Dream © Sabrina Garofoli

Dream © Sabrina Garofoli

Photographer name: Sabrina Garofoli

From: Italy, Piedmont

Age: 43

Photo title: Dream

Photo location: Paderno d'Adda (Lombardy, Italy) 

Date photo taken: 13/11/2016

Story behind the photo: During the autumn season, in the very early hours of the morning, thanks to some particular climatic conditions it is possible to witness the formation of the 'river of clouds' in this valley. With the high pressure and the absence of wind, thick layers of fog thicken due to the humidification of the air mass present near the ground and flow along the Adda river, thus giving rise to a muffled landscape. In this period (October-November) the sun rises just behind a dense group of trees: therefore, if the sky is clear, for a few minutes it is possible to observe the formation of these intense rays of light. The photo is taken from a sanctuary, located on a hill overlooking the whole valley.

Weather caption: On clear and calm nights, often during winter, radiation fog can form. Overnight, the air near the ground is cooled by the land surface losing heat through radiation. If the air is cooled sufficiently (to the dew point temperature), condensation occurs and fog forms. The cool, dense air will always sink to the lowest point it can, which is why it is common to see fog in river valleys and other low-lying areas. In this image, the fog and early morning mist have been illuminated by crepuscular rays. These are beams of sunlight, which usually radiate through gaps in the clouds. The sunlight is scattered by small water droplets, dust or other dry particles, resulting in the crepuscular rays we see. Here, the trees stand in for clouds and the fog acts as the reflecting medium. 

Technical details:

Camera: Canon EOS 6D

Lens model: EF70-200mm f/4L USM

Shutter speed: 1/200

Aperture: f/11

Focal length: 70 mm

ISO: 160