Dean Village, Edinburgh, Scotland by Nynke Altenburg

This photograph of Dean Village in Edinburgh was taken from the water, which shows the colourful houses to their best advantage in a unique way. The distinctive façades stand peacefully along the water’s edge and are almost entirely reflected in the surface. This creates a natural mirror image in which the colours and shapes of the houses fade gently into the water.

The reflection lends the photograph a tranquil and almost dreamlike atmosphere. Whilst the original façades display structure and character, the water softens the image and lends it a sense of stillness. Small ripples in the water ensure that the reflection is not quite perfect, which in turn gives the photograph a natural and lively quality.

The combination of historic houses, warm colours and water makes this an image in which you can continually discover new details. It is not just a photograph of a well-known spot in Edinburgh, but above all a moment where architecture and nature come together. The tranquil composition also lends the image a timeless quality.

Hanging on the wall, this photograph adds colour without being overwhelming. The warm hues of the houses are beautifully complemented by the natural appearance of the water and the reflection. An atmospheric image for lovers of Edinburgh, distinctive architecture and photography in which tranquillity and reflection take centre stage.