Archeon Viking Festival 2025
Visitors had the chance to explore the Viking encampment and wander past the market stalls. There were countless stands offering everything from historical jewellery to clothing, soap to mead, weaponry to toys. Also on display were woodburning crafts, silver weaving, garments, shoes, nalbinding, glasswork, small leather goods, beads and textiles. The Vikings were not ones to sit still – they eagerly shared stories about daily life in the early Middle Ages. During the weekend, they gave demonstrations of the various weapons and clothing used and worn by the Vikings. The Vikings were hard-working farmers, skilled craftsmen, clever traders, brave warriors, and above all, fearless explorers. Several encampments could be seen throughout the weekend. The Vikings left a lasting impression that is still felt today. Many place names, especially in England, have Scandinavian roots. Viking jewellery and everyday items have been found all across Europe. People also wrote about them. The English thought the Vikings were rather odd – before going into battle, they would spend hours washing, combing their hair, and braiding their beards. The Vikings believed that if they died in battle, they would go to Valhalla – a place of eternal feasting and fighting. And of course, one ought to look their best for that!
Viking Warriors on their way to the camp
A couple of my photo’s are now also available in the UK
Photo4me is the website where you can stunning photo’s on your desired frame.
Concert Andawenn & Gwendolyn Snowdon in huys Dever
Op 11 mei 2025 traden Andawenn en Gwendolyn Snowdon op in huys Dever in Lisse.
Andawenn is een Nederlands folkduo dat sfeervolle instrumentale muziek speelt uit Ierland, Schotland en Bretagne. Het duo bestaat uit Maaike de Waal (Ierse fluit, tinwhistle) en Hans Elzinga (zang, gitaar). Hun repertoire omvat zowel traditionele melodieën als eigen composities, variërend van rustige ballades tot dansbare jigs en reels. Ze treden regelmatig op bij festivals, kerstmarkten en culturele evenementen.
Gwendolyn Snowdon is een folkzangeres en multi-instrumentalist uit Haarlem, Nederland. Met haar heldere stem en vaardigheden op de octaafmandoline en Keltische harp blaast ze traditionele melodieën nieuw leven in. Haar muziek combineert de rijke erfenis van Keltische en Europese folk met een eigentijdse touch. Ze heeft samengewerkt met bands als Kelten Zonder Grenzen, PerKelt en The Royal Spuds, en heeft opgetreden op festivals zoals Castlefest en Elfia Arcen.
Het concert in Huys Dever op 11 mei 2025 was een unieke samenwerking tussen Andawenn en Gwendolyn Snowdon, waarbij ze het publiek meenamenen op een muzikale reis door de Keltische landen met passievolle tunes en meeslepende ballades.
On May 11, 2025, Andawenn and Gwendolyn Snowdon performed at Huys Dever in Lisse.
Andawenn is a Dutch folk duo that plays atmospheric instrumental music from Ireland, Scotland, and Brittany. The duo consists of Maaike de Waal (Irish flute, tin whistle) and Hans Elzinga (vocals, guitar). Their repertoire includes both traditional melodies and original compositions, ranging from gentle ballads to danceable jigs and reels. They regularly perform at festivals, Christmas markets, and cultural events.
Gwendolyn Snowdon is a folk singer and multi-instrumentalist from Haarlem, the Netherlands. With her clear voice and skills on the octave mandolin and Celtic harp, she breathes new life into traditional melodies. Her music blends the rich heritage of Celtic and European folk with a contemporary touch. She has collaborated with bands such as Kelten Zonder Grenzen, PerKelt, and The Royal Spuds, and has performed at festivals like Castlefest and Elfia Arcen.
The concert at Huys Dever on May 11, 2025, was a unique collaboration between Andawenn and Gwendolyn Snowdon, taking the audience on a musical journey through the Celtic lands with passionate tunes and captivating ballads.
Edinburgh international harpfestival 2025
The Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2025 is set to showcase the beauty and versatility of the harp through a diverse range of events. Scheduled from April 11 to April 15, 2025, the festival will bring together harpists from around the world to celebrate this enchanting instrument.
Participants can look forward to workshops, masterclasses, concerts, and performances that cater to various skill levels and styles. The festival aims to foster a community among harpists and enthusiasts, featuring renowned artists and educators who will share their knowledge and passion for the harp.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival will also include exhibitions and vendors offering harps, accessories, and music. This gathering is not just a celebration of the harp but also a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration among musicians.
As the festival approaches, attendees can anticipate an engaging schedule filled with enriching experiences and memorable moments that will resonate long after the music ends. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a newcomer to the harp, the Edinburgh International Harp Festival 2025 has been an unforgettable event. You will find photographs in the gallery soon.
Puffins
The Isle of May, located off the east coast of Scotland, is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers alike, especially during the summer months when puffins migrate to its rocky cliffs. This small island, part of the Firth of Forth, is renowned for its diverse seabird populations, with puffins being one of the star attractions.
Photographing puffins on the Isle of May offers a unique opportunity to capture these charming seabirds in their natural habitat. The puffins, with their colorful beaks and expressive eyes, are incredibly photogenic, and the dramatic coastal backdrop of the island provides a stunning setting. Their comical behavior, from waddling along the cliffs to diving into the sea for fish, makes for captivating action shots.
The best time for puffin photography on the Isle of May is between late April and early August, when the birds are nesting and most active. Photographers can capture puffins perched on the rocks, in flight, or even carrying fish back to their burrows—a classic image that speaks to the natural beauty of the island.
The key to successful puffin photography lies in patience and respect for the birds' environment. Puffins are curious creatures, often unbothered by the presence of humans, which allows photographers to get surprisingly close without disturbing them. However, it’s essential to remember the island's protected status and ensure that you don’t get too close to their nests or cause any disturbance.
The Isle of May is a photographer's paradise, where the enchanting puffins, dramatic landscapes, and rich wildlife make for a rewarding and memorable photographic experience. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, capturing the puffins of the Isle of May will leave you with both beautiful images and unforgettable memories.
Grebe showing off
I went out yesterday to search for new photo shots. The weather was not to kind but i had a good session with a grebe showing off it’s best in the woodland of Krantz in Warmond, the netherlands. In Autumn, this is mushroom paradise.Grebes are fascinating water birds known for their striking appearances and unique behaviors. Capturing their essence through photography allows us to appreciate their beauty and behavior in stunning detail.
Common Grebe Features
Coloration: Grebes often exhibit a range of striking colors, particularly during breeding season. The Great Crested Grebe showcases distinctive black and white plumage accented with chestnut and gold.
Body Structure: Their streamlined bodies and long necks help them navigate through their aquatic habitats with grace.
Behavior and Interaction
Courtship Rituals: Many grebes engage in captivating courtship displays, which include synchronized swimming and elaborate movements, often performed in pairs.
Diving Skills: Grebes are excellent divers. They can disappear below the water’s surface in an instant while hunting for fish and invertebrates.
Habitat
Grebes typically inhabit freshwater lakes and ponds, where they can be found among reeds and aquatic plants that provide shelter and nesting material.
Photography Techniques
Lighting: Early morning or late afternoon light enhances their features and colors, creating a warm glow.
Perspective: Shooting from a low angle can emphasize their interaction with the water, highlighting their elegant form.
Conclusion
Images of grebes capture not just their physical beauty but also their dynamic behavior in their natural environment. Whether in action or at rest, these birds offer a remarkable subject for photography, providing a glimpse into the wonders of aquatic life.
You will find my images in the gallery.
