Before the nightfall claims the day,
Sunlight filters through, in a splendid array,
Across the Northern Alps, where shadows play,
Bathed in hues where the sun’s last rays stay.
Photo Description – The Play of Light and Shadows This photograph presents a striking view from Kirigamine Plateau in Suwa, Nagano, focusing towards the Northern Alps. Taken before sunset, the image captures the sun’s lingering rays illuminating the clouds above the mountains with a warm, golden glow. This light creates a vivid contrast and enhances the detailed silhouettes of the mountain range below, demonstrating the stunning interplay between light and shadow that preludes the evening.
Story Behind the Photo – The Golden Hour The photo was taken on an early May evening from Kirigamine Plateau, as the sun was nearing its descent but had not yet set. The scene captures the moment when the clouds began to gather over the Northern Alps, allowing the sunlight to create a dramatic spectacle with golden rays piercing through. This setting emphasizes the grandeur and transient beauty of the moments just before sunset.
From an Amateur Photographer’s Perspective – Chasing the Golden Light Focusing on capturing the last golden rays of the day, I adjusted my camera settings to freeze this fleeting light. The fast shutter speed of 1/5800 seconds helped capture the sharp contrasts and the delicate rays that were filtering through the clouds. It was a moment that required quick timing and a keen eye for how light interacts with the landscape.
Equipment and EXIF Information
- Camera: FUJIFILM X-T4
- Lens: XF16-80mmF4 R OIS WR
- Shutter Speed: 1/5800 s
- Aperture: ƒ/8
- ISO: ISO 400
Location