Before We Explain the World

Photography by Lu Heng

5The Scale of Time

Openings in the Clouds

Story 38 of 51 · 9 photographs

Find the bright opening in the clouds, then follow the light down to the water. A small boat gives the vast pattern of light and shade a sense of scale. Where does the light enter, and where does your eye stop?

  1. A ship beneath a golden sunset; A pale sun shines through high cloud above a bright path on the sea and two dark rocks.
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    A ship beneath a golden sunset

  2. Sunrays breaking over the sea; Sunbeams open through heavy cloud above small rocks scattered across the sea.
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    Sunrays breaking over the sea

  1. A ship beneath dramatic sunset clouds; A narrow opening in dark cloud pours light onto a ship and distant islands.
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    A ship beneath dramatic sunset clouds

  2. Sunrays over the sea; Broad sunrays fan down over calm sea, a headland entering at the lower edge.
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    Sunrays over the sea

  3. Sunrays, island and ship; Golden light falls through cloud onto a sea dotted with dark islands and a ship.
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    Sunrays, island and ship

  1. Moonlight on the sea in black and white; In black and white, a bright disc lights the sea beside a dark cliff silhouette.
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    Moonlight on the sea in black and white

  2. Bright sunlight on the sea horizon; A pale sun shines through haze and reflects straight down the sea.
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    Bright sunlight on the sea horizon

  1. Moonlight reflected on dark water; A star-shaped light above the horizon leaves a long reflection on dark ripples.
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    Moonlight reflected on dark water

  2. An orange sunset over the horizon; A cargo ship crosses a dark sea beneath a long yellow-orange band of cloud.
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    An orange sunset over the horizon