Sunrise... In Bruges

Sunrise... In Bruges, originally uploaded by Della Huff Photography.

Bruges is one of the quaintest towns in Europe, which is both the best and worst thing about it. It is small and a magnet for tourists, so while it is not entirely authentic, it is also a must-visit place because of its medieval charm and beauty.

Bruges was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe for a short period in the Middle Ages due to its cloth trade. When the river that connected it to the North Sea silted up and cut off the trade route, the city faded into obscurity until the 20th century, when it was dusted off as a top tourist destination in Belgium.

Apparently in the summertime it is nearly impossible to get around because it is packed full of visitors. In the dead of winter, it was nearly deserted and beautiful with a veneer of ice and snow.

Canon 5D, Canon 24-70L. Blend of two exposures at f/5.6 @ 1/20 and 1/100 to balance the light on Bruges Tower and the shadowy, icy water. ISO 125. No filters.