Evening light over a calm sea at Westkapelle by Sander Poppe

On a peaceful spring evening on the coast at Westkapelle, the North Sea showed its calm side. Between the basalt blocks at the foot of the dyke, the water lapped gently back and forth, whilst small streaks of sea foam lingered amongst the stones. Above the sea, the sky slowly shifted from blue to soft shades of yellow, pink and orange.

It was the first day of the May half-term holiday. An evening when the light kept changing and the horizon captured everyone’s attention. The small clouds over the sea gradually took on more colour as the sun sank further towards the North Sea. It was precisely that simplicity that made the moment special.

For me, this evening took on an extra significance. Whilst taking photographs, I was unexpectedly struck by a hypo. Yet my attention remained focused on the light, the water and the tranquillity of the coast. There is something about the Zeeland horizon that helps put things into perspective. For a moment, worries fade into the background and all that remains is the rhythm of the sea and the sky.

Thanks to its calm composition, open space and soft colours, this photograph conveys a sense of balance. It is an image that would fit well in a home, office or reception area where tranquillity, nature and light are allowed to take centre stage.