Geraint Rowland Photography

Blazing Horizons: Sunrise in Mil Palmeras

Captured on a crisp autumn morning in Mil Palmeras, Alicante, Spain this abstract seascape celebrates the untamed beauty of nature at dawn. The sky burned with fiery reds and pinks, bleeding into the tranquil sea below, as if the horizon itself was on fire. Using intentional camera movement (ICM), I blurred the lines between sky and water, transforming reality into an ethereal dreamscape—a moment of stillness amidst the natural chaos. Here is a previous blog I wrote about taking abstract photographs using intentional camera movement.

Taking Abstract Seascapes by Geraint Rowland

ICM Abstract Seascape taken at sunrise on the coastline of Spain

Shot with my Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and a 135mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art lens, the technical settings—ƒ/3.2, a shutter speed of 1/25, and ISO 100—helped capture the motion and glow of the waves and sky. With some subtle Lightroom tweaks to enhance the natural tones, I believe the photograph remains true to the vivid serenity of that morning. You can view this ICM abstract Spanish seascape on my Flickr account here.

This abstract piece is available as a fine art print in various formats, from gallery-quality framed prints to oversized canvas displays. Whether you’re looking to bring a calming energy to your home, office, or studio, my abstract seascapes offer a timeless aesthetic that resonates with anyone drawn to the harmony of nature.

Private commissions and bespoke installations are also available. If you’re seeking a unique connection to the beauty of the world, my abstract seascapes are crafted to inspire and elevate. Send me a message for more information or a discussion at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

The vast majority of my abstract seascapes are available to license in my Getty Images collection, also take a look at my selection of abstract seascapes from around the World on Flickr. If you would like to discuss any of my travel photography or abstract art images let’s have a chat and turn your vision into reality.

#MilPalmeras #AbstractSeascape #SunrisePhotography #ArtPrints #CanvasWallArt #sunsetart #NatureInspiredArt #GeraintRowlandPhotography #artprints forsale #artsale #canvas #surfart #travelart

Diving into the Spotlight: My Photography exhibited at photoSCHWEIZ 25

One of my Lebanese travel images is currently being exhibited in the Kongresshaus Zürich in Switzerland. My photograph, ‘Beirut Sunset Dive’, has been selected for the Directors Choice Project at photoSCHWEIZ 25. This is one of Switzerland’s biggest photography exhibitions, and it’s great to see my work featured among a strong lineup of international photographers.

What is the Directors Choice Project?

The Directors Choice Project highlights photographers from international festivals, bringing together a curated selection of images that tell powerful visual stories. My shot, taken in Beirut, the Capital of Lebanon, captures a moment that blends light, movement, and atmosphere, turning a fleeting scene into something timeless.

Beirut Sunset Dive by Geraint Rowland Photography exhibited at photoSCHWEIZ 25

The Story Behind ‘Beirut Sunset Dive’

A few years ago I spent a couple of months in Lebanon, with the majority of the time spent in the Capital Beirut. Beirut is a fascinating and safe city with plenty of photographic opportunities. This image was taken during golden hour on the fascinating Corniche seafront area. The corniche gets busy each afternoon with locals and visitors walking, relaxing and socialising as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea. On this particular afternoon a group of teenagers were diving off the coastal wall into the Sea below.

To take some images with alternative viewpoints I headed down from the Corniche to the coastline below. For this image I stood on the beach looking up and along the coastline as I captured this young Man mid-air diving into the Sea below. The original shot showed the bigger picture, the sea wall and the rocky coastline which needed to be cleared to safely land in the Sea. The contrast of the silhouetted figure against the golden sky created a perfect minimalist composition. The mix of adventure, tradition, and natural beauty in that moment made it something special. For the final exhibited image, ‘Beirut Sunset Dive' I cropped the image removing the distracting landscape while still leaving a large open space above and around the diver. This left only the silhouetted diver floating mid air against the golden sky with just the communications tower in the distance intersecting the middle of the frame. By cropping the image, I refined the composition, drawing the eye to the lone diver suspended in mid-air. The result is something almost otherworldly—an ethereal blend of light, movement, and stillness that transforms a fleeting moment into something almost dreamlike

I took this photograph with the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and their trusty 50mm f/1.4 USM lens. The camera settings used were: ƒ/4.0, 1/640 sec, and a fairly high ISO of 500 to balance the light and freeze the movement. Check out the image and some edits on my Flickr account here. I had a great time in Beirut and the rest of Lebanon, overstaying my visa by a Month or so. I captured some nice images, the ‘Beirut Sunset Dive’ being one of my favourites, I hope to return one day and take a few more.

What’s Next?

photoSCHWEIZ 25 runs from February 7-11, 2025, at the Kongresshaus Zürich, Switzerland, bringing together over 250 photographers from around the world. It’s always good to have my work seen by new audiences, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this image is received.

Check out my latest work at www.geraintrowland.co.uk.

#photoSCHWEIZ25 #GeraintRowlandPhotography #AbstractPhotography #SwissArtExhibitions #ContemporaryPhotography #beirut #lebanon #TheLebanon #sunsets #sunsetphotography #middleeast
#FineArtPhotography #ArtExhibitions2025 #TravelPhotography #PhotographyExhibition #AbstractSeascapes

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

In Her Eyes: A Candid Moment in Dhaka

Travel portraits have a unique way of speaking directly to the soul, none more so than this evocative image I look in Dhaka, the Capital of Bangladesh. The subject, a young child, seems lost in a world of unspoken thoughts. With a quiet gaze and delicate features framed by slightly disheveled hair, this portrait invites us into a story untold, where curiosity and uncertainty linger side by side.

Black and white image of a sad looking girl in the centre of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Don't Despair, Portraits of Bangladesh

A photograph can speak a thousand words, and this one whispers of quiet resilience and the weight of life. This portrait, a cropped shot of a candid I took of a sad-looking girl in the centre of Dhaka, Bangladesh, captures an unguarded moment of thoughtfulness and emotion.

The photograph’s black and white treatment amplifies the emotional weight, stripping away distractions and emphasising raw emotion. The blurred backdrop—a mixture of soft textures and indistinct shapes, works to isolate the subject. Taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and an EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, due to low light conditions on the day, I chose an aperture of f/3.2 at 50mm, 1/200 shutter speed, and a high ISO of 1600. These settings blurred out the background subtly drawing the viewer’s focus to the subtle details of the child’s expressive face. The soft tones and shadows enhance the melancholic mood, creating a raw and intimate image that feels almost timeless. Here is a colour version of the image with more surrounding space, the muted colours telling their own story of the scene.

This image captures more than just a face; it captures a moment. It’s a testament to the power of portraiture in revealing the beauty and complexity of the human spirit. Whether a fleeting moment of introspection or an enduring thought, the depth of this child’s expression transcends language and culture, speaking directly to the viewer is as much about what isn’t shown as what is. The blurred surroundings of Dhaka’s bustling streets fade into the background, placing the viewer in the girl's world, if only for a moment. Her expression tells a story that words might struggle to convey, a mixture of strength and vulnerability that resonates on a universal level.

For more of my portrait work and travel photography, follow me on Instagram and Twitter. Each face tells a story, and each story adds to the journey. Photographing people in the candid moments of everyday life always reminds me of the quiet connections that bind us. This portrait, for me, captures the resilience of youth against the backdrop of a challenging environment.

Keywords: #Dhaka #Bangladesh #CandidPhotography #TravelPortrait #CanonPhotography #NaturalLight #Humanity #StreetPhotography #GeraintRowlandPhotography

Some Street Photography in Hong Kong

In 2019 I visited Macau and Hong Kong, my prize for winning the Wanderlust Travel Magazine photo of the year competition in 2018. Here is a previous blog I wrote about some of the street photos I took on that trip in both Hong Kong and Macau.

Hong Kong is an excellent photographic destination, full of contrasts. Towering skyscrapers and modern shopping malls, winding alleyways and traditional markets, all coexisting in a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere. It's a city that never sleeps, and there's always something to capture on camera, making it a great place for street photography. Click through the slideshow below to view some more of my street photos and street portraits in Hong Kong:

The streets of Hong Kong are a kaleidoscope of colors, with neon lights, street art, and colorful shop signs, creating a feast for the eyes. It's a city that's constantly on the move, with people rushing to catch buses, trains, and trams, creating endless opportunities for candid street photography. I highly recommend trying the old trams in the city, sit upstairs at the front for some great views and photo opportunities. One of my favourite Hong Kong images was taken upstairs on one of those trams.

The markets are also a great place to capture the essence of Hong Kong street life, with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to electronics, with crowds of people jostling for space. Whether you're a professional photographer or just starting out, Hong Kong's streets are an endless source of inspiration, offering a fascinating glimpse into a city that's always evolving. I had a great time in Hong Kong, and look forward to returning one day!

Many of my Hong Kong images are available for license via Getty here. More of my travel photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, my Facebook Page and my Flickr account.

Instagram Takeover of the Ffotogallery Platform

I am currently taking over the Ffotogallery Platform Instagram (15 - 23rd July).  I started my photographic journey eight years ago at the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, Wales when I enrolled on two evening courses.  Via Ffotogallery I enrolled on two courses: 'Introduction to Photography: Beginner' and subsequently 'Introduction to Photography: Intermediate'.  I enjoyed both courses immensely and have been taking photos ever since.  I was therefore very excited and honoured to be involved with such a project.  Below is a slide show of the travel images I chose for the project (NB: I will add to the slideshow as the week progresses).

Ffotogallery Platform is an online project created to help emerging photographers and lens-based artists make their work accessible to a wider audience, including industry professionals and peers through Ffotogallery's network, and to help create links within the photographic and artistic community.  Selected participants are offered a one week residency on the Ffotogallery Platform Instagram account (@ffotogalleryplatform).  The Platform launched in January 2018 as part of 40:40 Vision, a year long celebration of events, projects and exhibitions to celebrate Ffotogallery's 40th Birthday.  

The online residency involves uploading between 1 - 4 images a day to the Instagram site belonging to Ffotogallery Platform.  I was asked by the organisers to focus on my street and portrait photography as they believed these would translate well to Instagram.  So far the project has been very useful for me.  It has increased my reach and exposure noticeably on my own Instagram account (@Geraint_Rowland_Photography).  In addition it has given me additional experience in the photo selection and curation process.  This is beneficial for both online presentation and future exhibition considerations.  I hope to carry out further Instagram takeovers in the future.    

More of my travel photography can be found on my website, Instagram, Facebook Page and my Flickr account.  If you would like me to be involved with an Instagram takeover please send an email to: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

Down by the Sea, Chorillos, Lima, Peru

Chorrillos is a district of the Lima Province in Peru and part of the city of Lima. It gets its name from the Spanish word for "trickle of water".  Chorillos is located next to Barranco on the coastline of Lima and has several different beach areas facing the pacific ocean.  

'Playa de Pescadores', is a small fishing beach that is full of activity and a very interesting place to spend a few hours, people watch and enjoy the sunset.  On the shoreline you can have fresh ceviche (Peru's national dish consisting of raw fish marinaded in fresh lime juice and chilli).  On the small pier you can have a go at fishing for crab and small fish or take a boat tour around the local coastline of Chorillos and Lima.  From this side of Chorrillos, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bay of Lima taking in the views of Barranco, Miraflores and beyond.  On a clear day, in the distance you can see La Punta and the San Lorenzo island in the district of Callao.  

Directly next to Playa de Pescadores is a private exclusive beach and sports club called Regatas.  Regatas is one of the most exclusive sports clubs in Lima and attracts the rich and famous Peruvians who go there to exercise, sunbathe and relax.

Around the headland you have the small secluded beach of La Herradura which was a deluxe beach resort in the 19th century.  These days the seafront has several seafood restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Peruvian cuisine and watch the sun go down.  The beach is also home to one of Lima's best surfing spots, La Herradura.  The wave needs a big swell to work properly and has hosted several international surfing competitions.

On the coastal road between the malecon of Chorillos and La Herradura you pass the rocky headland peninsula of El Salto de Fraile.  Here lies an exclusive restaurant with the same name, and a legend of forbidden love that ended tragically.  The tale involves young love which resulted in a pregnancy and the young man being sent to a convent for his sins and made into a friar.  These days at the same spot you can watch locals reenact the tale.  Men from the local Chorillos area dress as Monks and dive off the cliffs into the perilous ocean below.  I have heard rumours that at least one person has died doing this dive.  It’s a fascinating place however and I intend to return in the next few weeks to capture more of their dives.

More of my Lima photography can be found on my website, my Instagram, and my Flickr account. A Spanish translation of this blog can be found here. If you are interested in purchasing any prints, using an image online or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

Silhouette Photography by Geraint Rowland

I have always enjoyed taking and viewing silhouette photographs.  I think that the simplicity of silhouette images adds to their overall beauty.  And I believe the lack of detail in silhouette photography often makes the imagery more interesting by adding an element of intrigue.  I particularly like silhouette photography when there is an interesting background such as a colourful sky, dramatic cloud formation or a strong sunset.

Silhouette photography by Geraint Rowland, two surfers at sunset in Peru

Silhouette photography by Geraint Rowland, two surfers at sunset in Peru

How to take silhouette photos

As with everything in photography, when taking silhouette photos, the most important thing is the lighting.  In basic terms, you want the background to be lighter than your foreground subject. The best way therefore is to take the image at either sunrise or sunset.  At this time of the day you may also have the added bonus of colour in the sky.  The best silhouette photographs are often taken when the sun is low, for example during a dramatic sunset.  However, equally as impressive silhouette images can be taken against a blue sky.  Alternatively silhouette photos can be taken against the bright shine of a fjord in Oslo, the expanse of the ocean, or a snowcapped mountain.  Finally silhouette images can be created against the backdrop of artificial lighting such as at Lima’s Circuito Mágico del Agua, the World's largest water fountain complex.  Click through the slideshow below for more examples of silhouette photography I have taken on my travels:

Silhouettes are a great way of adding mystery and drama to an image, drawing the viewer in and letting them use their imagination.  They can transform a simple scene into one full of emotion lifting an otherwise throwaway photo into a standout shot.  There is a wealth of useful information online regarding silhouette photography and the techniques involved.  Without getting too technical here are some tips for shooting powerful silhouettes:

1.  It's all about the light: As with all photography the importance of correct lighting can not be emphasised enough.  For silhouette photography your subject (the silhouette) should be in front of the light source (sun/sky/artificial light).  You then need your camera to set the exposure on the brightest part of the image as opposed to on the subject.  This will result in your subject being under exposed and becoming a silhouette.

2.  Keep it simple: Look for locations that have a large amount of open space and are uncluttered.  The less distracting elements in the frame the better, and make use of negative space.  

3.  Don't use flash: You want as little light in front of your subject as possible, so do not use flash whilst taking silhouettes.  If shooting on automatic mode your flash may fire automatically due to the low light.  Instead switch the camera to either automatic, shutter, or aperture priority modes.

4.  Choose a strong subject: Choose subjects with a strong and recognisable shape and form for silhouette photos.  When photographing people up close, try to catch them side on so you can capture the detail in the profile.  Somethings work better than others, experiment and have fun.

More examples of my silhouette photography can be found on my Facebook or on my Flickr account.  If you are interested in purchasing any of my silhouette images or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.

Anamorphic Photography by Geraint Rowland

I first became interested in anamorphic and cinematic photography a few years ago after stumbling across an article online on the PetaPixel blog written by the wedding photographer, Sam Hurd.  The article, titled, 'Shooting with an Anamorphic Lens on an Ordinary DSLR' explains the history behind the cinematography technique as well as how to use an anamorphic lens on a modern day DSLR camera.  In essence, using an anamorphic lens results in a photo with a wide panoramic aspect ratio whilst having the shallow depth of field of a telephoto lens.  

An anamorphic image of the Inca Trail leading to Peru in South America by Geraint Rowland.

An anamorphic image of the Inca Trail leading to Peru in South America by Geraint Rowland.

To find out more about anamorphic photography I found an excellent group on Flickr called Anamorphic Lens which is frequented by some experts in this field.  Following some conversations online with the extremely talented, friendly and helpful Shuji Moriwaki I went on to buy one of his old lenses and give it a go myself.  In addition to the wide aspect whilst retaining the shallow depth of field, anamorphic lenses also bend the incoming light in a beautiful way.  Anamorphic lenses also produce very unique bokeh, finally this style of lens can produce a very cool cinematic style flare.  

Using an anamorphic lens on a DSLR is a bit of a fiddle, especially with regards to focus.  You need to first focus your normal prime lens, attach the anamorphic lens with a mount and then focus the second lens to the same distance.  Like everything, practice makes perfect and the technique gets easier with time.  Despite the focus issues an anamorphic lens can produce some stunning and unique images.  I found that they emphasis the scale in landscape photography and can add emotion with the particular way they bend the light.  Here are some landscape photos I took using the anamorphic lens in and around Machu Picchu in Peru.  Note the cinematic style borders at the top and the bottom of the image are added in post production.  

Click on the image below to scroll through the slide show.

With portrait photography they provide an alternative approach, producing images with a unique look and style.  You can make use of the shallow depth of field offered by the telephoto lens as well as playing with the unique lighting, flare and bokeh.  Click on the image below to scroll through the view the slide show.

More examples of my anamorphic photography can be found on my website or on my Flickr account.  If you are interested in purchasing any of my anamorphic prints or would like further information please send me an email at: geraintrowlandphotography@gmail.com.