Before We Explain the World

Photography by Lu Heng

1Leaving the Known

From Island to Shore

Story 7 of 51 · 6 photographs

An island begins as an outline in the distance. The textures of the shore and a lighthouse bring the view closer. Before you look for a place name, spend a moment with that shift from silhouette to detail.

  1. A narrow sandbar reaches into blue water beneath a softly coloured horizon.
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    A strip of land at sea

  2. An aerial view of a compact island, its buildings and harbour surrounded by deep blue water.
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    The shape of an island

  1. An island surrounded by blue sea; A pale stone peninsula projects into deep blue water, with a round fortress at its tip.
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    An island surrounded by blue sea

  1. An island coast at sunset; Dark islands divide the water beneath a narrow orange horizon.
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    An island coast at sunset

  1. A coast in warm light; A lighthouse stands on a dark headland as the last light fades over the sea.
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    A coast in warm light

  2. An island and sandbar from above; A long bridge crosses turquoise water between a sandy shore and a green island.
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    An island and sandbar from above