The Guardian Angel

• Photographer
  Rolandas Urbonavicius
• Technical Info
  420 mm, 20 seconds, f/11, Iso 64 (Nikon D850, Nikkor 300 mm f/4D + TC 1.4)
• Photo Date
  08 07 2023

A strong wind tears at the sails of a solitary yacht, the ocean rages wildly, and above the cliff, wind-blown clouds form a surreal face, almost like a guardian angel watching over the yacht’s crew. This scene captivated me completely. The surreal angel seemed to guide me as well—I barely had time to hurriedly compose the shot, quickly choose the right filter, and capture the drama unfolding before me. It lasted but a moment—one fleeting shot, and the yacht disappeared behind the cliff.

Rolandas Urbonavicius is an independent photographer based in Germany. Using black-and-white photography and long exposures, he captures the changing landscape as a reflection of human emotion. His “slow photography” approach creates a subtle, sometimes surreal atmosphere that invites reflection. Rolandas Urbonavicius’ photographs have been widely recognized and awarded in international competitions.