First Light
Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
It’s always a challenge to get out to a photo location early enough for sunrise. No exception this time: We arrived at the lake, rushed up the hill and were lucky enough to find a good spot to set up the camera just in time. Shortly after, the spectacle began as the first rays of the rising sun gently touched the majestic mountain ridges. The water’s distinct blue color is due to the refraction of light off fine particles of rock, washed in by glacial melt water. Additionally, the crystal clear reflections in the calm lake add an element of tranquility and peacefulness to the scenery.
Waves
Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona, USA
A bit of luck is required to access this fabulous yet fragile sandstone formation as only a few daily permits are issued through a lottery. The lucky winners are able to witness the magnificent result of wind and water's tedious efforts to shape 'The Wave'. Unlike most landscapes, this location is mesmerizingly photogenic already around noontime when shadows are minimized. The countless lines draw the viewer into the image and the reflection of the gorgeous blue sky and the shattered clouds in the calm rain water pond add to this dramatic scenery which seems to arise from a faraway fantasy world.
Beaver's backyard
Beaver Boardwalk, Hinton, Alberta, Canada
The visit of Beaver Boardwalk was only Plan B after a somewhat mediocre photography day in the area around Maligne Lake. As it turned out, it was an excellent backup, as while we waited for the sun to set, we were able to observe a beaver family roaming around their dam. The water was smooth as a mirror and the reflection of the white-blue sky is almost perfect.
Endless
Ponte Vasco da Gama Lisbon, Portugal
After a fantastic first sunrise photo session at Ponte Vasco da Gama, I returned to the spot on a second occasion in search of another composition. This time the Tejo river turned into a beautifully calm, vast mirror surface just long enough that I was able to capture this long exposure shot. The silence of the bridge stretching endlessly towards the horizon contrasts nicely with the dynamic movement of the clouds which seem to accelerate towards the shoreline. Only moments later, the unusually silent water became agitated by the upcoming east wind, causing the fragile moment to vanish.
Sunset & moonrise
Vermilion Lakes, Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
The Vermilion Lakes are situated right outside of the beautiful town of Banff. Lots of wildlife can be observed in the surrounding National Park. While we waited for the perfect light, a herd of elks crossed the shallow lake, guided by the authoritative roar of the male elk. The moon rising behind the red glowing mountain tops was the icing on the photography cake.
Harmony
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is the embodiment of a romantic setting, with an isolated pilgrimage church on a small islet in the middle of the picturesque lake. On our second visit to the place, the wind conditions were perfect for a while and the tiny reflective waves added a nice glossy touch to the image. This photo invites the viewer to discover and explore. Despite being packed with eye-catching details, one can still sense the peacefulness and the tranquility of the place. Imagine the sound of the ringing church bell floating to the shoreline!
