Every
now and then, I truly get lucky and end up in the right spot at exactly the
right time to capture a beautiful photo.
This
happened to me when I visited Istanbul last month. My friend and
I started walking along the sea side from Bostancı toward Kadıköy on the Asian side of the city.
It
was after 6 p.m., and the sunlight was waning. Sunset was just around the
corner. This perfect time, called the golden hour, occurs right around sunset
and sunrise. The light tends to be softer and warmer which makes for wonderful
photos.
As
we walked along the Sea of Marmara, I noticed the golden yellow and orange hues
appearing in the sky.
The
sun’s rays reflected off the sea as we passed the boats docked at Suadiye. The
bustling city appeared to be (finally) quieting down.
As
we rounded a bend, I quickened my pace because I could see the sun rapidly
dipping down into the sea. I told my friend I was running up ahead to get some photos.
I
clambered over the wall onto the large rocks along the sea. I saw a few lone
fishermen in the distance still trying their luck at getting some fish for
dinner. And that was when I saw what was probably the most splendid sunset I
had EVER seen in Istanbul. There was simply something special about this
sunset.
The
brilliant colors were outstanding. I kept taking as many photos as I could, trying
to quickly check to make sure I had the right settings. I didn’t want to lose
this moment.
The
fishermen continued to fish, perhaps oblivious to this beautiful sunset.
Boats
and gigantic shipping containers were off in the distance in the sea.
Seagulls
silently flew overhead.
I
watched as the sun set below the horizon, leaving behind a warm, fiery red glow
in the sky.
It’s
funny I had to leave Istanbul in order to return and see the best sunset in
more than three years.
