This was one of the best sunsets I have ever witnessed over the Ionian Sea from the coast of Corfu. The stunning view of the sea, with silhouetted rock formations jutting out from the water, creates a sense of depth and perspective. The distant horizon, where the sea meets the sky, emphasises the vastness of the seascape.
The light of the setting sun is the dominant element in this scene. The sun with its distinct orb hanging low on the horizon casts a warm, golden glow across the sky and sea. The gradient of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows, transitions to softer hues as the light fades. The warm light reflects on the water’s surface, creating a shimmering effect and highlighting the subtle textures of the sea. The silhouetted rock formations in the foreground, almost devoid of detail, serve as dark anchors, emphasising the brilliance of the sunset.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow across the Ionian Sea, the silhouetted rocks stood as silent witnesses to the day’s end, their dark forms contrasting with the vivid hues of the sunset, a fleeting moment of serene beauty captured in the fading light.
The composition, with the horizon line dividing the frame into nearly two halves – the vibrant sky and the tranquil sea – was chosen to emphasise mainly the drama in the sky. The setting sun, positioned centrally, serves as the focal point, drawing the eye towards the horizon. The silhouetted rock formations in the foreground, strategically placed on either side, frame the scene and add a sense of depth and perspective. The subtle textures of the sea, with gentle ripples on the surface, provide a sense of movement and visual interest, complementing the vivid hues of the sky.
The image was captured at f/8, a moderate aperture, to ensure a balance between sharpness and depth of field, keeping both the foreground rocks and the distant horizon in focus. The shutter speed of 1/125 seconds, used with an ISO of 100, allowed for the capture of a sharp, detailed image without motion blur.
