This one has been on top of my list for along time, the famous Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. I know it has been done before but I just wanted to get ‘my own version’ of it. A couple of weeks ago I finally got a window of opportunity, a small one but a chance none the less. So I set out for the Holland Amerika kade in Rotterdam. When these opportunities arise there’s little to none influence on the weather and the conditions. And even though the conditions were not perfect I still headed out and went with what ever would come. The image I had set my mind to was a heavy dark processed Black and White architectural Photo of the white bridge. Kind of like my long exposure series So cloudy conditions were of no problem to me. But I must say I do like the muted desaturated images that came from the camera too so I kept some of them.
Here’s an iPhone image of my setup
I had scouted this location online over at 500px.com and knew where to be and what image I would get. I had about 15 minutes before I had to get on and only went for two shots; one with the docks in the foreground and one of The Bridge. In order to slow down the shutter speed long enough to have the water smooth and milky I used my Hitech IRND 10-stopper. It had been a long time since I had shot a proper long exposure so I was little out of practice. I encountered some trouble with light leaking and have not yet discovered where the problem comes from. My best guess is that the filter holder does not seal off the sides well enough. Maybe I should get myself the proper Hitech filter holder. Will have to check up on that. Finally I did manage to get a couple of nice shots. And I must do this more often! Shooting long exposures is great fun and I love the time warping effects is has on water and sky!
So here are the results let me know in the comments!
Erasmus Bridge by martijnvandernat.nl
30 seconds of pure Rotterdam on a cloudy monday morning.
(c) Martijn van der Nat All rights reserved
T H E B R I D G E by martijnvandernat.nl
115 seconds of pure Rotterdam on a cloudy monday morning.
(c) Martijn van der Nat All rights reserved