AMONG THE CYPRESSES
Ineke Sijtsma
From an early age, my sister and I enjoyed exploring nature and capturing nice moments on camera. Photography was our casual interest, often something we enjoyed doing in our free time or on vacation. Six years ago, however, I became interested in photography again and wanted to improve my skills. I started with workshops, learning the basics before more advanced techniques. During one of these workshops, I came across a trip to the Isle of Skye, Scotland. The rugged landscapes, the mountains and fantastic views were absolutely amazing. This is where my interest in landscape photography began. Since then, I have travelled to both Iceland and Tanzania, two quite different destinations. Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes, while Tanzania is home to incredible wildlife.
Beyond these trips, I also enjoy photowalks in my home country, the Netherlands, especially in natural areas like the Veluwe near my hometown. It is nice to meet other photographers, learn from each other, and gain inspiration. My most recent trip took me to Tuscany, Italy. It meant waking up early, but the reward was breathtaking sunrises with stunning layers of mist and beautiful golden sunlight streaming through the trees. The landscape never stops to amaze, with its rolling hills full of characteristic cypresses, often arranged in scenic lanes, but sometimes standing alone amidst the green, rolling hills. There were so many great photo opportunities; whether capturing wide landscapes with a standard lens or using a telelens to focus on smaller details of the scenery, each moment was uniquely beautiful. Photography started as a hobby but became my passion. With my photos, I hope to inspire others to see the beauty of nature and appreciate it even more.
This article first appeared in the PRISMA Newsletter, 3rd of August 2025.