Evening light over Flekkerøy | Kristiansand, Norway by Kilometer 120 | René Metzinger

A sweeping view across the rocky coastal landscape of Flekkerøy, off Kristiansand in southern Norway. Nestled amongst small islands and sheltered bays, the typical Norwegian wooden houses stand right by the water’s edge. In the foreground, purple heather grows amongst the rocks, adding a splash of colour to the otherwise tranquil coastal landscape. The elevated vantage point offers a sweeping view across the bay and out to the sea. The sky just before sunset is particularly striking. The long, streaky clouds reflect the warm evening light, whilst the blue of the sky remains visible between them. The rocks and heather in the foreground lend the image depth and guide the eye down to the houses and on towards the water.

The photograph was taken at 15 mm, f/16, ISO 100 and a 0.4-second exposure time. The extreme wide-angle lens emphasises the spatial effect of the landscape. The small aperture ensures that both the textures in the rocky foreground and the coastal landscape in the distance remain clearly distinguishable. The slightly longer exposure time also smooths out the water’s surface without causing its natural texture to disappear completely. Thanks to its wide landscape format, this image is particularly well-suited to larger wall spaces above a sofa, sideboard or bed. It also works well in living and dining areas where a tranquil landscape motif with a sense of spatial depth is desired.