Fenced Sun: The Dance of Light in Jbeil

The interplay of light, shadow, and form often reveals unexpected beauty in the simplest moments. This photograph, taken on the coastline of Jbeil, North of Beirut in Lebanon, captures such a moment as the sun sets.

A branch, tangled in the geometry of a chain-link fence, assumes an almost human quality, its twisted shape reminiscent of a dancer frozen mid-pose, silhouetted against the warm glow of twilight. Its form contrasts with the rigid lines of the fence, creating a visual dialogue between nature’s fluidity and the structured constraints of manmade barriers.

Shot with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and an EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, I used an aperture of f/6.3, a shutter speed of 1/800, and ISO 100. These settings allowed me to capture the sharp detail in the branch while preserving the smooth gradient of the evening sky. The balanced exposure highlights the delicate tones of the sunset and the stark elegance of the silhouettes. I slightly edit all of my photos in Lightroom to enhance their natural tones and bring out their full potential.

For me, this image speaks of contrasts and coexistence — freedom and restriction, movement and stillness. The branch, though seemingly confined, dances in its own way, a quiet yet powerful metaphor for resilience and expression.

To see more stories told through light, shadow, and travel, check out my Flickr collection, follow me on Instagram, or explore my Getty Images collection.

Keywords: #Lebanon #Jbeil #SunsetSilhouette #MinimalistPhotography #TravelArt #CanonPhotography #GoldenHour #AbstractLight #GeraintRowlandPhotography