The empty bench on the dike, minimalism in black & white

A serene photograph of an empty bench on a dike near the town of Westkapelle, in Zeeland, The Netherlands: photographic minimalism in black & white.

Westkapelle, Zeeland, The Netherlands
November 2022
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Info

Camera & lens

Fujifilm GFX100
Fujifilm FUJINON GF110mmF2 R LM WR

Camera settings

ƒ/11, 1 minute, ISO 100 and 110 mm

Size original

8522 x 8522 pixels

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Please credit Johan when sharing:
© 2025 Johan Peijnenburg: https://www.niophoto.com

Background

There is something mystical about minimalism in black & white. This Dutch landscape photograph of an empty bench on a dike is a great example. All sorts of thoughts can come to mind, both negative and positive. Tranquillity or loneliness? What are your thoughts?

This bench is one of the many on the dike that protects Westkapelle against the water of the North Sea. Westkapelle is a small town in the western province of Zeeland in The Netherlands.

The coastline of Westkapelle has many interesting features, amongst others:

  • A long dike overlooking the North Sea.
  • Sandy beaches with wooden breakwaters that protect them from eroding.
  • Two lighthouses and a radar tower.
  • A large old wooden pier.

Additionally, there are a couple of tall mooring posts, like the one that you see in the photograph titled The mooring post.

Westkapelle, therefore, is a great location for coastal landscape photography. Nevertheless, an empty bench on a dike tempts as well, as it is a great basis for photographic minimalism in black & white. Especially when the clouds cooperate!

A long exposure of one minute was long enough to smoothen the clouds and still short enough to keep some texture. The photograph has a more serene look and feel, because of this. “The empty bench” seemed to be a fitting title for this Dutch coastal landscape photograph.

Make sure to visit our Minimalist photography portfolio for more minimalism in black & white. The photo titled A tasty lake is another great example. Alternatively, visit our Black & White Photography portfolio to see a broader collection of black & white images. Lastly, check out our The Coast theme to see coastal landscapes from all over the world.

Prints & licences

This photo can be purchased as a print. We offer unmounted fine art prints as well as premium prints that are ready-to-hang when they arrive at your home. Visit our Purchasing a print FAQ page for information about the various types of prints that we offer and how to order one.

Alternatively, the photograph can be licensed for personal or commercial use. Just click or tap the add_shopping_cart icon. Please refer to our Licensing a photograph FAQ page to learn more about these licence types and which one to get.

© 2025 Johan Peijnenburg, All Rights Reserved. Make sure to read our Terms & Conditions before purchasing and using this photograph.

Comments (1)

1 comment for The empty bench on the dike, minimalism in black & white

  1. Donna walsh

    Certainly though evoking 😊 I like it!

    • Johan Peijnenburg

      Thank you Donna! 🙂

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