Just before sunrise, I walked through the snow-covered polder landscape near Alblasserdam. I captured this moment in my photo Winter splendour in the polder. From behind a wooden gate in the meadow, a majestic view opened up. The horizon was graced by the iconic Kinderdijk mills, surrounded by a thick blanket of snow. This was special, as we had not seen this much snow here since 2010. Soft tones in the sky completed the scene, creating a serene, almost fairytale-like atmosphere.
Photographing with health challenges
The winter conditions made photography more challenging because of my health. Driving was not an option, but I live within walking distance of the Kinderdijk mills. Each photo session requires a long recovery, as I often spend two days completely exhausted afterwards. Even editing on the computer takes energy, meaning weeks can pass between creating and publishing my images.Still, I did not want to miss this opportunity, precisely because such moments are rare. Even though I feel tempted when I see others post their work immediately, I choose to work at my own pace.
Mental strength and the joy of nature
Despite these challenges, photographing nature gives me mental strength. Being outside, listening to the silence, enjoying winter light and the peace of the polder help me feel good. Seeing a successful snowy photo, winter spendour in the polder at the mills of Kinderdijk, increases my sense of pride and resilience. Maybe a snow picture appears online in the spring ;-). This delay is part of my process, but it keeps my passion alive. That is why each moment outdoors feels like a victory, even when the weather is harsh.
📸 A lasting memory
This winter scene is more than just a photograph for me. It proves that beauty exists in quiet, cold mornings.If you wish to bring this atmosphere into your home, explore my prints via Art Heroes, or support my work through Ko-fi ☕. Your support helps me, despite limitations, to keep capturing special moments and continue sharing the story of the polder.
View more photos via the link, which, like this one, are part of my portfolio ‘Famous windmills’.