Tag: Reflection

Capturing Rome: Blue Hour Moments

I’d always dreamed of visiting Rome and the dream came true this autumn. I wanted to explore many places. But there was really only one photo. The Bridge of Angels and Vatican on the River Tiber in the “Blue Hour”.

I headed for a vantage point on the Ponte Umberto on our first evening to give me a “second chance”. The right decision, as it turned out!

After months of dry weather, it rained that day. Luckily the clouds lifted slightly and the skies were lit in an amazing orange light for a few minutes. But then a heavy rain shower hit us and we fled for shelter. The photo session was well and truly over, so we headed to Piazza Navone for pizza and wine.

Lo and behold, I’d captured an image that was exactly what a client wanted as a throw blanket. 2 metres by 1. 5 metres, now that is some canvas. Thank you so much and enjoy! See my blog for the Making of!

So how did I bag my blue hour scene? On our last evening we were returning from the Vatican tour and passed over the Ponte Umberto again, by chance.

It was perfect timing:-)

The lights on the Bridge of Angels, the Vatican and bookstalls along the river came on. Wispy clouds floated in the dusk skies. I didn’t have my tripod so I improvised using the bridge. Wow, am I pleased with the results, even if I say it myself.

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by Categories: Cityscape, italy, Nightscape, Rome, SunsetTags: , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Capturing Rome’s Magical Sunset Moments

I’d always dreamed of visiting Rome and by chance I had the opportunity this autumn. When my travel companion asked what photos I’d like to take I said there was only one. I hoped for an early evening scene over the River Tiber from the Ponte Umberto with the lights of the Bridge of Angels and the Vatican illuminated in the Blue Hour.

I suggested we went there on our first evening to give me the slight possibility of a “second chance”.

After weeks or even months of dry weather, it rained that day and was cloudy. I kept my fingers crossed that this would give us a special sunset and wasn’t disappointed. The clouds lifted slightly and the setting sun lit the skies in an amazing orange light, just for a few minutes. The light was reflected in the calm river as a boat set off for a tour, adding movement to the special scene.

Very shortly after, a heavy rain shower hit us and we had to flee the bridge for shelter. We headed into the historical district near Piazza Navone for a delicious pizza and glass of wine. And I kept my fingers crossed that I had captured at least one special shot:-)

If you’ve been paying attention you’ll be asking “what about the blue hour scene”? Well, by chance, we were there again a couple of days later and I bagged that too. To follow.

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Discovering the Hidden Gems of the Outer Hebrides

While exploring the islands of the Scottish Outer Hebrides we often took remote roads away from the routes travelled by other visitors. And we were rewarded time and again by such stunning scenery and unique experiences.

That morning, the weather looked less than promising, but we decided to risk it and drive out over the single-track road across the peninsula of Lochportain to the far north-east of the Isle of North Uist.

As we returned from the tiny hamlets of Hoebeg and Cheesebay at the far end of the road, we passed Loch an t-Sagairt lit by the sunlight but with a backdrop of threatening, dark clouds on the horizon. Believe it or not, it didn’t rain.

I was struck by the sheep grazing peacefully on the hillside and how the old fence line led the eye into the image.

For me, there is something special about the Hebridean islands and this scene depicts the ever-present contrasts between darkness and light.

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Heraklion’s Enchanting Dusk: A Sunset to Remember

This June I headed off to beautiful Crete to tour new places. After visiting the eastern end of the island, I chose historic Heraklion (Ηράκλειο) as my next base to explore. I was lucky enough to stay near the bustling heart of the capital of this Greek island.

One evening I strolled down to the Venetian Harbour, keeping my fingers crossed there would be another magnificent Mediterranean sunset. Earlier in the day it had been windy and rough, but towards dusk everything had settled down. I sat on the quay overlooking the bay waiting for the sunset and hoping for waves splashing the rocks.

My patience paid off:-)

The sky on the horizon was slightly hazy, just perfect for the kind of dusk scene I was hoping for.

As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon it cast a soft, warm glow over the sea and the shore. The spray from the waves sparkled like diamonds as it hit the rocks. Mount Stroumboulas and the peninsula across Heraklion Bay were beautifully silhouetted as a backdrop to the scene.

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The Magic of Mochlos

This June I headed off to beautiful Crete to explore new places. First stop was the scenic village of Mochlos, a former fishing village set at the foot of a mountainous coastline. I was lucky enough to stay in a lovely holiday apartment a couple of minutes walk from the shore. Perfect for enjoying the spectacular sunset light shows while chilling at a restaurant or sitting on the rocks

One evening there was a soft haze over the horizon, acting like a natural filter to the dusk light. After the magnificent main sunset I stayed for a while on the rocks, enjoying the fabulous blue hour light. Across the bay lay the uninhabited island of Mochlos with its illuminated chapel. The mood was magical.

The island of Mochlos (Greek: Μόχλος) has an archaeological site from an ancient Minoan settlement. About 150 metres of blue Aegean Sea separates the island from the village and resort of the same name. Located in the Gulf of Mirabello it is a short drive from Agios Nikolaos or Sitia, in north eastern Crete. Well worth it for the breathtaking views from the rugged coast and the local tavernas around the small beach.

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Breathtaking Sunrise Over Mirabello Bay

I woke before dawn and, from my bed, spotted dramatic cloud formations on the horizon. The early morning light was promising. Yep, I needed to get my camera and tripod set up – and keep my fingers crossed.

A short while later Mother Nature started her light show. The skies over Mirabello Bay and the Sitia Peninsula were breathtaking: silhouetted clouds and mountains, shimmering golden Mediterranean waters. Who would wish for a better start to the day?

Definitely worth getting up before the rest of the world to enjoy this scene from my holiday apartment balcony.

You have memories of your visit to Agios Nikolaos or dream of visiting one day? What about a picture for your wall or desk, or maybe a jigsaw puzzle, coffee mug or duvet cover? This image and many more from the fascinating Greek island of Crete are available as

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Eilean Donan Castle: A Scottish Highlands Gem

A must-visit location in the Scottish Highlands for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. The tide was out and the shore was lined with shiny seaweed, the clouds provided a moody backdrop. The island at the confluence of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh is near the pretty village of Dornie.

Actually I set off in the morning for a tour of the Isle of Skye. Unexpectedly, I ended up here at the end of the day. I was ever so lucky to arrive in time to enjoy this amazing view of iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Although I nearly ended up getting stranded. Read on below…

So how did I get on this adventure? During the Skye tour I was offered a lift here. There was a regular local bus back to my hotel. Why not? I double checked the bus time beforehand and checked again with the waitress in the nearby pub at dinner. Yes, the last bus is at 7.45 p.m. from the castle.

I took photos of the castle and the pretty village of Dornie. Then I went for a lovely meal in the village before heading for the bus ahead of time.

But it didn’t come… and I didn’t have an internet connection.

My phone worked so I called my hotel on Skye who gave me the numbers of the two local taxis. One didn’t answer and the other was already on a long trip up the coast. “No way today, sorry.”

Remember, I am on the west coast of Scotland, 9 miles on a dark road from the next town, without a footpath, 11 miles from my hotel on the Isle of Skye. The last bus has officially gone. The only two local taxis are not coming. It is getting dark and cold. I listen to music, dance a little to keep warm.

Suddenly I see an “Out of Service” bus approaching. I almost run out in front of it. I learn that my bus had broken down and this was the replacement bringing people from Glasgow to the Isle of Skye. I hopped on gratefully and eventually got back to my hotel. Where everyone in the meantime knew about the “Glasgae bus breakdoon”.

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A Scenic Day Trip to Bavaria’s Lake Chiem in Winter

It was so peaceful and that view took my breath away. I stood up on the deck and thought – how lucky I am.

Enjoyed from the ferry boat on Lake Chiem on my day out from Munich in late January.

I was yearning to get out of the city to the lakes and mountains but there were always things going on or the weather didn’t play along. Originally, I’d checked out the trip details for another lake. But yet again the German Railways had railworks and disruptions on the day. Maybe I should thank them because I ended up going to Lake Chiem for an amazing day out.

Prien am Chiemsee is just an hour by train from Munich but you still need to get to the lake from the station – either wait almost an hour for the local bus or walk 25 minutes to the shore, which I chose to do. Got lost and took 40 minutes. My Fitbit was happy:-)

Lake Chiem is a pretty big ice age lake – 80 sq km or 31 sq mi – in Bavaria, Germyn, with inhabited islands including Frauenchiemsee, or simply Fraueninsel with over 300 residents, and Herrenschiemsee or Herreninsel. The local ferry runs throughout the winter to serve these islands which means visitors can enjoy the trip too.

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Capturing the Last Rays Over Lake Schlier

It was a breathtaking moment – well worth the trip just for this.

At the end of December we had a few days where sunshine was forecast in Munich but didn’t come. Instead it was grey, cold, and more grey. The weather app showed sunshine a short journey south of the city, and I thought, “well why not try?” In the worst case, I can simply get the next train back.

I chose one of my favourite lakes – Schliersee – which is easy to reach by public transport in about an hour and has proper paths along part of the shore, as there was snow and ice around. I’ve been there a few times but never when the sun went down, so I thought I’d try my luck.

I wandered along the shore to what I hoped was a good vantage point and wasn’t disappointed. Lo and behold, the sun slowly dipped behind the mountains. I crouched down to pick up the ice near the shore and capture the beautiful reflections and that final sunflare or starburst, before the sun finally disappeared for the night.

Lake Schlier, in the town of Schliersee, Upper Bavaria, Germany on a late December afternoon 2024.

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The Horn of Amalthea: A Symbol of Abundance

I woke up early this morning to enjoy the sunrise and spotted a cruise ship far off on the horizon. So I grabbed my camera and went down to the shore to be rewarded with this amazing view a short while later.

The striking Horn of Amalthea sculpture with its green glass elements is illuminated by the dawn sun, while the cruise ship Azamara Pursuits sails slowly towards shore. The calm waters of Mirabello Bay in the Aegean Sea and the silhouetted mountains on the Sitia Peninsula complete the serene scene.

The small boat on the left is the pilot boat guiding the giant ship safely into the harbour at the port of Agios Nikolaos on the Greek island of Crete.

The Horn of Amalthea or Cornucopia is a symbol of eternal abundance going back to the childhood of Zeus in Greek mythology. This sculpture by Nikos and Pantelis Sotiriades stands on the shore in Agios Nikolaos near Kritoplatia Beach.

So many unique things came together on this special morning:

  • I woke up at just the right moment, decided to take some dawn photos and happened to notice the ship in the distance
  • the ship came at the perfect time – a few minutes earlier or later the sun would not have been in the right position to capture it through the statue
  • the ship took this particular route – ships the previous week had not arrived this way
  • there were such fascinating clouds – some days the sky was completely cloudless
  • the sunrise was actually visible – some days it was completely hidden behind the clouds

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Travel Photography Book Magic Memories from Agios Nikolaos

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Experience Serenity: Sunrise Fishing in Crete’s Mirabello Bay

As the golden sun rises over the serene waters of Mirabello Bay, a local fishing boat glides through the shimmering sunlight reflecting in sea. The tranquil scene is framed by the majestic mountains on the Sitia Peninsula in the background and the soft hues of the sky create a breathtaking moment of natural beauty and tranquility.

The only sounds were the waves gently washing the rocks on the shore below and a few solitary seagulls soaring high overhead.

Mirabello Bay, also known as the Gulf of Mirabello or Mirabella, is located on the eastern part of Crete in present-day Greece. It is the largest bay of the Greek islands and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea. It is lined to the east by the Thrypti, Ornon and Sitia Mountains.

I love to get up early when staying at my favourite vacation appartment right on the seafront in the bustling, historic town of Agios Nikolaos on the this beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea.

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Hidden Haven of Coral Beach in Plockton

On my first stopover on my Scottish Grand Tour I found Coral Beach – a real hidden gem – thanks to a tip from fellow travellers whom I got chatting to in picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Bonnie Scotland.
I was staying in a lovely B&B on the shore near Roinn An Fhaing (on the map below) and decided to take the hike up the hill over the peninsula, through the gorse-lined prepared path and finally across a few rocks and slithery stones. I hoped I could make it there and back, take photos – of course – and maybe have a wee paddle in the water too before the forecast rain came. And I did, almost:-)

© WalkHighlands I highly recommend them if you are visiting Scotland and looking for walks, hikes and more.
Locals having a siesta
Path with view of Loch Kishorn and mountains
Coral is not coral

“The beach is not actually made of coral but of minute pieces of calcified algae known as maerl. Living maerl is a pink and purple seaweed that covers the sea floor with broad beds of spiky carpets. Maerl is a coralline type of algae, which means that it deposits lime on its cell walls as it grows.” (Thanks to “British Express” for the information.)

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Picturesque Plockton at Dusk: A Trip of a Lifetime

I’d beem dreaming of doing the Scottish Grand Tour for long time, and researched and booked the accommodation months before.

The weather forecast a couple of days beforehand was incredibly bad, and I even considered cutting my losses and cancelling. But I’m so pleased that I didn’t. It was a trip of a lifetime in so many ways.

At the end of May I set off on the rail tour from Edinburgh via Perth, Dunkeld and Inverness to picturesque Plockton on the west coast of Scotland. When I arrived after an amazing train journey there was a torrential rainfall so I relaxed in my cozy B&B and read a book. By the evening Mother Nature played along and gave me stunning dusk moments and these amazing reflections.

The last rays of the setting sun lit up the picturesque shore at Plockton and the waters of the Loch Carron estuary. I had to fight off the pesky midges on this calm evening but this view was well worth it.

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Heading for Home as Dusk Falls

I took a short break away from Munich city last summer and stayed over at Wörthsee, a picturesque village on the lake of the same name. The sultry summer weather was perfect and after a swim in the cooling waters I sat on the shore and enjoyed the tranquil scene as a lone paddleboarder returned in the dusk light.

The silhouettes and reflections of the yachts moored nearby added a touch of elegance to the peaceful setting. Enjoyed from Woerthsee in Bavaria, Germany.

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Heraklion Harbour Sunset

On the last evening of our wonderful Crete holiday we stayed over in historic Heraklion, the island’s largest city and administrative capital.

I’d deliberately chosen a hotel on the edge of the Old Town within walking distance of the fascinating Venetian Harbour, dating back to the 13th century. I arrived at the harbour just in time to enjoy the last rays of the sun just before it disappeared behind the mountains beyond the bay. As the yachts and boats bobbed on the golden dusk waters, my heart throbbed a little faster. Quite a breathtaking sight. And I clicked away with my camera:-)

Then it was time to head back to a traditional taverna for their welcoming hospitality and local Cretian delicacies.

Heraklion (Greek Ηράκλειο / Irákleio), Crete, Greece.

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Peaceful Hebridean Dawn

The first rays of dawn cast a warm glow over the serene waters off the Tarbert coast, revealing the barren hillsides, tiny islets and rugged rocks that dot the remote shoreline, and adding to the mystique of this Hebridean paradise.

I’d booked a bed and breakfast right on the shore near the picturesque harbour town of Tarbert which is nestled in the heart of the Outer Hebrides. It promised sea views from our bedroom window and we were not dissapointed. I set the alarm for just before dawn and enjoyed stunning views, nothing short of majestic masterpieces by Mother Nature.

I often dream of this special memory many years later and am so thrilled that someone bought it today to hang on their wall.

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Dawn Skies over the North Sea

It was a breathtaking dawn after the Spring flood storms of the evening before, and the early morning sun on the horizon reflected on the North Sea waters. The cliffs created a moody silhouette as a backdrop to this beautiful beach scene.

Well worth getting up early to enjoy the dramatic dawn skies over the Scottish North Sea coast. It was so peaceful, standing there alone on the beach at Eyemouth with only the sound of the gulls overhead and the waves washing the shore.

Make sure you visit this pretty fishing town in the Scottish Borders if you are travelling this way.

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Rugged Algarve Coast

It is well worth travelling to the breathtaking, wild west coast of the Algarve, driving down the winding cliff roads to the stunning shores, which are the perfect destination for beach lovers of all kinds.

Enjoy captivating views of Castelejo beach where striking cliffs and rugged coastline meet the glittering Atlantic Ocean, creating a mystical sea mist that adds to its allure.

To the north is the Pedra da Laje, a rock formation which extends into the sea and is popular with anglers because of its abundance of fish.

The strong waves along these shores provide prime surfing and bodyboarding conditions. While the sandy beach and calm waters behind the rocks invite you to take a dip in the cool ocean.

Praia de Castelejo, Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, Algarve, Portugal

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Colourful Qatari Contrasts

Qatar is a country of contrasts. When visiting the capital, Doha, be sure to take a stroll along the Corniche promenade and delve into the history of the city. Look at traditional garments, spices, handicrafts, and souvenirs in the colourful shops in the traditional Souq Waqif market with its spice-scented air, before visiting the Museum of Islamic Art with its fascinating modern architecture.

Traditional dhows – colourful wooden fishing boats – lie at anchor in the harbour alongside motor boats, set against a backdrop of stunning, modern skyscrapers on the city’s skyline across the bay.

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Waterfront Bliss in Key Biscayne

I drove over the impressive Rickenbacker Causway from Miami on the Florida coast to explore the barrier island of Key Biscayne (Spanish: Cayo Vizcaíno) with its beautiful beaches, secluded private moorings and luxury villas.

I could well imagine sitting back on the deck or in the gazebo of my waterfront home, with my yacht moored out front and my golf cart parked alongside my limousine in the garage, enjoying the view across the turquoise waters of Hurricane Harbor Bay. Far beyond this idyllic, peaceful scene, the contrasting skyscrapers and skyline of Downtown Miami are just visible on the horizon. It is a lifestyle I could get used to.

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