CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/9Shutter1/30 sFocal22 mmISO4000DateJune 2020
Lyon, France
Spiral staircase, Fourvière
A concentric spiral staircase winds upward through the interior of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, revealing the geometric precision of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture. The composition captures multiple nested circles formed by the stone steps, wrought-iron railings, and ornamental balusters, each ring diminishing toward a central oculus. Warm limestone tones dominate the structure, contrasted by the dark ironwork and glimpses of blue sky visible through the uppermost opening. The photograph documents the basilica's interior engineering—constructed between 1872 and 1896—and demonstrates how the ascending passage guides visitors toward the upper levels of this Romano-Byzantine monument perched on Fourvière Hill. The radial perspective emphasizes the mathematical harmony characteristic of religious architecture designed to inspire contemplation through spatial experience.
82
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/10Shutter1/80 sFocal120 mmISO100DateMay 2020
Lyon, France
Woman at the Saône river
A visitor sits on the stone embankment of the Saône River in Lyon, observing the water's surface patterns. The river displays characteristic swirling formations—likely caused by algae blooms, sediment suspension, or thermal stratification—creating intricate green and white marbling across the water. The woman's positioning at the river's edge captures a moment of interaction between urban leisure and natural water systems. The Saône, a major tributary of the Rhône, flows through Lyon's historic center and serves as both an ecological corridor and recreational space for the city's residents. This image documents the everyday relationship between urban populations and riverine environments in European cities.
83
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/8Shutter1/160 sFocal70 mmISO100DateMay 2020
Lyon, France
Urban layering in Lyon's historic core
This photograph captures the dense architectural stratification of Lyon's Vieux Lyon district, where medieval religious structures coexist within a matrix of 19th-century Haussmann-style residential buildings. The composition reveals the city's complex urban palimpsest: a Gothic spire with characteristic pointed arch detailing rises centrally, flanked by the distinctive towers of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière visible in the background. The foreground is dominated by pastel-hued apartment blocks featuring mansard roofs and wrought-iron balconies—hallmarks of Second Empire urban planning—while older ecclesiastical masonry in cream and stone tones occupies the middle ground. The image documents how European cities have accommodated religious and secular development across centuries, with each architectural period compressed into a single urban vista. Vegetation emerging from rooflines and chimneys indicates the organic integration of nature within this densely built environment. The clear atmospheric conditions and overhead lighting provide sharp definition to the architectural details and color variations across the facades.
Red poppies (Papaver rhoeas) punctuate a mixed grassland during late spring, their distinctive crinkled petals contrasting sharply against the surrounding cereal crop and wild grasses. Scattered cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus) in blue provide secondary color variation across the field. The composition captures a transitional agricultural landscape where arable land supports spontaneous wildflower populations—a phenomenon increasingly rare in intensively managed European farmland. The rolling topography and tree line visible in the background suggest a Mediterranean or temperate continental climate zone. Shot during golden hour with strong backlighting, the image documents the ephemeral flowering window when field margins and crop edges host diverse herbaceous species before harvest operations commence. The presence of multiple wildflower species indicates minimal pesticide application during the growing season, reflecting either organic management practices or marginal land use patterns typical of less intensively cultivated regions.
85
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/14Shutter15 sFocal35 mmISO800DateDecember 2019
Lyon, France
Lyon Illuminated: A Festival of Light
This nocturnal photograph captures the essence of Lyon's renowned Fête de la Lumière (Festival of Light), where the city's historic architecture transforms into a luminous spectacle. The image showcases the Saône riverfront ablaze with vibrant illuminations—warm golden hues bathing the Renaissance buildings in ethereal light, while dynamic blue and green projections dance across the facades.
86
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/250 sFocal33.5 mmISO8000DateNovember 2019
Rosenthalerplatz, Berlin
Rosenthalerplatz at night
A striking nocturnal view of Berlin's vibrant Rosenthalerplatz, captured in dramatic black and white. The photograph showcases the iconic trams that define this Mitte district intersection, their sleek forms dominating the wet pavement below. Rain-slicked streets reflect the glow of street lamps and shop windows, creating a moody urban atmosphere that emphasizes the geometric precision of the square's layout. The composition reveals the architectural character of the surrounding Gründerzeit buildings—their classical facades rising symmetrically on either side, punctuated by illuminated storefronts and arcaded ground floors. The elevated vantage point captures the interplay between the square's modern transit infrastructure and its historic 19th-century streetscape, while the absence of color intensifies the contrast between light and shadow. This image encapsulates the essence of contemporary Berlin: a dynamic intersection where tradition and modernity coexist, where the rhythm of urban life continues through the night, and where everyday infrastructure becomes the subject of compelling visual storytelling.
87
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/80 sFocal70 mmISO5000DateOctober 2019
Methon Saint Bernard, Savoy
Castle Menthon at twilight
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop near Annecy, Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard emerges from the twilight like a scene from a fairy tale. This striking photograph captures the medieval fortress in its most enchanting moment—illuminated against a deep indigo sky as day transitions to night. The castle's distinctive white stone towers and conical roofs stand in sharp contrast to the surrounding darkness, while the forested slopes below frame the composition with natural elegance. Dating back to the 12th century, this architectural gem represents centuries of Alpine heritage and defensive ingenuity. The interplay of architectural light and shadow reveals the castle's complex silhouette: multiple towers, steep-pitched roofs, and crenellated walls that speak to its storied past. The careful illumination highlights the fortress's commanding presence while the encroaching darkness emphasizes its timeless, almost mystical quality. A masterpiece of atmospheric landscape photography, this image captures not just a building, but the romance and mystery of the French Alps.
88
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/40 sFocal24 mmISO100DateOctober 2019
Annecy, Savoy
Solitude in the storm
A solitary figure stands at the water's edge of Lake Annecy, umbrella raised against the gathering tempest. Silhouetted against a dramatic sky ablaze with golden and amber hues, the subject embodies quiet contemplation amid nature's turbulent mood. Storm clouds roll across the darkened mountains of the eastern shore, while the lake's surface mirrors the interplay of light and shadow. The composition captures a poignant moment of stillness—a lone presence finding peace in the face of approaching weather, with the distant church spire of Annecy town visible through the haze. This evocative image speaks to resilience, introspection, and the sublime beauty found in nature's most volatile moments.
89
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/800 sFocal52 mmISO100DateSeptember 2019
Abode of Chaos, Lyon
Memento Mori
A striking blue skull sculpture dominates this densely layered composition, its surface inscribed with Latin phrases that contemplate mortality and existence. The monumental head emerges from the chaotic backdrop of the Abode of Chaos—a wall densely covered with street art, portraiture, and philosophical declarations in French and Latin. Weathered faces peer from behind layers of paint and graffiti, while a vibrant red placard proclaims "Je meurs pas, je me régénère" (I don't die, I regenerate), creating a poignant dialogue between decay and renewal. Overgrown vegetation creeps around the base, nature reclaiming the space, while the ornate fence and deteriorating architecture frame this meditation on impermanence. The work embodies the Abode's signature aesthetic—a collision of high art, street culture, and existential inquiry that transforms urban decay into profound artistic statement.
90
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/25 sFocal24 mmISO500DateSeptember 2019
CERN, Geneva
Inside the Large Hadron Collider
This photograph captures the interior of one of the world's most significant scientific instruments—a section of CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The image reveals the tunnel's impressive scale and engineering complexity, with its distinctive cylindrical geometry stretching into the distance. Vibrant green support structures and orange-painted equipment line the passage, while safety barriers and overhead cable systems underscore the precision required for particle physics research. The LHC, buried 100 meters beneath the Franco-Swiss border, accelerates protons to nearly the speed of light before colliding them to unlock the fundamental secrets of matter and energy. This photograph documents the remarkable infrastructure that enables humanity's quest to understand the universe at its most basic level—a testament to human ingenuity and international scientific collaboration.
91
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/25 sFocal24 mmISO560DateSeptember 2019
CERN, Geneva
Inside the CMS Detector
This striking photograph captures the intricate inner workings of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS), one of the two largest particle detectors at CERN's Large Hadron Collider. Towering detector walls, painted in bold reds and vibrant greens, rise on either side of a narrow central corridor lined with thousands of precisely calibrated cables and electronic components. The vivid color-coding—blues, yellows, and oranges weaving through the architecture—represents the complex systems that monitor particle collisions at nearly the speed of light. This is the domain where physicists search for the fundamental building blocks of matter. Every cable, every circuit, and every colored panel serves a critical purpose in capturing and analyzing the fleeting traces of particles created in the collision chamber above. The photograph reveals the stunning complexity hidden within CMS: a symphony of engineering and physics working in perfect harmony to unlock the universe's deepest secrets.
92
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/50 sFocal44 mmISO1800DateSeptember 2019
CERN, Geneva
Cable Infrastructure at CERN
This photograph captures the intricate network of bundled cables that form the nervous system of modern particle physics research. Organized in striking vertical columns of vibrant colors—blues, blacks, reds, greens, and magentas—these cables represent the complex infrastructure required to power and control the sophisticated detection equipment at CERN's experimental facilities. Each cable bundle is meticulously secured with white cable ties at regular intervals, demonstrating the precision engineering and meticulous organization essential to large-scale scientific instrumentation. The color-coding system serves a practical purpose, allowing technicians to quickly identify different systems and connections among thousands of individual cables. This image exemplifies the hidden complexity behind groundbreaking physics research—a testament to the engineering excellence and attention to detail that underpins humanity's quest to understand the fundamental nature of matter and the universe.
93
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/1250 sFocal70 mmISO8000DateSeptember 2019
Baldomar, Catalonia
Hawk Moth in Flight
A hawk moth (family Sphingidae) hovers gracefully among vibrant magenta flowers. The moth displays the characteristic features of its family: a streamlined body, patterned wings in soft grays and browns, and distinctive orange-yellow markings on its hindwings. Its long, specialized proboscis extends toward the blooms as it feeds on nectar.
94
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/1.8Shutter1/40 sFocal35 mmISO800DateAugust 2019
Camarasa, Catalonia
Camarasa at Twilight
Nestled within dramatic canyon walls, Camarasa glows in golden dusk light, its terracotta and cream buildings cascading down the hillside in traditional arrangement. The imposing limestone cliffs frame the valley in deep indigo silhouettes, while warm light bathes the town's varied rooflines and facades. A ribbon of vegetation traces the valley floor, capturing the timeless character of rural Catalonia where human habitation and rugged terrain exist in quiet harmony.
95
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/1.8Shutter1/320 sFocal35 mmISO100DateAugust 2019
Serra del Montsec, Catalonia
Serra del Montsec mountain pass
A winding road curves through a dramatic canyon in the Serra del Montsec mountains, where towering rock formations rise majestically on either side. The distinctive stratified cliffs display warm ochre and grey tones, characteristic of this striking limestone range. Lush green vegetation clings to the lower slopes, while a brilliant blue sky dotted with white clouds frames the rugged peaks above. This scenic route captures the raw geological beauty and dramatic landscape that makes the Serra del Montsec one of Catalonia's most impressive natural destinations.
96
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/1.8Shutter1/5 sFocal35 mmISO250DateAugust 2019
Lyon, France
Homme de la Roche bridge
A striking nocturnal perspective of Lyon's iconic Homme de la Roche pedestrian bridge, captured from the walkway looking toward the far end. The bridge's distinctive red steel arch structure is dramatically illuminated against the night sky, creating a mesmerizing tunnel of light. The symmetrical composition emphasizes the geometric elegance of the design, with the wooden deck leading the eye toward the glowing vanishing point. Soft ambient lighting along the railings adds warmth to the scene, highlighting the bridge's modern architectural character. This contemporary structure gracefully spans the Saône River, serving as both a functional crossing and a striking landmark in Lyon's urban landscape.
97
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2Shutter1/100 sFocal35 mmISO1000DateAugust 2019
Lyon, France
Evening in Vieux Lyon
A charming cobblestone square in Lyon's historic old town glows with warm amber and rose-tinted light as evening settles in. Renaissance buildings with terracotta and ochre facades frame the intimate plaza, their tall windows reflecting the gentle illumination of vintage street lamps. Outdoor café seating spills across the square, where locals and visitors linger over drinks and conversation. Restaurants with inviting storefronts line the narrow street, their signage promising traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. The scene captures the timeless character of this UNESCO-listed district—a perfect blend of architectural heritage, vibrant street life, and the unhurried pace of a European evening.
98
CameraNIKON CORPORATION NIKON Z 6ƒƒ/2.8Shutter1/640 sFocal70 mmISO100DateAugust 2019
Treffendel, Brittany
Feline in cultivated space
A tabby cat perches on a weathered stone ledge adjacent to a residential dwelling, its alert posture and direct gaze suggesting awareness of its immediate surroundings. The animal occupies a transitional zone between human habitation and cultivated vegetation—flowering plants in shades of magenta and yellow bloom in the foreground, while aged wooden structures and a dark doorway frame the background. The layered depth of field isolates the subject while contextualizing it within an environment where domestic and botanical elements converge. This composition documents the quotidian intersection of urban wildlife and human-modified landscapes, capturing a moment of coexistence in what appears to be a Mediterranean or Southern European setting, evidenced by the architectural style and plant species present.
A striking perspective down a traditional Japanese torii gate tunnel, with hundreds of vermillion-red wooden gates creating a mesmerizing corridor of color and depth. The vibrant orange pillars contrast beautifully against weathered stone bases and moss-covered foundations, while a distant figure can be seen ascending the stone steps beyond. Dappled natural light filters through the canopy above, illuminating the atmospheric pathway. This iconic architectural feature, likely from a Shinto shrine, captures the spiritual essence and timeless beauty of Japanese religious sites.
A serene woodland trail winds through contrasting landscapes in the hills surrounding Fushimi Inari shrine. On the left, towering cedar trees cast dappled shadows across the narrow path, while the right side opens into a striking bamboo grove with its characteristic tall, slender stalks reaching skyward. A simple stone-paved walkway guides visitors deeper into the forest, creating a peaceful passage between these two distinct ecosystems. Dappled sunlight filters through the canopy above, illuminating the lush greenery and highlighting the natural beauty of Kyoto's forested terrain. This tranquil scene captures the essence of Japan's traditional woodland landscapes, offering a quieter alternative to the famous vermillion torii gates nearby.
