and all the beautiful historic buildings. Don’t forget to visit the mill on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Edwin: ‘When it comes to photography, historic Delfshaven is also a feast for the eyes. If there is no wind, you can get beautiful reflections on the water here’. Especially from the Aelbrechtskade with a view of Café De Oude Sluis you have a good view of the old narrow houses that are situated on the water.
The Classic spot: Oude Haven & Cube Houses
The Oude Haven is one of the better locations for photography in Rotterdam in many ways. Here you find the old houseboats, the red Willems Bridge, the bright yellow Cube Houses and the monument Het Witte Huis. ‘Yes, there’s too much to mention here’, laughs Edwin. He goes on to add: ‘You also have the Market Hall, another icon of Rotterdam, around the corner of course.’
But what is the best place around the Old Harbour to take a picture? Edwin: ‘It’s hard to say because of the many options on offer. From the Geldersekade you have a beautiful view of the Cube Houses, terraces and houseboats. But from the Cube Houses you have a beautiful view of the Old Harbour, Witte Huis and Willems Bridge. Only from here it can be difficult because you often take pictures from the shade against the light.’
We end our photography tour of Rotterdam with Edwin in the Oude Haven. Are you curious what else Edwin has to offer in the field of photography? Take a look at his Instagram account or take a look here where you can buy his work. Would you like to join Edwin on a guided tour? Then book our Rotterdam Harbor Bike Tour! This is Edwin’s specialty and during the tour he can give you further advice where you can take good pictures in the port of Rotterdam.
