Sint Nicolaaskerk, Amsterdam

Posted by MadScientist (Düsseldorf, Germany) on 7 November 2009 in Architecture and Portfolio.

Amsterdam's historistic masterpiece (architect: A.C. Bleijs), built 1884-1887. With its neo-Baroque and neo-Renaissance design it's a worthy counterpart of the Protestant Wester-, Oude and Zuiderkerk.

For this shot I placed my camera on a kneeler, with my left hand as sort of a wedge to make it look upwards, and the remote shutter in my right hand. Ca. 2 seconds exposure time at f10.0, ISO 200. (Try this in a church without kneelers!)

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Comments (12)

Ted from South Wales, United Kingdom

Loving the technique and the result really paid off, superb colours and detail!

7 Nov 2009 8:44am

@Ted: I was afraid my pulse would move the camera up and down, but fortunately I'm rather cold-blooded. :-)

António Pires from Lisbon, Portugal

It seems that the ambient of the Amsterdam canals on a cloudy day (cf. your photo of Zuiderkerk) was recreated inside this church.

7 Nov 2009 11:05am

@António Pires: Yes, an aura of mysticism was important here, not unlike it is in orthodox churches. Perhaps it looks completely different on bright and sunny days (the windows are quite big and should let in enough sunshine), but at that peculiar day it did not.

MARIANA from Waterloo, Canada

AFBULOUS ! I think I love this shot the best from all your collection . 100***********

7 Nov 2009 3:25pm

@MARIANA: Wow, thanks very much, Mariana! :-)

Curly from South Shields, United Kingdom

This has turned out an exceptional exposure with fabulous light levels and detail retained where you need it. Very impressive.

7 Nov 2009 4:50pm

@Curly: Thanks very much, Curly, much appreciated!

Peter from Amsterdam, Netherlands

This church is located near the waterfront, St. Nicholas is patron saint to sailors and to the city of Amsterdam. December 5th is Saint Nicholas day, in America and other English speaking countries he's known as Saint Nick or Father Christmas.

interesting word verification: Papacies hotline

7 Nov 2009 7:29pm

@Peter: December 6 in Germany! And I know that the Dutch are crazy for Sinterklaas! :-)

Twelvebit from Victoria, United States

Great details, tone, and color.

7 Nov 2009 8:45pm

@Twelvebit: I've done handheld shots in this church: they are nearly black. At ISO 3200.

Philip from Cowbridge, United Kingdom

The lighting and colours are great. I guess the long exposure helped. It has indeed the look of a historic masterpiece. Magnificant. What is a Kneeler? Never heard of one before. I'm off to Goggle it and see what comes up!

7 Nov 2009 10:13pm

@Philip: Just a furniture with an additional 'facility' to kneel down. Richer parishes provide soft pillows to protect your kneepans. :-)

Michael from Deer Park, United States

beautiful colors!

8 Nov 2009 3:04am

@Michael: I like them too, yes. They really stand out from this dark background.

jim from sebastopol, United States

wonderful images! i am constantly amazed at the high caliber of your work. you are creating a valuable historic archive.

8 Nov 2009 4:36am

@jim: You make my day! :-)

Japanalia from Yokohama, Japan

WONDERFUL capture!!!! The atmosphere is enveloping, wrapping you up in beauty!

9 Nov 2009 6:01am

@Japanalia: Thanks so much, Gabriela!

akarui from Kagoshima, Japan

A beautiful church indeed and you have taken it very well.

9 Nov 2009 11:38pm

@akarui: Many thanks, Olivier!

Magda from Vancouver, Canada

Gorgeous! Spectacular

10 Nov 2009 3:37am

@Magda: Thanks a lot!

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Canon EOS 40D
8/5 seconds
F/10.0
ISO 200
10 mm