Hasselblad
24mm f/2.8
Photographs on this site made with the 24mm f/2.8.
Bodies used here
Cameras paired with this lens in the collection.
Field notes
Field notes with this glass
Turquoise Sanctuary
The drone drifted silently above the remote shoreline of Espiritu Santo, capturing a perfect crescent of bone-white sand tucked tightly against a dense canopy of tropical jungle. Peering straight down through the crystal-clear shallows, the shifting gradients of cerulean and aquamarine revealed a sprawling labyrinth of submerged coral networks. The rhythmic wash of the South Pacific tide trace soft white lines along the coast, highlighting an untouched coastal sanctuary where the rainforest directly meets the reef.
How to capture
To capture a shot like this from a professional photography standpoint, you must use a drone positioned perfectly top-down (a 90-degree zenith perspective) during high midday sun to minimize glare and penetrate deep into the water column. Utilizing a high-quality circular polarizer filter on your camera lens is essential to cut surface reflections and maximize the vibrant saturation of the coral reef beneath. Carefully frame the shoreline diagonally across the composition to create a dynamic visual balance between the rich organic textures of the tree canopy and the clear geometry of the underwater marine patterns.
Anchored in Serenity
The drone angled gently over the coastline of Malo Island, framing a motorized day boat and a traditional outrigger canoe resting peacefully over a shallow lagoon. Below the floating hulls, a vast, healthy expanse of coral patches rises near the surface, contrasting against a pristine beach that stretches into a towering wall of dense, primeval rainforest. The sun catches the transparent rippling tide, casting distinct, sharp shadows from the vessels directly onto the sandy floor below to underscore the absolute stillness of this hidden South Pacific haven.
How to capture
From a professional photography perspective, capturing this compelling scene requires a high-angle drone position during mid-morning or mid-afternoon to create elongated shadows while maintaining excellent water clarity. Utilizing a polarizing filter on the drone’s camera lens is necessary to balance the exposure between the deep jungle greens and the brilliant, reflective white sand. Position the shoreline diagonally across the upper third of the frame to establish a strong leading line that draws the viewer’s eye seamlessly from the lush forest canopy down to the resting vessels and the intricate coral geometry below.
Where Forest Meets Foam
The drone swept along the rugged edge of Efate Island, capturing the powerful contrast of churning white surf crashing against a secluded strip of pale sand. Rolling waves originating from the deep blue of the open ocean break forcefully over a shallow reef barrier, transforming into brilliant paths of turquoise and frothy foam that rush toward the shore. At the edge of the sand, a dense, untamed wall of maritime jungle stands resolute, its dark green canopy absorbing the misty sea spray from an unforgiving but breathtaking Pacific tide.
How to capture
From a professional photography standpoint, capturing this composition requires a high-angle drone perspective paired with a fast shutter speed—at least 1/1000s—to freeze the dynamic, chaotic textures of the breaking waves and exploding sea foam. Shooting during late afternoon or overcast conditions helps soften the harsh highlights on the white water while emphasizing the deep tonal transitions between the dark jungle and the vibrant ocean gradients. Frame the scene using a strong diagonal division, letting the shifting white surf act as a natural, energetic line that separates the stillness of the terrestrial forest from the constant motion of the sea.
Echoes of the Valley
The drone climbed gently above a verdant, rolling landscape to reveal a traditional village cradled in a lush interior valley. Clusters of steep, conical thatched roofs rise organically from the manicured lawns, connected by worn dirt pathways winding toward a quiet river that snakes through the distant hills. Encircled by dramatic, cone-shaped green mounds and dense tropical forests under a soft, overcast sky, the settlement exudes an enduring connection to the earth—a quiet domain where community life moves in perfect harmony with the topography of the island.
How to capture
To capture a landscape like this from a professional photography perspective, you must use a mid-altitude drone vantage point during early morning or late afternoon "golden hour" light to cast soft shadows that define the geometric shapes of the huts and the rolling hills. Adjusting your exposure to protect the subtle cloud textures prevents a blown-out sky while maintaining deep tonal richness in the shadowed forest valleys. Compose the scene with the village positioned in the lower-left quadrant, allowing the sweeping curves of the pathways and the meandering river to act as natural leading lines that guide the eye deeper into the vast volcanic terrain.
Autumn’s Crimson Archipelago
The drone glided smoothly over the expansive waters of Lake Superior, framing a vibrant mosaic of islands adorned in their peak autumnal splendor. Channels of deep, dark blue carve gracefully between the narrow peninsulas and secluded landforms, isolating the brilliant patches of fire-orange, amber, and crimson foliage from the mainland. Under a soft, blanketed gray sky, the dense canopy of northern hardwoods stands starkly against the water, painting a striking portrait of seasonal transition across this wild, freshwater archipelago.
How to capture
From a professional landscape photography perspective, achieving a shot like this requires a drone positioned at a mid-to-high altitude during an overcast day or a bright, high-cloud afternoon. The flat, diffused light from the cloud cover is crucial for eliminating harsh highlights and preventing deep shadows, which allows the subtle, fiery variations within the deciduous canopy to saturate fully. Using a circular polarizer on the drone’s camera sensor is essential to slice through any surface glare on the lake, revealing the clean, continuous shapes of the shorelines and maximizing the rich contrast between the forest and the dark water.
Cauldron of Sculpted Stone
The drone hovered directly over a rugged precipice on Lake Superior, peering straight down into a mesmerizing, naturally carved sea cave basin. Swirling currents of emerald and deep jade water churn inside the smooth, concentric sedimentary layers of the ancient sandstone cliffs, forming a dramatic aquatic eye trapped within the earth. Along the rocky rims, the hardy northern forest leans over the churning pool, its canopy a brilliant tapestry of changing autumn oranges and rich evergreens that frame the raw, wave-sculpted engineering of the shoreline.
How to capture
From a professional landscape photography perspective, achieving a compelling overhead shot of this cave basin requires a precise 90-degree top-down zenith drone perspective during a bright but overcast day. The diffused cloud cover acts as a massive softbox, preventing harsh shadows within the deep crevices of the rock and preserving the delicate color variations in both the autumn leaves and the underwater sandstone shelves. A high-quality circular polarizing filter must be fitted to the drone's lens to cut surface reflection on the water, enabling the camera to pierce the lake's surface and clearly resolve the swirling green geological layers hiding just beneath.
Channels of Amber Light
The drone coasted over a labyrinth of sheltered waterways, tracking a narrow current that cuts tightly between forested capes and fragmented islets. Deep green channels twist through the submerged sandstone shelves, contrasting sharply against the shallow, golden-rimmed sandbars creeping out from the shores. Crowning the rugged lake banks, an dense forest canopy glows with the warm hues of early autumn, its rustling yellow leaves and deep evergreen highlights casting long, subtle textures across the expansive, glass-like waters of the Great Lakes wilderness.
How to capture
From a professional photography perspective, capturing this expansive landscape requires a medium-altitude drone vantage point flown during the soft, indirect illumination of dawn or an overcast afternoon. This gentle lighting prevents high-contrast hot spots on the sand bars while preserving the subtle, desaturated gradients within the shifting water depths. It is critical to utilize a circular polarizer filter adjusted precisely to eliminate surface glare, which allows the camera sensor to cut through the water line and cleanly reveal the striking underwater topographic transitions and hidden sandstone shelves below.
Canopy of Fire and Stone
The drone swept past the craggy edge of Lake Superior, framing an intimate, stone-walled cove blanketed by an explosion of autumnal color. Layered shelves of dark sandstone jut out over the clear, churning water, providing a rugged foundation for a dense forest that appears to be entirely ablaze with fiery reds, rich golds, and deep emerald greens. Tucked deep within the rocky embrace, a tiny, secluded pocket beach gathers driftwood and gentle surf, illustrating the quiet, untamed intersections where the great northern woods surrender directly to the continuous push of the lake.
How to capture
From a professional landscape photography standpoint, capturing this striking scene requires a low-to-mid-altitude drone perspective angled down at roughly forty-five degrees to fully capture the vertical depth of the cliffs alongside the sprawling canopy. Shooting during an overcast afternoon or within the soft, directional light just before sunset avoids blowing out the bright white birch trunks and intensely saturated maple leaves. It is essential to use a high-quality circular polarizer filter on your lens to suppress surface glare on the lake, revealing the warm tones of the submerged sandstone shelves and enriching the dramatic blue-green hue of the water.
Cradled in Stone Shallows
Hovering over the jagged fringes of Efate Island, the coastline breaks into a dramatic labyrinth of weathered coral limestone shelves that guard the land like ancient armor. Sheltered within these dark, pockmarked stone formations lies an unearthly aquatic nursery, where the Pacific ocean pools into a pocket of glowing, neon-turquoise water. Below the glass-like surface, massive brain corals and complex reef structures sit perfectly exposed, casting their detailed silhouettes onto the shallow sand floors. As deep indigo ocean swells crash heavily against the outer barrier, scattering brilliant white foam into the air, a dense, untamed thicket of coastal trees crowds right to the rocky edge, holding fast against the persistent salt spray of Vanuatu's wild seas.
How to capture
To resolve the intricate micro-textures of both a dense forest canopy and a submerged coral reef from an aerial viewpoint, position your drone or aircraft at a steep oblique angle during mid-afternoon. The directional sunlight beautifully carves out the three-dimensional shapes of the tree clusters and rock crevices without creating flat, high-noon lighting. A high-quality circular polarizing filter (CPL) is mandatory to eliminate the mirror-like sheen of the open ocean, which deepens color saturation and reveals the hidden architecture of the marine shelf below. Shoot with a wide-angle focal length equivalent to 24mm, keeping your aperture at a sharp mid-range like f/4 or f/5.6, and maintain a fast shutter speed of 1/800s to sharply freeze the turbulent white water crashing along the outer stone walls.
Sentinels of the Shore
Drifting high over the rugged margins of Efate Island, the coastline fractures into a beautiful, hidden theater of stone and sea. Giant, weathered limestone boulders break away from the steep cliffs, standing like ancient anchors scattered along a pristine stretch of ivory sand. The incoming tide rolls in soft, creamy layers of white foam, bleeding into an expansive pool of luminescent turquoise water that shifts suddenly over a dark, deeply etched reef system. Crowding right to the precipice, a dense, pillowy wall of tropical jungle casts quiet afternoon shadows across the cove, enveloping this untouched pocket of Vanuatu in a profound, timeless isolation.
How to capture
To frame a steep oblique aerial shot that maximizes texture and compositional lines, fly your drone during mid-afternoon when the low-angle sun sculpts the three-dimensional form of the jungle canopy and casts defining shadows from the scattered boulders. Attach a high-grade circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut surface reflections on the ocean, revealing the deep structural layout of the submerged reef. Set an ultra-wide focal length equivalent to 24mm with a mid-aperture like f/4 or f/5.6 to ensure uniform edge-to-edge resolution, and utilize a fast shutter speed of 1/800s to sharply capture the micro-textures of the shoreline foam and the fine details of individual leaves.
Where Emerald Meets Indigo
Soaring quietly above the northern reaches of Espiritu Santo, an endless expanse of ancient rainforest tumbles dramatically down to meet the edge of the Coral Sea. A pristine, deserted ribbon of white sand carves a delicate boundary between the wild jungle and a labyrinth of shallow coral flats. Below, the water shifts in brilliant layers—from pale neon aquamarine over the sandbars to deep sapphire where the open ocean drops away. In the distance, heavy clouds rest lazily on the broad peaks of slumbering volcanic mountains, casting expansive shadows that ripple across the landscape and capturing a deep sense of true, unmapped wilderness.
How to capture
To execute an expansive aerial seascape with this level of depth, position your drone or light aircraft at a high altitude during mid-afternoon to take advantage of directional side-lighting, which beautifully carves out the rolling ridges of the forest canopy. Attach a high-grade circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut the surface reflection of the ocean, deepening the contrast between the dark reef structures and the turquoise sand channels. Frame the shot dynamically using the sweeping curve of the coastline as a powerful leading line that guides the eye from the crisp foreground waves toward the hazy, atmospheric layers of the distant volcanic mountains.
Where Veins of Turquoise Flow
Hovering over the northern wildlands of Espiritu Santo, the earth breathes through an intricate labyrinth of liquid paths. A powerful estuarine river winds like a neon ribbon of pure turquoise, cutting through an endless, velvety blanket of dense tropical jungle and low-lying mangrove swamps. As the outgoing tide pulls from the heart of the island, the translucent fresh water collides with the deeper sea, creating gentle ripples over white silt sandbars and submerged coral shelves. The vast green expanse seems to swallow the horizon, broken only by these twisting channels that pulse with the rhythm of the ocean, capturing a landscape completely governed by the quiet, primordial laws of nature.
How to capture
To frame a complex river system with this degree of graphic clarity, deploy a drone or pilot a light aircraft during the late afternoon to take advantage of directional side-lighting. This specific angle carves out the deep, pillowy textures of the jungle canopy while keeping the water looking luminous. Attach a high-grade circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut through surface sheen, allowing the lens to capture the rich variations between the shallow sandbars and the deep underwater river channels. Use a wide-angle focal length equivalent to 24mm, select an optimal mid-aperture like f/5.6 to ensure uniform edge-to-edge sharpness, and maintain a shutter speed of 1/500s or faster to neutralize any wind-induced aircraft movement.
Channels of Clear Jade
Looking down from a high ridge over the sheltered shores of Malekula Island, a traditional outrigger boat glides effortlessly through a maze of submerged coral gardens. The water is so transparent it feels like liquid air, glowing in brilliant shades of turquoise and jade as it traces the deep limestone cuts along the coast. Hidden beneath a dense, overarching canopy of ancient jungle lies a tiny pocket of white sand beach, completely cut off from the outside world. The gentle hum of the boat's motor leaves a soft, fading wake across the glass-like water, creating a quiet moment of absolute calm where human life moves in perfect harmony with the raw, untamed beauty of the South Pacific.
How to capture
To master an aerial perspective that isolates a moving element within a complex reef landscape, employ a drone during mid-morning when the sun provides excellent light penetration through the shallow water without casting overpowering shadows from the cliffside jungle. Fasten a circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut through surface reflections, which deepens the water's color saturation and exposes the intricate textures of the submerged coral heads. Compose the shot with a wide-angle focal length equivalent to 24mm, using a mid-range aperture like f/4 or f/5.6 to maintain crisp edge-to-edge details. Keep your shutter speed at a fast 1/800s to sharply freeze the textures of the boat's wake and the swaying leaves of the forest canopy.
Where Fire Meets Sea
Hovering over the dramatic coast of Tanna Island, the earth’s violent history collides with the relentless energy of the South Pacific. An aerial perspective reveals an intricate labyrinth of black volcanic rock and old basalt flows framing pockets of impossibly clear, neon-turquoise water. As waves rush in from the deep ocean, they break into white frothy lines across a submerged limestone bench, spilling into hidden rock pools and deep underwater caverns that glow like liquid gems. The stark, dark textures of the volcanic shelves contrast beautifully against the shifting aqua tones, telling a silent story of a landscape constantly reshaped by volcanic forces and the persistent rhythm of the tides.
How to capture
To emphasize the complex geological textures and vibrant water pools in an aerial shot like this, shoot with a drone or light aircraft during midday or early afternoon when the sun is at a steep angle. This direct light penetrates deep into the rock pools, eliminating long shadows that would otherwise obscure the submerged cavern entries. Equip your camera with a high-grade circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut through surface reflections, maximizing the color contrast between the deep turquoise water and the dark volcanic stone. Use a standard wide-angle setting—equivalent to 24mm—with an aperture of f/5.6 or f/8 and a shutter speed of 1/1000s to sharply freeze the incoming surf foam against the jagged rocks.
Where Waves Carve Ivory
Hovering directly over the wild coastline of Efate Island, a perfect, hidden crescent of powdery white sand rests cradled between a dense wall of ancient jungle and a restless, glowing sea. The aerial perspective reveals the ocean’s raw energy as rolling swells transform into crisp, white lines of foam, washing rhythmically across a vibrant coral floor. The water is an unearthly shade of neon turquoise, so clear that the dark, monolithic shapes of submerged reefs are visible just below the surface. Shrouded by steep limestone cliffs on one side and a canopy of tangled vines and palms on the other, this isolated sanctuary feels completely cut off from the rest of the world, defined only by the endless coming and going of the tides.
How to capture
To secure a striking top-down composition with this level of clarity and balanced contrast, fly a high-resolution drone during mid-morning when the sun is high enough to penetrate the ocean surface but angled enough to reveal the textures of the forest canopy. Attach a circular polarizing filter (CPL) and adjust it precisely to eliminate surface glare, allowing the camera to capture the rich details of the submerged coral heads. Frame the shot symmetrically, utilizing the sweeping S-curve of the white beach as a powerful geometric line that cleanly divides the cool, neon-aquamarine tones of the surf from the warm, organic greens of the coastal jungle. Use a fast shutter speed of 1/800s to freeze the crisp details of the crashing shorebreak foam.
Where Jungle Meets Deep
Looking straight down over the rugged edges of Malekula Island, a dense, ancient jungle leans heavily out over a narrow strip of smooth limestone pebbles and hidden sand. The vibrant green canopy breaks into jagged shapes at the shore, giving way to an incredible underwater world. Below the glass-like surface, a massive fringe reef spreads across the shallows, its intricate, stone-like structures glowing in pockets of brilliant neon-teal before plunging suddenly into the quiet, dark indigo of the deep sea. The afternoon sun casts long, soft shadows through the thick trees, framing a timeless boundary where the raw, untamed forest of Vanuatu stands face-to-face with the endless pull of the South Pacific.
How to capture
To secure an aerial composition with this crisp level of edge-to-edge sharpness, fly your drone at a top-down or steep oblique angle during mid-afternoon when directional sunlight carves out the deep, three-dimensional textures of the tree canopy. Fasten a circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut the heavy surface reflections of the open ocean, allowing the camera to resolve the fine textures of the submerged coral formations. Keep a wide-angle focal length equivalent to 24mm, select an optimal mid-aperture like f/4 or f/5.6 to ensure uniform resolution across the frame, and lock in a fast shutter speed of at least 1/640s to keep the breaking shoreline water and swaying branches completely sharp.
Where Reefs Gilded Gleam
Looking down from an aerial perspective over the pristine fringes of Efate Island, a mesmerizing mosaic of land and sea spreads beneath the wing. The brilliant turquoise water changes from neon translucent pool to deep navy blue, tracing the intricate underwater topography of a massive, living coral reef system that stretches out into the South Pacific. Gentle ocean swells crest into delicate lines of white foam as they meet the protective barrier rocks. Sheltered within this rugged limestone embrace lies a secluded pocket of white sand, where dense coastal forests and sun-drenched grassy plateaus run right to the edge of the world, capturing the vibrant and raw spirit of a true island sanctuary.
How to capture
To master an aerial landscape framing complex coastal reefs, utilize a drone or a low-altitude light aircraft during the late morning or early afternoon when the sun sits at a high angle to maximize water transparency and minimize glare. Attach a high-performance circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut through surface reflections, turning the water into glass and amplifying the rich greens and deep blues of the seabed. Select a sharp wide-angle setting—equivalent to 24mm on a full-frame sensor—and use an optimal mid-aperture like f/5.6 or f/8 with a fast shutter speed of at least 1/800s to maintain extreme edge-to-edge detail in both the moving surf and the dense vegetation canopy.
Where Emerald Meets Indigo
Soaring quietly above the northern reaches of Espiritu Santo, an endless expanse of ancient rainforest tumbles dramatically down to meet the edge of the Coral Sea. A pristine, deserted ribbon of white sand carves a delicate boundary between the wild jungle and a labyrinth of shallow coral flats. Below, the water shifts in brilliant layers—from pale neon aquamarine over the sandbars to deep sapphire where the open ocean drops away. In the distance, heavy clouds rest lazily on the broad peaks of slumbering volcanic mountains, casting expansive shadows that ripple across the landscape and capturing a deep sense of true, unmapped wilderness.
How to capture
To execute an expansive aerial seascape with this level of depth, position your drone or light aircraft at a high altitude during mid-afternoon to take advantage of directional side-lighting, which beautifully carves out the rolling ridges of the forest canopy. Attach a high-grade circular polarizing filter (CPL) to cut the surface reflection of the ocean, deepening the contrast between the dark reef structures and the turquoise sand channels. Frame the shot dynamically using the sweeping curve of the coastline as a leading line that guides the eye from the crisp foreground waves toward the hazy, atmospheric layers of the distant volcanic mountains.
Isles of Indigo Calm
Hovering over the quiet fringes of the Bligh Water, the dramatic landscape opens up to reveal a cluster of rugged volcanic outcroppings anchored in the deep. Two sleek white catamarans sway gently in the sheltered channels between the islands, their hulls resting over glowing patches of shallow, neon-turquoise reef. Dark, volcanic stone pillars break the surface like ancient sentinels, contrasting sharply against the soft sweep of a secluded crescent beach. Above, a heavy blanket of low-hanging storm clouds presses down, casting deep shadows across the forested ridges and infusing this remote tropical anchorage with an intense, cinematic moodiness.
How to capture
To capture an expansive, high-angle seascape with this level of depth under an overcast sky, employ a drone equipped with a large 1-inch or medium-format sensor to maximize dynamic range in the shadowed island foliage and dark rocks. Fly during a period of diffused light to prevent harsh highlights on the water, but utilize a circular polarizing filter to reduce surface glare and reveal the vivid color variations of the submerged coral reefs. Set a wide-angle focal length equivalent to 24mm, choose an aperture around f/4 or f/5.6 for optimal sharpness across the frame, and keep your shutter speed at 1/500s or faster to counteract any drone drift caused by ocean winds.
Where Oceans Cradled Green
From the humming cabin of a light aircraft soaring high above the South Pacific, the world transitions into a tapestry of emerald and deep indigo. The ridges of the islands rise like sleepy giants emerging from the sea, their sunlit slopes blanketed in thick forests while hidden coves carve secret pathways into the land. As the plane tracks along the coastline, the dramatic shadows stretching over the velvet hills reveal the wild, pristine pulse of this remote archipelago, capturing a fleeting moment of pure isolation where the water meets the sky in absolute silence.
How to capture
To replicate a high-altitude aerial view of this quality, shoot from a chartered helicopter or a small fixed-wing aircraft with a clean window. Utilize a fast shutter speed of at least 1/1000s or faster to mitigate structural engine vibrations and the forward motion of the aircraft. Keep a fast, sharp prime lens or a versatile zoom fixed at a wide to normal focal range (such as 24mm to 35mm) to capture the grand scale of the landscape without introducing severe edge distortion. Circular polarizers can help minimize window reflections, though caution must be taken as they can sometimes interact poorly with the anti-glare coatings or plexiglass materials common in aircraft windows.
Gold Upon the Plain
A majestic patchwork of emerald and gold unfurls across the immense expanse of a glacial basin, where the rugged topography of the central Apennines yields to a serene alpine meadow. Carved by ancient tectonic pressures and seasonal runoff, this high-altitude valley comes alive in the summer as a winding, silver stream cuts a serpentine path through rolling fields of wild mustard and subalpine grasses. Overhead, a heavy mantle of moisture-laden storm clouds fractures near the horizon, allowing localized beams of late-afternoon sunlight to race across the valley floor, casting a dramatic theater of moving shadows that accentuates the undulating contours of this fiercely protected Italian wilderness.
How to capture
To capture the sweeping scale and cinematic lighting of a vast alpine basin from a National Geographic perspective, a photographer should seek an elevated vantage point along the flanking ridges during the late afternoon. Utilizing a standard wide-angle zoom lens—ideally around 24mm to 35mm—preserves the natural, unwarped perspective of the distant mountains while cleanly charting the winding path of the stream as a powerful leading line. A mid-range aperture like f/8 or f/11 ensures comprehensive sharpness from the immediate grassy slopes to the cloud-shrouded massifs, while slightly underexposing the frame prevents the brilliant sunlit patches of yellow flora from losing their rich, underlying textures.
Photographs