Photography, for me, is often a dance with light, an engaging mix of anticipation and spontaneity. This became clearer than ever on one of my trips to Frankfurt, specifically when I was atop the Main Tower. I decided to experiment with capturing the Frankfurt skyline, despite the sun still being higher on the horizon than I would have preferred.
About Frankfurt’s Skyline
Frankfurt, the financial powerhouse of Germany, boasts a modern skyline brimming with architectural marvels. Among these, the Main Tower stands out as one of the tallest and most distinctive skyscrapers. This towering structure provides panoramic views of the cityscape, showcasing a horizon dotted with other skyscrapers and the busy Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, the city’s main train station. It’s a sight to behold, especially at sunset, when the city seems to transform completely.
The Story Behind The Photo
Arriving a tad earlier than planned gave me time to explore various vantage points. I decided to position the sun right in the center of my shot – a risky move that could have resulted in an overly dark photo. To counteract this, I took nine exposures to capture the full spectrum of light. The result left me stunned.
What unfolded in front of me was a breathtaking view of the Frankfurt skyline, with the sunset behind creating a brilliant visual effect, akin to an explosion. The image highlighted a stark, dramatic contrast between the city’s architectural prowess and the spectacle of nature, creating a surreal, almost apocalyptic ambiance. Technical Details
Camera: Canon EOS 500D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm @ 10mm
ISO: 100
Exposures: 9 in steps of 1 EV
Aperture: 16
Exposure time (middle): 1/125s
Tripod: Manfrotto 190CXPRO4
Size: 14.8 MPx
Date: Taken in February 2014
Location: 200m above Frankfurt on the Main Tower of the Landesbank Hessen-Thürigen
Software: Lightroom 5.2, Photoshop CS6, Photomatix Pro