Captured in the serene early hours from my hotel terrace in St. Julian’s, Malta, this photograph once again demonstrates the transformative power of light in photography. On a somber, overcast day, the view of Balluta Bay appears dull and uninspiring—a collision of disparate architectural styles, with buildings displaying a weathered patina scattered randomly around the bay. However, with the emergence of a radiant sunrise, the same scene undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis. Suddenly, the view of Balluta Bay reveals a panorama of unparalleled beauty. Turquoise waters contrast beautifully with their surroundings, and the weathered buildings exude a rustic charm. The illuminated swimming pool provides a delightful finishing touch. At this moment, Balluta Bay feels like the perfect place to spend some time, where you'd love to linger and soak in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea while experiencing Malta – St Julian’s, Malta
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My followers may have noticed that I haven't posted any images for the past couple of days. This was due to a combination of technical issues—our home fiber network was out of order—and a busy schedule filled with meetings and business-related travel. When waking up this morning I in a room with a view in St. Julian’s, Malta I knew I had to resume my daily activity and I hope that in the next couple of days I’ve got some spare time to continue sharing as a minimum one photograph a day. St. Julian’s is a coastal town in Malta that was originally a fishing village but has since transformed into a bustling hub of activity. More to come… St. Julian’s, Malta
As announced yesterday, this morning I left home bright and early to capture the beauty of the bluebells in the Brakel Forest (Brakelbos). The weather was absolutely gorgeous, and what a contrast it was compared to the Haller Forest (Hallerbos)... There were no bustling crowds; in fact, there was only one other photographer besides me. The conditions were optimal - weather, environment, light... The only challenge that remained was finding a composition that captured this beauty without succumbing to clichés. Bluebells have been photographed countless times before. Over the coming days, I'll be sharing some shots from this morning's excursion. I hope that some of the images resonate with you - Brakel Forest, La Houppe, Belgium
Spring is here again, and it's time to seek out bluebells. Instead of the bustling crowds of Hallerbos, We've opted to explore the smaller but definitely more tranquil Brakel Forest. Located on 'Mont de Rhode' near La Houppe, this forest boasts a thick tree cover of birch and beech, providing the perfect backdrop the bluebells. Today, I share a simple black and white snapshot of the area we've been scouting. Tomorrow morning promises delightful weather, so I'll be setting off bright and early in search of stunning spring scenes adorned with beautiful bluebells. Fingers crossed for a fruitful expedition! – Brakel Forest, La Houppe, Belgium
One last check please:In this picture, taken by me at Buckingham Palace in May 2013, is a guard wearing the classic uniform of the Queen's Guard. While modern warfare favors camouflage to blend into the environment and make soldiers less visible to the enemy, historical warfare had different tactics. The red tunics were chosen in the 17th century during the English Civil War because they were easy to spot on the battlefield. Battles often occurred in open fields where visibility wasn't hindered by dense foliage or urban environments. In such conditions, bright colors like red were chosen to make soldiers more visible to their comrades, reducing the risk of friendly fire incidents. The bearskin hats were introduced by the Grenadier Guards in the 19th century. Originally worn in battle to make soldiers look taller and more impressive, they are now purely ceremonial. Each hat is made from the fur of Canadian black bears and weighs about 1.5 pounds.
The striking red tunics and tall bearskin hats remain famous symbols of British tradition, recognized worldwide. They represent Britain's rich past of power and influence, a legacy that many Britons miss. This sentiment may have influenced some to vote for Brexit, hoping to revive Britain's former glory. However, the outcome may not have met the expectations of many. Britain's once-strong position in the Commonwealth, a group of nations with historical ties to the British Empire, continues to fade - London, UK The last couple of days we have finally been enjoying some spring weather, and as spring unfolds, cities worldwide are once again graced by the beauty of cherry blossoms. From the streets of Tokyo to the charming avenues of Washington D.C., Paris, and Seoul, these blooms transform urban landscapes with their pink and white hues. Also, here at home in Ghent, the Bijloke site offers its own annual spectacle of blossoms. The image displayed was captured in March 2022 in London's Chelsea neighborhood. For those not familiar with London, it is a nice, maybe slightly posh neighborhood within walking distance of the River Theems and Battersea Park. What I want to emphasize is that each city provides a unique experience, yet during this time of year, they all share in the timeless allure of cherry blossom-lined streets. Unfortunately, their beauty is fleeting; a gentle April storm can quickly scatter the petals. Nevertheless, let's savor their presence while we can -Chelsea , London, UK
Children enjoying a game of soccer in the picturesque park surrounding the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris. I captured this moment during my visit to the Paris Photo exhibition in November 2021 - Paris, France
Today, I’m sharing a snapshot from downtown Ghent. This apartment block sits at the intersection of Ketel Canal (Ketelvaart) and the Leie River, directly across from the old courthouse. There's something about this image that captures my attention - perhaps it's the serene reflection in the water or the soft slightly desaturated cold colors. Though it may not be a masterpiece, there's an undeniable charm to it that I can't quite put my finger on – Recollettenlei, Ghent, Belgium
If the weather cooperates, this beach will quickly fill with people enjoying the sun. The chairs behind the typical red and white striped windbreakers will be occupied by tourists soaking up the rays. Visitors will be seen reading, playing, eating, walking, and running along the shoreline, their skin gradually bronzing under the sun.This image was taken during a hike in Sint-Idesbald, a coastal village in Belgium within the municipality of Koksijde. Sint-Idesbald exudes an artistic essence that is difficult to define. It was once home to one of Belgium’s greatest painters of the 20th century: Paul Delvaux, who both resided and worked here. His former residence, now transformed into a museum, offers a glimpse into his life and artistic journey. – Sint-Idesbald, Koksijde, West-Flanders, Belgium
Today, I'm sharing a photo taken during our visit to the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken in May last year. The image showcases the Chinese Pavilion in the Royal Gardens of Laeken. Built between 1901 and 1910 under the commission of King Leopold II, the pavilion reflects the fascination with exoticism and Orientalism prevalent during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But the story of the Chinese Pavilion goes beyond its architecture and Europe's fascination with Asia at the beginning of the 20th century. During Leopold II's reign, Belgium was eager to expand its global influence, including in Asia. While Congo became the primary focus of Belgian colonial efforts, Leopold II's interest in Asia was unmistakable. Before acquiring the Congo Free State, he explored the idea of establishing Belgian colonies in various Asian territories, including China. It's important to remember that at the turn of the 19th century, China was highly desired by nations worldwide for its strategic and economic significance. Leopold II was among those captivated by China's potential, envisioning a colony similar to Congo in this vast and mysterious land. Today, the Chinese Pavilion serves as a reminder of King Leopold's colonial ambitions and enduring fascination with far-off lands – Laeken, Brussels, Belgium.
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WELCOME TO MY PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG AND PORTFOLIO. MY GOAL IS TO DOCUMENT THE WORLD AROUND ME, FROM THE SMALL DETAILS OF EVERYDAY LIFE TO THE GRAND LANDSCAPES THAT TAKE OUR BREATH AWAY. WHETHER I'M AT HOME OR TRAVELING TO NEW PLACES, I AM ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW AND INTERESTING SUBJECTS TO PHOTOGRAPH. MY PHOTOGRAPHS ARE A VISUAL DIARY OF MY EXPERIENCES AND A WAY TO SHARE THE WORLD AS I SEE IT WITH OTHERS. I HOPE YOU ENJOY EXPLORING MY COLLECTION AND DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF THE WORLD THROUGH MY LENS.
About me:
Before: Healthcare Exec. Based in Brussels; Heidelberg; Los Altos Hills, CA; The Hague, Geneva, Nijmegen, Groningen
Now: Non-Executive Director in the Healthcare Industry based in Ghent. A travel buff with a passion for photography, photography books, Leica, wine and Asian food. Last but not least: proud grandfather of William, Nicholas and Mateo. |