View allAll Photos Tagged dramaticlighting
© 2010 John O'Connor. All Rights Reserved.
Available for licensing and purchase as a limited edition fine art print.
Blog - www.meditationsonamoment.com
Site - www.johnoconnorphoto.com
Follow me on Twitter
or Facebook
This photograph is not in the public domain. It may not be used on websites, blogs, or in any other media without explicit advance permission from John O'Connor.
Please no graphics in your comments or invites. Thank you!
Il reste parfois un geste pour retenir ce qui est déjà perdu. Une main contre la vitre, comme si la distance pouvait encore céder.
Mais certaines absences ne laissent rien à rejoindre.
EN Sometimes, all that remains is a gesture trying to hold on to what is already lost. A hand against the glass, as if distance could still give way. But some absences leave nothing to return to.
That quiet moment when becoming feels heavier than staying the same.
There is a moment in adolescence where silence becomes louder than words.
Where thoughts pile up behind the eyes, and the world feels too heavy to answer all at once.
This portrait is about that in-between space, caught between who you were and who you are becoming. The hands aren’t hiding the face as much as they are holding everything together. The gaze remains steady, searching, unresolved. Not defeated, just listening.
Growing up is rarely loud or dramatic. More often, it is internal. A quiet negotiation with doubt, expectation, and identity. This image lives in that pause, where strength hasn’t fully formed yet, but neither has surrender.
Serene Sunset ~ South Florida U.S.A.
Baca Raton, Florida ~ Florida Everglades
(two more photos in the comments)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades
[#1 Rank - Top Five Best Images - Feb. 2016 - DM's Lair]
A lone fisherman paddles gently across the still waters as the late afternoon sun pierces through dramatic clouds, casting heavenly rays over the quiet landscape. The winding road runs alongside the calm expanse, symbolizing the meeting of human journey and nature’s timeless rhythm. Captured on a peaceful day when the world felt paused between storm and sunshine.
Near Cherai Beach, Kerala, India, 2025
The float planes have all been pulled from the lake leaving their docks empty as the ice forms all around.
This photo is an HDR composit of 5 seperate exposures taken with the Olympus OM-D E-M1 and M.Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro.
The world turns, indifferent to those who watch it. Yet the sentinel remains, patient and unwavering, knowing that opportunity belongs not to the restless, but to those willing to wait.
Explore more at Mnemonic Gallery. Link in bio.
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
The dunes of Erg Chebbi are a magical destination, full of magnetism and mystery with easy access for all travelers. If you want to visit Morocco, this jewel of the Sahara is a place not to be missed. The Dunes of Erg Chebbi are a unique natural spectacle, where giant sand dunes stand up in the middle of the dark volcanic cobalt plateaus of Sahara Desert.
The legend of Erg Chebbi / Merzouga tells that the largest sand dunes in Morocco appeared as a punishment from God to wealthy families who refused to accept a poor woman with her son at a party while they were washing hands with milk and playing with balls of couscous. These people were then buried by sand storms and strong winds that formed large dunes with the highest measure of around 160 meters above sea level.
Morocco and especially Sahara desert with its very dark skies is perfect for seeing and also capturing the night sky with the glorious Milky Way. The sky in the desert is wonderfully dark with minimum light pollution, which gives a great sight, which you can also see in the :
► MOROCCO'S NIGHT SKY WITH MILKY WAY - Timelapse Video
This timelapse video offers night view at some iconic or less known locations in various parts of Morocco, might it be Sahara desert, Ksar Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO), High Atlas Mountains & Toubkal National Park or Telouet Kasbah along former caravan route from Sahara over Atlas Mountains to Marrakech.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 500D; Lens’s focal length: 28.00 - 300.00 mm; Photo Focal length: 184.00 mm; Aperture: 8.0; Exposure time: 1/400 s; ISO: 200
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
in the still heat of afternoon, a shadow unfurls — feathers layered like ancient armour, each edge catching light and memory. the air hums with quiet tension as the vulture leans forward, eyes fixed on something unseen, patient as stone, sharp as the blade of a new moon. here, movement is measured in heartbeats, and the space between them feels endless.
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
Jökulsárlón might be one of the most photographed locations in Iceland and for all the right reasons. I had a chance to visit this place several times by now and it has never been the same, always presenting photographer with various new opportunities. This time, I had a pyramid iceberg with circle whole in it which is rather unique. I really liked how the iceberg mirrored the shape of the mountain in the background. Not to mention the calm surface that allowed me to take perfect mirror reflection (it is not always that calm!!). I thought that this iceberg was really great and I looked forward to take more shots of it during different times of day... unfortunately it collapsed within few hours.. so it was one of those short windows of opportunities in life.
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM; Focal length: 80.00 mm; Aperture: 14; Exposure time: 32.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Prints and Canvasses Available
A vivid rainbow drops on the centre of Barnard Castle during the briefest burst of very strong patchy sunshine.
This photo captures a bright and colorful comic-style scene at Schwarzlicht Minigolf in Frankfurt.
The glowing neon lights highlight a painting of a superhero leaping into action during a dramatic train crash.
Silhouettes.
Earlier this summer I was lucky enough to be taken over to a small island in a gravel pits complex, where Little Egrets and Grey Herons had successfully hatched young. The LE chicks had all fledged and were 'branching', wing flapping and having a few noisy spats with each other.
The small hide I occupied was built on scaffolding overlooking the main nesting area. It was a dream come true to be sitting at the same height as the birds. I had a clear view of these two adorable heron chicks as they waited patiently for food - BUT.........
unfortunately, the light was against me making images, being either ominously black or flaring into a harsh brightness that hurt the eyes. Then suddenly, from nowhere, there was a massive storm with torrential rain and savage gusts of wind. The trees I was up amongst shed foliage, twigs and deadwood. More scarily, the hide did some serious swaying and creaking that had me questioning its construction.
I considered the predicament I was in = up a ladder, up a tree, in a hide, on a scaffold (swaying dodgily), in a storm, flying tree debris, on an island, in a huge body of water, stranded until the boat returned, completely alone.
All a bit 'Swallows & Amazons' on the one hand but extremely stress inducing on the other.
Fortunately, at the point of blind panic (mine), this adult heron flew onto the nest. Recklessly...(or sensibly), I decided to try making images - at least I would be occupied! This is the best I managed, a 'poor passable' but it will always serve to remind me of yet another predicament wildlife photography has got me into!
Join me on Facebook | Google+ | Twitter | 500px | Instagram
~~~~~~~~~
Riyadh (Arabic: الرياض ar-Riyāḍ) is the capital of Saudi Arabia and its largest city. It is also the capital of Riyadh Province, and belongs to the historical regions of Nejd and Al-Yamama. It is situated in the center of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau, and is home to over 4,260,000 people. The highest building in the middle is a Kingdom Centre Tower (Arabic: برج المملكة), it is a supertall skyscraper in Riyadh. It is the tallest skyscraper in Saudi Arabia and the 40th tallest building in world with a height of 311 m (1,000 ft). It is also host to the highest mosque in the world. The Tower Contains a total of 41 floors. It is also the 2nd tallest building with a hole. The Kingdom Centre is owned by Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, a prince of the Saudi royal family. It is also the headquarters of his holding company: Kingdom Holding Company. The total cost of the project was US$1 billion. Kingdom Centre is situated in Al-Urubah Road between King Fahd Road and Olaya Road.
If you wonder how I get photo like this, the story goes as follows - during my February trip to Saudi, I've discovered unfinished high building between Kingdom tower and Faisaliah tower. The weather that month was terrible due to sand storm across the whole region. I have however made appointment that I come again this weekend. So I did. The construction manager that I have agreed with was not there anymore but they knew I'm coming. It was just after 4PM but the sunset was at 6PM that day. Shift for construction workers finished at 4.45 PM which would mean I have to walk to the 19th floor on foot if I'd come just before 6PM as they only use one work lift that is from outside of the building (rather scary, not recommended to look down). I didn't fancy the walk up and agreed with the present manager that I stay there for those 2 hours till sunset and then walk those 19 floors down. They already thought that I'm crazy, but as there are not that many crazy European women around, they let me. Luck however was on my side and that handsome manager came back just before sunset, probably thinking that I shoot 3 photos of sun setting down and I'm done. How little did he know ... The best colors always come after sunset and long exposures can be done only when the darkness falls. He had to wait for another hour to get me down :-) We had really lovely time while seeing sky like this, listening the the calls for prayers, coming from every corner of the city.. allahu akbar, allahu akbar... with the whole city in front of us. We talked about life and photography, he made a mistake asking me, how is the photo done, so I bore him for a while trying to explain long exposure time .. not for long.. Moments like this are priceless and I was extremely thankful to him that he rescued me from walking all those 19th floors down on rather unfinished staircase. I have to admit that I could not believe my eyes when I saw that enormous cloud just coming from behind the symbol of Riyadh and needless to say that colors likes this are very, very rare in the Middle East. The Gods of weather had to be on my side yet again.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, f/4.0, 0.05 sec (1/20), ISO 200, 21 mm
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Mission San José de Tumacácori, Santa Cruz County, Arizona.
This historic Spanish mission was built in the 1750s and abandoned about 1848. It is located within what is now known as Tumacácori National Historical Park.
This is the chezz feeling
a whisper from my uncle’s voice,
etched in quiet lessons of foresight.
He taught me to think before I move,
because in two or twenty turns,
the board reshapes,
life complicates,
and what matters isn't just the move,
but the soul behind it.
In this picture
an eye, caught in check,
like fate staring back
from the corner of a square,
reminding me that
to live well is to play wisely.
So I offer you this moment,
this thought:
What was your latest checkmate?
A decision made that sealed the game,
or a realization that opened the board?
Share your move
I’ll be watching the play unfold.
Prints and Canvasses Available
Another view of a swollen River Tees but with more autumn colour and dramatic lighting under a dark sky background. Taken on my elderly pocket camera (Canon A720 IS) aka 'litter pick cam')
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
Europe - Scandinavia - Norway - North of the Arctic Circle - Lofoten Islands - Moskenes - Hamnoy
Timelapse movies had become my new way of capturing my travels besides regular photography. Check out how beautiful Scandinavia can be :
► POLAR NIGHT WITH NORTHERN LIGHT & MOON ECLIPSE IN ARCTIC NORWAY
or
► NORTHERN LIGHTS BEYOND ARCTIC CIRCLE, SWEDEN
► ARCTIC NIGHT & NORTHERN LIGHTS OVER FROZEN SWEDEN
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark III; Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM; Focal length: 45.00 mm; Aperture: 22; Exposure time: 13.0 s; ISO: 50
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
It was a very dark and rainy week. The sun was nowhere to be found...for days. Clouds and overcast weather systems rolled by endlessly, with hardly any color in the sky at all. We were blanketed by a low cloud-covered ceiling. It was a very good opportunity to do some black and white images with some textures and moody feeling. What else was I going to do? I didn't need my sunglasses and there was no glare...anywhere. I had to "time it" between the constant showers that were all over the place. It was gloomy and different...yet still fun. The sun will come out tomorrow ~ Rainy Days over the Florida Everglades ~ Boca Raton, Florida U.S.A. ~ Just a Peek of Sunlight
(six more photos 'of this night' in the comments)
Prints and Canvasses Available
For just a few seconds, a hole in the 10/10ths cloud cover formed creating quite dramatic light and vivid shades of green on this patch of farmland near Wycliffe, Teesdale
Certains regards cherchent l'approbation. D'autres racontent déjà leur histoire.
Dans ce portrait, la posture est simple, presque dépouillée. Pourtant, quelque chose s'impose immédiatement : une présence. Le modèle ne joue pas un rôle, elle occupe pleinement l'instant.
Les teintes chaudes sculptent le visage tandis que les ombres préservent une part de mystère. Entre élégance contemporaine et caractère affirmé, l'image explore cette tension subtile entre vulnérabilité et maîtrise.
Le vêtement sombre contraste avec la douceur de la lumière, créant une atmosphère à la fois intime et cinématographique. Chaque détail participe à une même narration : celle d'une femme qui avance selon ses propres règles.
Un portrait sur la confiance, non comme démonstration de force, mais comme état d'être.
EN Some gazes seek approval. Others already tell their own story.
In this portrait, the pose remains simple, almost understated. Yet something immediately takes hold of the frame: presence. The model is not performing a character; she fully inhabits the moment.
Warm tones sculpt the face while the shadows preserve an element of mystery. Between contemporary elegance and quiet determination, the image explores the subtle tension between vulnerability and control.
The dark clothing contrasts with the softness of the light, creating an atmosphere that feels both intimate and cinematic. Every detail contributes to the same narrative: a woman moving forward on her own terms.
A portrait about confidence not as a display of power, but as a state of being.
Prints and Canvasses Available
Lots of contrasts with sunshine on The Stang in the distance, and on the yellow oilseed rape in the foreground, while a dark sky provides drama.
Something very different for me. Shot with a wide lens on a very bright day with hard blue skies and then heavily processed to create the dark sky effect, as if shot at night. I just liked the strong lead-in line taking the eye through the water features to the isolated single woman waiting in the square in front of the Imaginarium Dome. Does it work?
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
Europe - Portugal - Portuguese archipelago - Madeira Island - Pico do Arieiro - Madeira island's third highest peak - 1,818 m high (5965 feet) - Morning view over spectacular rugged mountain landscape
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 27.00 mm; Aperture: 22; Exposure time: 20.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.LucieDebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
Europe - Portugal - Portuguese archipelago - Madeira Island - Pico do Arieiro - Madeira island's third highest peak - 1,818 m high (5965 feet) - Morning view over spectacular rugged mountain landscape
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark II; Lens: EF17-40mm f/4L USM; Focal length: 35.00 mm; Aperture: 22; Exposure time: 2.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova - www.LucieDebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
I am a longtime Communications Professional specializing in photography and videography.
Located in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia) region, I shoot real estate, events, fashion, events, news and sports. I have produced many TV commercials and corporate videos, and have a rather long credit list of local (to Southern Maryland) TV shows I have developed, hosted, shot, directed, edited and produced.
I'm interested in hearing from and interacting with serious hobby photographers and professional photogs and videographers, as well as hearing from anyone who wishes to discuss a photo or video project.
Thanks!
Tim
THIS IMAGE IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT. REPRODUCTION AND REDISTRIBUTION IS PROHIBITED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHER. Inquiries to permissions may be made to this photographer through Flickr mail at this photo stream account, or see my website.
Winter Light Over the Lofoten Fjords
Description
A cinematic winter journey through the dramatic coastal landscapes of the Lofoten Islands, where snow-covered mountains rise sharply above deep Arctic fjords, quiet fishing villages, wooden piers, red cabins, icy roads, and reflective waters. The collection captures the raw beauty of the Norwegian north at golden hour, blending warm sunset light with cold blue shadows, stormy clouds, rugged peaks, frozen shorelines, and traditional Nordic architecture.
These images evoke a sense of remote wilderness, silence, maritime heritage, and arctic solitude, combining panoramic mountain views, intimate harbor scenes, coastal cabins, snowy beaches, glassy fjord reflections, and dramatic northern skies. The visual atmosphere is peaceful yet powerful, with strong contrasts between the warmth of wooden houses and the austere grandeur of the surrounding winter landscape.
The images have been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
Florida Everglades ~ #99 in Explore 9/2/15
Summer 2015 ~ Palm Beach County
Fire-light Sunset ~ Quarta Sunset 298
(ten more photos of 'this night' in the comments)
Buy a print or commercial license
www.gregdubois.com/Galleries/Boston/Boston-Skyline-and-Br...
Find me on instagram @greg_dubois
Really stacked the filters on this one, out of like 100 frames I had about a dozen with “frozen” boats that I could choose from. This was my favorite frame at the end of the session, with a lot more contrast than the other shots, as the clouds were farther rolled out to the ocean.
Canon 6d
Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II at 16
LEE Little Stopper (1.8 ND)
LEE 0.9 Hard GND
LEE 0.6 Soft GND
f/4.5, ISO 100, 2.5 sec
J'ai souhaité dans ce portrait quelque chose qui me ramène aux peintres du XVIIIe siècle. La lumière accroche les boucles rousses de Maryam, éclaire juste ce qu’il faut de son visage, puis s’efface dans l’ombre. J’aime ce clair-obscur qui laisse une partie du regard dans la pénombre. Les bougies en arrière-plan donnent à la scène une atmosphère particulière, sans trop en dévoiler. Maryam semble plongée dans ses pensées, mais je ne cherche pas à savoir lesquelles. Je voulais surtout retrouver cette sensation de peinture ancienne, avec une lumière qui dessine autant qu’elle dissimule, et laisser le reste à l’imagination...
EN I wished in this portrait something that brings me back to the painters of the 18th century. The light hangs Maryam's red curls, illuminates just the right thing with her face, then fades in the shadows. I like this chiaroscuro that leaves part of the gaze in the twilight. The candles in the background give the stage a particular atmosphere, without revealing too much. Maryam seems immersed in her thoughts, but I don't want to know which ones. I especially wanted to find this feeling of ancient painting, with a light that draws as much as it conceals, and leave the rest to the imagination.
Join me @ Facebook | Twitter | 500px | Instagram | YouTube
* * * * * *
Europe - Scandinavia - Norway - North of the Arctic Circle - Troms county - Senja - Norway’s second biggest island - Husøy - House Island - Small island about 1000 meters long and 500 meters wide located in the Øyfjorden off the northwest coast of the far north of Senja
Timelapse movies had become my new way of capturing my travels besides regular photography. Check out how beautiful Scandinavia can be :
► POLAR NIGHT WITH NORTHERN LIGHT & MOON ECLIPSE IN ARCTIC NORWAY
or
► NORTHERN LIGHTS BEYOND ARCTIC CIRCLE, SWEDEN
► ARCTIC NIGHT & NORTHERN LIGHTS OVER FROZEN SWEDEN
Camera Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark III; Lens: EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM; Focal length: 55.00 mm; Aperture: 22; Exposure time: 25.0 s; ISO: 100
All rights reserved - Copyright © Lucie Debelkova www.luciedebelkova.com
All images are exclusive property and may not be copied, downloaded, reproduced, transmitted, manipulated or used in any way without expressed, written permission of the photographer.
A monochrome portrait suspended between glow and shadow — the subject leaning into a window’s soft mercy while the darker room pulls at the edges. The light traces the cheekbone like a memory trying to return, while the curtain breathes its own quiet story. This is a moment of stillness that feels like a threshold: half confession, half invocation. A study in contrast, vulnerability, and the quiet power of being seen without armor.
I.
The window keeps its vigil, patient as an old friend,
letting the morning spill its truth across my face.
Shadow gathers behind me like a history I’ve outgrown,
yet still I lean toward the light, unafraid of its naming.
II.
Some rooms hold their breath when you enter,
as if waiting for the version of you that never arrived.
But here, the silence feels earned,
a soft throne carved from the ache of becoming.
III.
I tilt my head toward the brightness,
letting it map the terrain of my unspoken thoughts.
Every highlight a confession,
every shadow a promise I haven’t broken yet.
IV.
The curtain whispers its thin voiced blessing,
a veil between what I was and what I’m willing to claim.
Even the dust seems to rise in reverence,
catching the light like tiny, wandering saints.
V.
There is a tenderness in leaning,
in letting the world hold you without resistance.
The window frame becomes a quiet altar,
and I, a pilgrim of my own unfolding.
VI.
The dark behind me is not an enemy,
only the echo of rooms I’ve already survived.
It clings out of habit, not hunger,
and I no longer mistake its weight for destiny.
VII.
Light sketches me with deliberate hands,
as if sculpting a future I haven’t dared to imagine.
I feel the shape of myself returning,
slow, steady, sovereign.
VIII.
So I stay here, between glow and shadow,
letting both claim their rightful place.
For this is the portrait of a life in transition—
a face learning to remember its own radiance.
The morning sun illuminates the rolling hills south of Chinook, Montana.
I laugh every time I hear someone west of the Rocky Mountains call a person east of the Rocky Mountains a "flatlander." And it happens much more often than you might think.
Where I come from a flatlander is a person who lives in Illinois. Granted, compared to the Rocky Mountains, the land east of the Continental Divide is significantly more flat than the topography on the west side, but it is nowhere as flat as what the poor souls are stuck with in Illinois.
Take this scene for example. East of the Rockies, south of the Hi-Line, and north of the Missouri River, the prairies undulate and bend and are pushed like this for hundreds of miles. And while mountains are inspiring, topography such as this is still a feast for the eyes. It is almost as though God slept Earth's floor and when he woke he stretched and pushed aside the land so it bunched up against itself like a pushed blanket. It is amazing to see. And anything but "flat."
By the way, those little black dots in the foreground are cows.
▪ my blog
▪ my facebook
▪ my twitter
▪ my website
▪ my youtube
▪ my e-mail
© 2010 Todd Klassy. All Rights Reserved.