Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Built in the Dutch Golden Age and dominating Dam Square, this neoclassical landmark offers a striking facade of Bentheim sandstone with symmetrical towers, intricate sculptural detail, and a scale that rewards wide compositions. Position yourself at the far edges of the square to get the full building in frame while including the surrounding bustle of the plaza. A wide angle lens in the 16 to 24mm range works well for capturing the full facade, while a longer focal length lets you isolate the carved pediment reliefs and the iconic Atlas figure crowning the roof. Overcast days are your friend here, as diffused light eliminates the harsh shadows that midday sun casts across the deep window recesses. Early mornings on weekdays are the best time to shoot without crowds filling the foreground, and the square itself can serve as a clean, open lead-in to the building. (Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands)
