Giethoorn Village
Giethoorn is a Dutch village built almost entirely around a network of narrow canals, with no roads through the historic center, making it one of the most unusual and photogenic places in the Netherlands. The classic shot is from water level, either renting a small electric boat or flat-bottomed punt and drifting through the canals with thatched-roof farmhouses reflected in the still water. Early morning is by far the best time to visit; the light is soft, mist sometimes hangs over the water, and the village is quiet before day-trippers arrive. Look for wooden arched bridges as framing elements, and position yourself low to emphasize reflections. A 24-70mm lens covers most situations well, but a longer focal length lets you compress the layers of bridges, greenery, and rooftops. The village is most colorful in spring and summer when gardens along the banks are in full bloom. (Giethoorn, Overijssel, Netherlands)
