Kyle Hoffmann, Aether (LANDSCAPE & ENVIRONMENT 2024)

An exposure of the sun rising out of the Coral Sea, captured on Tjapukai land. I have been chasing this image for months using a medium format film camera, waking up before the sun emerged on the horizon, fighting with the elements to capture the image I had in mind. Unexpectedly, this process made me think of the first people and how these early sun cults emerged. Even today, my circadian rhythm has shifted, and I still feel drawn to go out and witness the sun emerge over the horizon, feeling the first rays of warm light. Standing there before each daybreak, you witness this unique experience, yet it is also shared with those who have come before us and after.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.