Sonja Bella, Whispers of Time (LIGHT/SHADOW - Entries close 30 September 2026)

This image taken at Milford Sound during a cruise through the fjord. It was created using a long-exposure technique to soften the movement of the waterfall and allow the light to shape the scene. I was drawn to the contrast between the darker, textured rock formations and the luminous water as it moved through them, creating a quiet balance between strength and delicacy. The light in the image reveals the textures of the landscape while the shadows add depth, atmosphere, and a sense of stillness. My intention was to capture not just the waterfall itself, but the feeling of watching nature transform in a fleeting moment — where motion becomes softness, and light and shadow work together to create calm and mystery. In post-processing, I refined the tones and contrast to bring out the detail in the rocks, deepen the shadows, and preserve the atmospheric stillness of the moment. Taken using a Nikon Z7ii with a Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens @ 39mm. 1/8 sec @ f/10, ISO 100. Handheld on a boat.

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