Peter van der Meij: winner of the jury prize of the Visit Haarlemmermeer Photo Contest 2025

Peter van der Meij was pleasantly surprised to learn he had won the jury prize for the 2025 Visit Haarlemmermeer Photo Contest. This year's theme, "Heritage & Architecture, Built to Last," invited photographers to capture Haarlemmermeer's unique buildings: from historical monuments to contemporary architecture. The jury particularly praised Peter's keen eye for detail and his ability to blend old and new in a single image.

Source: visithaarlemmermeer.nl

From Haarlem to Heemstede

Peter was born in Haarlem and currently lives in Heemstede. His passion for photography arose during his military service, when he started shooting with a simple analog camera. That camera later accompanied him on long journeys to Canada, the United States, and Australia, among other places. In retirement, he rekindled this old love. Now he focuses primarily on landscapes and architecture.

By walking or cycling quietly, I let myself be amazed by what I see.

Peter van der Meij

The winning photo

The winning photo shows the Marktpleinkerk (Market Square Church) with a modern extension by architect Liesbeth van der Pol. "I wanted to highlight the arches and the cross in the window, while keeping the old building in the background. This creates a contrast between old and new," explains Peter. Because construction was still underway next to the church, he placed his camera against the wall to keep the cranes out of the shot. "I further edited the photo on the computer to emphasize the most important elements."

Source: Peter van der Meij

Favorite places in Haarlemmermeer

Peter finds inspiration in many places in Haarlemmermeer. Cycling along Taurus Avenue with its striking buildings, at Schiphol Airport where planes take off against the polder landscape, or at the Calatrava Bridges with their spectacular lines. "The interplay of line and light is essential for me, and then making sure the subject is unobstructed within the frame," says Peter.

Technique and style

Peter works entirely digitally. This gives him the freedom to view and edit his photos immediately. He appreciates analog photography but finds it very labor-intensive. For architecture, he often chooses black and white to enhance the lines and shapes. Night photography and nature photos, however, are shot in color.

Recognition and advice

Peter feels the jury prize is a wonderful recognition. "It confirms that my way of seeing and photographing is appreciated." His advice to aspiring photographers: capture what you feel when you see something. Pay attention to light and composition, but don't be swayed by likes or the opinions of others. Above all, enjoy the moment. With his attention to lines, light, and contrast, Peter demonstrates the photogenic nature of Haarlemmermeer. Old and modern buildings are a rich source of inspiration – his winning photo is a beautiful example of that.