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

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  2. An aerial view of a compact island, its buildings and harbour surrounded by deep blue water.
    39

    The shape of an island

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  1. An aerial view of a compact island with pale buildings, a harbour and a circular structure beside deep blue water.
    40

    An island surrounded by blue sea

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  1. Dark islands divide the water beneath a narrow orange horizon.
    41

    Islands beneath an orange horizon

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  1. A lighthouse stands on a low headland beside the sea beneath a warm yellow sky.
    42

    A coast in warm light

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  2. A narrow causeway links a pale beach to a small rocky islet, with a larger island on the horizon.
    43

    A causeway over turquoise water

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