The Shape of Sunrise – An Urban Silhouette

I wasn’t expecting much when I booked this Airbnb in Panama City last June—but to my surprise, I ended up on the 18th floor with an incredible view over the skyline. Pure luck!

One morning, just after 6am, I woke up, looked out of the window, and saw the sky glowing with that unmistakable golden light. The air was warm and sticky with humidity, and the city was still half-asleep. There were only a few clouds—long, soft streaks across the sky. As the sun began to rise, it looked like it was peeking perfectly from behind one of the high-rise buildings, casting a beautiful flare that gave the whole scene a surreal glow.

The light was just too perfect to miss. I grabbed my camera, set up as quickly as I could, and managed to capture a few shots before the moment passed. The buildings, mostly glass and steel, became striking silhouettes against the bright orange sky. Reflections danced on their surfaces, and to the far right of the frame, you can even spot Panama’s iconic twisted tower—the F&F Tower, also known as “The Screw.”

I tried to repeat the shot on other mornings, but the conditions never aligned quite the same. The sun moved, the sky changed, and that moment was gone. It was one of those scenes that only lasts a few minutes, but sticks in your memory for much longer.

Panama City always surprises me—its heat, its energy, and the ever-changing light that plays with the shapes of its skyline. I never get tired of photographing it.