Mata Oscura – A Study in Light and Motion

This image takes me back to one of my favourite places in Panama — Mata Oscura, a quiet stretch of volcanic beach where time seems to slow down with the waves. I lived nearby for 18 months and visited this beach countless times, often staying through sunset to watch the sky put on its show.

This photo was taken just after the sun had dipped below the horizon. The sand, dark and rich from volcanic minerals, contrasts with the soft motion of the waves. I used a long exposure to smooth out the ocean and capture the gentle rhythm of the tide as it pulled back from the shore. The clouds above, blurred slightly with motion, echo the movement below – streaks of blue, orange, and purple melting together in a painterly sky.

I composed this shot using the rule of thirds, placing the horizon lower in the frame to give space to the dramatic sky. There’s something meditative in the process of creating these images – waiting for the light to shift, the waves to move, and trying to find that quiet balance between observation and creativity.

This place holds many memories for me, and every time I return to these photos, I feel that sense of stillness and wonder all over again.