Before the daily invasion, a photo from West-Vlaanderen, Flandres

Photographer's Note

‘Brugge - Before the daily invasion’

Of all classic views in Bruges, this is probably the most classic of all.
I couldn't resist to post this one too. In the meantime the weather has become here more cold and rainy again.
So I get already nostalgic for the sunny days we could enjoy in February.

Everybody who visited Bruges, has taken a picture on Rozenhoedkaai and everyone from TE has probably also shown it here. I checked it and I am sure I haven’t uploaded a picture of this known sight before and I promise, after this one I really return to my my South Indian series. :) (I really will, Gert)

De Rozenhoedkaai is a street in Bruges.
For centuries, this street along the canal was named ‘Zoutdijk’ (‘Sald Dike’). In 1390 already the name referred to a ‘salt jetty’. Presumably on that location there was a jetty where the ships delivering salt were unloaded.

In the 18th century the name ‘Rozenhoedkaai’ (‘Rosary Quay’) came into use because of the stalls selling rosaries placed on that spot.

Today on this quay the view of Bruges is very often photographed. It’s also one of the departure points for boat trips on the canals.
Behind the houses on the waterfront you can see the main tower of Bruges, the 83 meters high tower of the belfry. 366 steps bring you up for a panoramic view (just a piece of cake for Malgo).

I left home very early and arrived in Bruges before most tourists had left their hotel. The boats had not yet sailed out. Only a few East Asian visitors were already on the road. The sun rises earlier in the east. :)

Apologies to show this much presented sight but this is my version of the famous spot taken before the daily invasion.

pajaran, jhm, Fis2, annjackman, jean113, ikeharel, ChrisJ, papagolf21, COSTANTINO, jemaflor, Royaldevon, Cricri, ricardomattos, ricardomattos, pierrefonds, alvaraalto, josepmarin, adramad, cornejo, maloutim trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

boa (8039) 2019-03-03 11:03

Hi Paul,
There are many reasons why classic and popular views are often seen on photographs, water and beautiful architecture in this case. This is a classic seen many times before, but it's still worth to see again. It's a shame that i haven't been to Bruges yet, but if I go I will probably also take photos from this spot:) Your shot have a beautiful light and colors

Have a nice evening/
Boa

mesutilgim (0) 2019-03-03 11:14

Hello Paul,
This is what I often use to say ; a perfect photographic work with the taste of an oil painting.
Perfect ligth management and sharpness, very nice reflections.
Many interesting and usefull notes. Of course the given title is top of the top :-)
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

Fis2 (170839) 2019-03-03 11:16

Witaj Paul!
The next interesting picture from Bruges.
Excellent framing and composition.
I like reflection, is impressive.
Good colors and light.
Very well done.
Good evening.
Krzysztof

lousat (139308) 2019-03-03 11:26

Hi Paul,i agree with you for a new pic during your Bruges trip,another fantastic capture very sharp and bright showing the Rosary Quay in a perfect way,interesting note too. Have a nice evening and thanks,Luciano

Ilonka1974 (10305) 2019-03-03 11:32

Hi Paul,
Excellent picture with a perfect composition and fine colors.I like especially the amazing reflections in the water.
Best regards
Janusz

emka (158204) 2019-03-03 11:47

Hello Paul,
Yes, this is the most classic view from Bruges. Like everybody who visited this wonderful city, I have taken many pictures from this place and one of them I posted on TE. But at least my picture was taken in the night. Hah, of course, I have climbed these 366 steps :).

There are always many people there but everywhere, even in the towns overrun by hordes of tourists ( like Venice, Pisa, Barcelona, Prague, ...) if you come early in the morning, before breakfast, you can have the place for yourself. This is why I like to stay in the center, even if the hostel is very basic, but then I can make a walk early in the morning or in the night. And I prefer to change the place every day than to stay in one place and make the day trips.

Kind regards MAlgo

rbassin (27472) 2019-03-03 11:48

bonsoir Paul
Encore un très belle vue sur cet endroit, bel impact des reflets
Amicalement
Roland

holmertz (102760) 2019-03-03 12:11

Hello Paul,
No need to apologize for a photo like this. As you know I usually like some human presence, but I much prefer this "pure" and empty view to seeing the same sightseeing boat once again. Colours, light and reflections are all very neat.
And I take the promise to return to Kerala seriously.
Have a nice week,
Gert

annjackman (23019) 2019-03-03 12:30

Hello Paul,
A classic view because it is so beautiful. The reflections are lovely and the whole image is colourful and bright. Just right to view today when there is a storm in the uk!
Kind regards, Ann

jean113 (27893) 2019-03-03 13:05

Hello Benny, a familiar scene? Yet each photographer brings their own style to it.
You managed a very colourful and striking version, with a wonderful reflection.
Certainly worth getting up early for!

No song title today?
Best wishes Jean.

Tue (92442) 2019-03-03 14:11

Hallo Paul,
Deze foto laat zien dat ik toch echt nog een keer naar Brugge moet. Ik ben er wel eens geweest, maar dat was in een weekend zoals afgelopen weekend met weinig aantrekkelijk weer. In dit heldere februarilicht ziet de stad er schitterend uit met heel aantrekkelijke kleuren en prachtige spiegelingen. Heel mooie klassieker!
Lars

Nicou (193806) 2019-03-03 17:22

Hello

encore de merveilleux reflets quelle iamge et compo quelle vue et double quelle réflection et cetarbre ce saule superbe image et captage
Bravo et amitié
Nicou

ChrisJ (171878) 2019-03-03 22:18

Hi Paul,

I might have added some more shadows to this but that's a personal preference. The highlights and midtones look about right so increasing contrast would not work here. Lovely reflections and good lighting without the crowds. Tfs!

carlo62 (81265) 2019-03-03 22:40

Ciao Paul
ancora una meravigliosa foto di questa splendida città ricca di monumenti fantastici e completata dai magnifici riflessi.
Saluti
Carlo

papagolf21 (152607) 2019-03-03 22:48

Bonjour, cher Paul,
Une composition très artistique s'apparentent à une peinture.
La beauté d'ensemble est fort bien mise en valeur.
Une réussite complète.
Amitiés.
Philippe

COSTANTINO (116560) 2019-03-03 23:01

Hello dear friend and have a nice time
and a happy new day
thanks for sharing with us this classic postcard
remitted from you to all of us
great work from you with the best colors
very well composed
a view the most classic of all
regards
Costantino

jemaflor (147204) 2019-03-03 23:17

Salut Paul,
Superbe ! Bravo pour cette prise avec ces conditions si photogéniques, belle lumière et que dire des reflets, splendides ! Belle prise d'un lieu si souvent photographié mais pas avec un si joli rendu.

Royaldevon (85932) 2019-03-04 1:09

Hello Paul,

You really don't need to apologise for posting a popular scene, it is a first for you and no matter how many times it has been posted, it will never be just the same. I, for one, love to see photographs of attractive places, whether previously posted or not!

This scene was well worth your efforts to photograph it!
In the early morning, without any other visitors, the scene has a wonderful privacy as well as tranquility.
The scene is utterly beautiful, with wonderful light and reflections.
A true classic!

My warm regards,
Bev :-)

Cricri (176) 2019-03-04 1:58

Bonjour Paul
Un endroit de Bruges très apprécier des photographes, ainsi vous en faites partie :-)
la lumière matinale donne de merveilleux reflets , tout en rehaussant les couleurs, superbe aussi le ciel, que c'est beau Bruges ...très belle réalisation
Amitiés
cricri

ifege (48135) 2019-03-04 2:04

Hi Paul
Yes a classic view and a great photo of it.
cheers
Ian

jhm (211736) 2019-03-04 4:50

Dag paul,

"Brugge die schone" ik denk moest men van iedereen die hier een foto genomen heeft een halve uren krijgen dan ben u steenrijk.
U moet heel vroeg opgestaan zijn om voor de toeristen daar te plaatse te zijn.
Want de boten beginnen vroeg te varen en zeker op een zondag om u tegen te zeggen qua weer.
Ook de Halletoren is mooi mee in beeld gebracht.
Goed foto werk, met welk camera heeft u dit gemaakt ?
Bedankt.

Groeten uit Oost-Vlaanderen,
John

ricardomattos (17460) 2019-03-04 6:08

Hi Paul

Lovely series you have done in Bruges. I like all of them . You got beautiful reflections and good light and colors. Everything well done.

Best regards

Ricardo

ikeharel (113411) 2019-03-04 6:56

A marvelous reflection of the old town Bruges near and over the canal, Paul.
Wonderful side light with shadows collected.
Good afternoon,
Ike

rychem (72187) 2019-03-04 8:09

What can I say, this is superb, fantastic photo, great sunny day and ideal reflections
regards Ryszard

Periko (9107) 2019-03-04 9:08

Hi Paul
Beautiful picture, great light.
Without people is better.

Tfs

GyurMaster (24838) 2019-03-04 11:25

Hello Paul,

I remember this building, its really beautiful, though I haven't had these kind of beautiful lights, it was a dull day, when I visited.

Best Wishes,
Gy.

ktanska (44790) 2019-03-04 12:30

Hi Paul,
No need to apologize. Although I have seen many views from Bruges, the many canals offer countless angles and at least this doesn't look too families. Beautiful colours of a clear winter day. I like that leafless tree in front of the house. Together with it's shadow, it looks like a veil.

pierrefonds (114516) 2019-03-04 15:08

Bonsoir Paul,

Les reflets sur l'eau sont des atouts à la composition. La prise de vue permet de voir les détails des immeubles et du clocher. La lumière met en valeur les couleurs de l'image. Bonne journée.

Pierre

pajaran (115963) 2019-03-04 23:39

Dobar dan.
Lep pogled i trenutak, interesantan i dobar tekst ...
Lepo pokazano, dobar kontrast i ostrina lepe boje, lepo uhvacen trenutak.
Lep refleks na vodi, lepa stara arhitektura na obali.
Lep deo grada.
Zelim vam lep dan, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good day.
A nice view and a moment, interesting and good text ...
Beautifully shown, good contrast and sharpness of a beautiful color, nice caught moment.
Nice reflex on the water, beautiful old architecture on the coast.
Nice part of the city.
I wish you a nice day, all the best.

Silvio1953 (221695) 2019-03-05 1:34

Ciao Paul, great view of fantastic city, lovely composition with fascinating reflections, wonderful colors, splendid light and excellent clarity, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

alvaraalto (42804) 2019-03-07 1:59

Dag Paul,
Je hoeft je toch niet te verontschuldigen omdat je zo’n schitterende foto van Brugge laat zien.
Maar ik begrijp het wel. Wat je ver haalt is lekker en ikzelf blijf nu ook weer tijden hangen in Pittsburgh terwijl ik zelden foto’s laat zien uit het fraaie Haarlem. Misschien moet ik ook op de volgende warme lentedag maar eens met mijn camera de stad ingaan.
Groet Rob

josepmarin (59385) 2019-03-08 3:25

Hi Paul,
Bruges is a real paradise for photographers, and your good photo is a fantastic sample of it.
I like this beautiful postcard of this amazing city, where the nice traditional architecture and its reflections on the canal water, create a very attractive image.
The quality of the light and of the colors give more power in the composition.
Excellent work, my friend.
Best regards,
Josep

adramad (73006) 2019-03-08 15:11

Hello Paul.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful photos, which can be captured from the captivating Bruges, I suppose it is a photo taken very early without invasion of tourists and boats through the channels, which has allowed you to capture these wonderful reflections and achieve this photo so superb
Wonderful colors in soft tones, excellent sharpness and splendid light.
Very well done. I like very much.
You have a good day.
Very best regards.
Luis.

mkamionka (74509) 2019-03-11 11:50

Hi Paul,
yes this is probably the most famous and recognizable view from Bruges.
So even if there are probably many photos of this spot -I don't judge you for adding your version, in fact I am sure if I get a chance to visit Bruges I will most certainly post a photo from this POV as well :)
Great weather day. The scene is so full of light. In fact I think I would consider increasing the contrast level a bit. It is of course the matter of personal taste but recently I like having stronger level of contrasts -I think it gives a better feeling of depth.
Excellent work,
M

cornejo (61504) 2019-03-28 11:38

Hello Paul, very good photography of this beautiful and interesting composition in the charming city, very well captured in this beautiful image, with good sharpness, light, color and quality. Great and interesting work perfectly done, my congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Good night and happy weekend.
Best wishes from the south of Spain.
Angel.

maloutim (13617) 2019-07-08 2:00

Quelle belle photo du canal à Bruges! Et dire que cela a été pris en février est assez incroyable!
Les couleurs sont plutôt estivales mais bien sûr les arbres sans feuilles ns racontent une histoire différente!
J'aime le POV avec la courbe du canal et les superbes reflets dans l'eau!
Bien joué. Marie-Louise

jmdias (115230) 2019-08-31 16:07

paul

yes, I saw this view many times before. anyway you got a special light, pov and the texture of the sky was perfect. it was impossible didn't take a photo and post it, because it is perfect. TFS.
in the next week I will be in holidays.
take care

jorge