Corner of Sint Olofssteeg
Tucked just off the Oudezijds Voorburgwal canal in Amsterdam's oldest quarter, this corner offers one of the city's most compelling low-angle waterfront compositions. Standing at the edge of Sint Olofssteeg, you can frame the centuries-old canal houses so they appear to emerge directly from the water, with no visible embankment between the facades and their reflections. A wide to standard lens, something in the 24 to 35mm range, works well for capturing the full sweep of the leaning gabled rooftops alongside the canal surface. Overcast days are ideal here because soft, diffused light eliminates harsh shadows and enhances the glassy reflections that make the shot. Early morning gives you calm water and almost no foot traffic, which is a significant advantage in this busy part of the city. Get as low as you safely can to the water's edge to maximize that flooded, surreal quality. (Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands)
