Solovetsky Monastery Sunset Reflections
28 worksFirst upload: Jun 2019Peak: 2023Last 12 months: 6
📝 Description
These images depict the Solovetsky Monastery situated on the shore of Holy Lake during sunset. Photographers are drawn to the scene for its strong architectural silhouette and the vibrant colors of the sky reflected in the calm water. The collection demonstrates different shooting approaches, ranging from wide-angle landscape views to close-ups emphasizing the texture of the clouds. Located on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island in the White Sea, the site is a historic Russian landmark known for unpredictable weather conditions. The group is united by the recurring visual motif of the fortress and its reflection against dramatic evening light.
How to shoot it
📍 Where to shoot
Outdoor shooting by the water, on the shore of Holy Lake on Bolshoy Solovetsky Island.
🗺️ On the map
Based on the authors' marks on the site map.
🧭 How to get there
Access to the Solovetsky Islands is only by water: by ferry or boat from Arkhangelsk. The journey takes several hours, depending on weather and schedule. On the island, you can walk or cycle; buses do not run.
🕐 Time of day
Most shot between 20:00 and 23:00 (52% of frames)
Based on 21 frames with camera data. Camera clock time; the time zone is unknown.
The best time for shooting is evening, mainly from 18:00 to 22:00. During these hours, a soft twilight glow or vibrant crimson sunset colors prevail above the monastery walls.
🗓️ Season
Most shot in: July, August, September
Based on 21 frames with camera data
The optimal season is summer and early autumn: July, August, and September. These months offer sufficiently long daylight hours for comfortable twilight work, and the weather in the Russian North allows for trip planning.
🎫 Access and rules
The Solovetsky Monastery is an active site and a museum-reserve. A ticket is required to enter the territory and approach the walls. Shooting within the reserve may be subject to regulations, so it is advisable to check restrictions on tripods or drones in advance.
🎒 Gear
Wide-angle lens (20–35 mm) for capturing architecture and reflections, tripod for long exposures at twilight. Aperture f/9, ISO 100.
Cameras and lenses the authors used (10)
Nikon D7100 3Canon EOS 6D Mark II 3Canon EOS R 2Nikon D850 2Canon EOS 5D Mark IV 2Canon RF 24-105mm F4L IS USM 3AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED 3Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM 3AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED 2Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM | A 2
🧳 What to bring
Warm clothing and waterproof shoes, flashlight, insect repellent, camera rain cover, spare batteries, reserve ticket.
⚙️ Settings
Shutter 1/100 (1/800 – 1/8)Aperture f/9 (f/2.8 – f/11)ISO 100 (50 – 320)Focal length 28 mm (20 – 35)
Based on 21 frames with camera data. Median and 10-90% range across the idea frames.
Key parameters: aperture f/9 for sharpness across the entire scene, ISO 100 for a clean frame. Shutter speed varies from 1/500 to 125 s depending on lighting conditions.
⚠️ Good to know
Weather in the Russian North is changeable: light shifts rapidly from bright crimson sunsets to dark twilight, so be prepared for sudden drops in illumination. Stones are often used in the foreground to create depth in the composition.
📈 How the idea developed
works uploadedshare of all site uploads, per 100k
The date is when the file was uploaded to the site. The chart counts works assigned to the idea.
✅ How to repeat it
- Use shoreline stones as a natural leading element in the frame.
- Watch for the quick transition from sunset to twilight to vary lighting.
✨ Interesting facts
- 🏆 How the best frame was shot: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM | A, 1/10, f/11, ISO 50, 31 mm
- 🔇 95% of frames were shot at ISO 400 or lower: almost no noise, any modern camera will do
- 📐 100% of frames are landscape orientation
- 🥇 2 works reached the finals, 1 won. Best contest: City sunrises and sunsets 2023
- 👤 Most frequent authors: Елена Гусева 3Алексей Ильин 3Колосова Елена 3Дмитрий Шишкин 2Юрий Руднев 2
- 🌍 Authors by country: 🇷🇺 RU 26🇧🇾 BY 1
Some tips are prepared by AI from the idea description, photos and their EXIF. Check the rules and access to places before you travel.
Works
These lists are generated automatically and may contain inaccuracies. Photos are shown in random order, and selections are refreshed twice a day. This section is made for exploring photos and does not claim 100% accuracy. The lists include photos that previously participated in contests that are already completed.
