Dani Watson, A Symphony of Light (LANDSCAPE 2024)

As we pulled up to Milford Sound, we were greeted by a spectacle of light that was nothing short of stunning. Our tour group tumbled out of the van in haste, rushing towards the water's edge, cameras in tow. We were eager to capture the fleeting beams of sunlight as they danced upon the setting sky. We thought this was the pinnacle of beauty, but we were pleasantly mistaken. Within the span of 20-30 minutes, the scene before us transformed. The light grew even more incredible, painting the landscape with hues so vibrant that they seemed almost unreal. It granted us a rare second and even third chance to capture this ephemeral spectacle. Positioning my camera further back, I watched as the warm rays of the setting sun bathed the mountains in a golden glow. I found myself shooting panoramic after panoramic, an attempt to do justice to the astonishing beauty unfolding before me. It was a moment that demanded timing, persistence, and perhaps a touch of madness - especially as we were being relentlessly pursued by midge bugs. The light had begun to wrap around the mountain peaks when I made the decision to change my position, risking the chance of missing the shot. Regardless of whether I managed to capture the moment or not, I knew I needed to immerse myself fully in the experience. Upon reaching the water's edge, I saw only one possible vantage point - pointing my camera directly towards the majestic mountain peaks. After a few exposures, my heart brimming with awe and wonder, I knew I had captured something truly magical. As the setting sun broke through, the canyon walls were set ablaze with warm light, imbuing the scene with a surreal, almost mystical aura. The feeling was indescribable - it was pure "awe". What a location, what a moment, what an absolutely unforgettable shot.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.