Spring is a particular time in the Netherlands. It is the season of the tulips, and the whole country seems to be in bloom. I always wanted to do a biking trip in Holland around this time of the year and I finally managed to do it in April of 2017. It all started where it always starts – in the awesome city of Amsterdam, right strictly at the time when the place was waking up from its winter sleep.
The carnival in Nizza has a long-standing tradition, reaching back many decades. Alongside the carnivals in Venice and Rio de Janeiro, it is one of the most famous parades of this kind (Mardi Gras would be another example). It is a festival of lights and flowers, kitschy music, and many weird creatures roaming the streets. There is a lot of dance and fun, and it ends with the burning of a figure resembling a king – the famous burning of the king. Very french. Also, every year, there is another overreaching theme; this time, it was space and sci-fi.
Holland, as photographed in black and white, in April of 2017.
The natural beauty of Holland is stunning. You never stop to marvel when cycling around the vast and seemingly endless fields of the Netherlands. Especially in spring, the country is beautiful when nature comes alive again, and the tulips fully bloom. Hop on the bike and take a ride with me!
When traveling to Holland, you notice a lot of beautiful landscapes, endless tulip fields, and scenic views on windmills. But the towns are as exciting and pretty as the nature surrounding them. The following pictures were shot in Leiden, Gouda, Woerden, and Delft.
I am not doing night photography very often – cause it’s not easy to accomplish. But Amsterdam inspires in the nighttime as in daylight. It is just an incredible city with great views on the channels and on the distinct architecture. Amsterdam is also a town that never sleeps, much like New York, and although the Dutch are very liberal regarding drugs and prostitution, it never feels dangerous or unsafe to walk around during the night.
Michael Hoffman Photography 
