Drone

Evertsenstraat Watertoren IJmuiden — Drone Photography, Netherlands

Drone photograph of Evertsenstraat Water Tower in IJmuiden, Netherlands, showing tower and attached apartments in national monument surroundings.

The converted water tower at Evertsenstraat in IJmuiden caught my eye during a recent trip — its history, monument status, and architecture combining into something photographically interesting. What used to supply drinking water now stands as residential apartments surrounded by park-like green spaces, and the tower’s shape against sky feels different from every angle.

Aerial detail of rooftop apartments attached to former water tower at Evertsenstraat, IJmuiden, highlighting architectural shape and roof details.

The complex dates from 1914–1915. Built as a water supply complex, the tower and filter building remain as national monuments. Flying the drone above the Watertorenpark, I aimed to capture both the structure’s form and its setting — the clean lines of the tower, the geometry of the rooftop apartments, the park and landscaping around, and the sense of height.

Wide-angle drone shot of Watertorenpark green space, filter building and water tower in IJmuiden, Netherlands.

Architecture and monumentality in unexpected places is a focus of mine. For more structural drone photography in the Netherlands and beyond, check the Drone and Places galleries.

IJmuiden, Seaport Beach — Drone Photography, Netherlands

Golden hour drone image of IJmuiden seaport beach, sunset reflections on wet sand and silhouettes of breakwaters.

Golden hour over IJmuiden’s seaport beach gives light a rare softness — when metal, sand, and sea all respond with reflection. These drone shots capture that brief moment when the elements line up at the edge of sunset.

Port cranes and shipping structures glowing under sunset light at IJmuiden, capturing industrial silhouette.

Flying over the beach and port area, I watched how the light changes the textures — wet sand mirrors sky, breakwaters cast long silhouettes, shipping containers and cranes glow faintly in warm tones. Each image is about contrast: structure against horizon; calm water against the industrial edges of the seaport. Golden hour makes everything more dramatic without forcing it.

Beach shoreline and port infrastructure at IJmuiden, Netherlands, seen from above with calm water and warm sky.
Combination of natural and industrial in IJmuiden: sand, sea walls and warm sunset light at seaport edge.

These images are part of my ongoing exploration of shorelines and port environments. For more coastal and industrial drone work, see my Drone and Wind Industry galleries.

North Pier, IJmuiden at Early Sunrise — Drone & Coastal Morning Light, Netherlands

Early morning drone image of North Pier IJmuiden, boardwalk lines and calm water under soft sunrise sky.

When the horizon is calm and dawn breaks over the water, familiar structures take on new form. The North Pier in IJmuiden at early sunrise offered one of those moments — air cool, light soft, reflections still. Riding a bike before the workday started to catch that transition from darkness to colour made all the difference.

These images came from a session where outcomes were uncertain — sky, tide, cloud cover all played their parts. Walking or cycling toward the pier meant seeing small changes in light on railings, weathered timber, and pier surfaces. The drone lifts you above the scene: boardwalks become lines, the sea becomes a mirror, and the horizon becomes a soft gradient. Even when the result isn’t what I originally planned, I enjoy what emerges — shapes, tones, mood.

Mornings like this remind me why I chase light before day begins. For more sunrise pier, coastline, and drone work, see my Places and Drone galleries.

Blackpool Promenade.

02 Promenade, Blackpool tower, Lancashire, landscape, pano, drone, dji, mavic pro 2, aerial, photography, Lytham St Annes, Lee Ramsden, sunset

Good morning.

I like to share some images of Blackpool front.

Blackpool’s sea front, with its dazzling lights and timeless charm, has been a beloved destination for generations. Stretching along the Fylde Coast, Blackpool’s sea front is famous for its piers, the iconic Blackpool Tower, and a lively promenade filled with attractions.

Promenade, Blackpool tower, Lancashire, landscape, pano, drone, dji, mavic pro 2, aerial, photography, Lytham St Annes, Lee Ramsden, sunset

Standing tall since 1894, Blackpool Tower is an enduring symbol of the city’s heritage. As the sun sets, the tower lights up, creating a spectacular sight against the evening sky.

Have you explored Blackpool Sea Front? Share your favorite photos and experiences in the comments on Instagram @lee_ramsden.

Promenade, Blackpool tower, Lancashire, landscape, pano, drone, dji, mavic pro 2, aerial, photography, Lytham St Annes, Lee Ramsden, sunset

Thanks,

Lee