Location | Azenhas do Mar, Portugal
Camera | Hasselblad X2D 100C
Lens | Hasselblad XCD 38mm V
Shutter | 30 sec.
Aperture | f/8
ISO | 64
From the moment I first picked up a camera, I dreamed of capturing a scene like this. While searching maps for coastal areas to shoot, I stumbled upon a small village in Portugal that reminded me of the Amalfi Coast, a place I had always longed to photograph. It seemed almost surreal that such a place existed, and I knew I had to go there.
I traveled from the U.S. to Lisbon and then drove an hour to this coastal village. When I arrived I was immediately captivated by the white houses with vibrant orange roofs cascading down the cliffside, overlooking the ocean. I quickly took out my camera and started shooting, preparing and hoping that evening I would capture a stunning sunset. However, my initial plan of a quick, successful shot turned into eight attempts over several days.
The primary challenge, the weather —some days were too foggy, other days the sunset wouldn’t pop, and on others, the building lights were too bright for long exposures. Another hurdle was arriving a few hours before sunrise and sunset to secure the vantage point. The weather during my stay was mostly beautiful, but I struggled to get the right colors from the sunsets and sunrises. I shot both times of the day just in case. However, knowing that I needed a sunrise shot, I prepared meticulously each day, arriving early, and using ND grad filters to balance the changing light. Each morning and evening was a test of patience and persistence.
The day before I was supposed to leave, a heavy storm hit. We weren't sure if we were going to lose power, so I went down to the beach, where the locals were drinking beer and barbecuing. Even if I wasn't going to get the shot, the vibe of having a beer with the locals on the beach and waiting for the storm reminded me that this was all out of my control and I needed to just enjoy the journey. When the rain slowed, I headed to the cliff and waited through the night for sunrise. The storm had left behind a sky filled with dramatic clouds, and as the sun began to rise, the entire landscape lit up in golden, pink, and purple hues. On my eighth attempt, I finally captured the image I had envisioned. It was a breathtaking moment, and I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and relief as the sunrise played a symphony.
Leaving the village after capturing the shot, I felt complete, fulfilled, and happy. The journey, with all its challenges and memorable moments, made the final capture that much more rewarding. This 30-second long exposure photograph represents more than just an image; it embodies determination, excitement, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. It's these moments that make the journey worthwhile.
