Those who set off early will see Tuscany come to life

by Pieter Struiksma

For moments like these, I like to set my alarm. Setting off early with my camera doesn’t guarantee a special photograph, but it does increase the chance of capturing a landscape where light, mist and depth come together beautifully.

The first light of dawn caresses the Tuscan hills. Nestled amongst the cypresses and olive trees stands an old farmhouse, surrounded by greenery that glows golden in the sun. Behind it, the landscape fades layer by layer into the mist. The longer you look, the more you discover: slender rows of trees, hidden rooftops and rolling hills that slowly fade into the distance.

During my journey through Tuscany, I set out early with my camera to capture the landscape as it awoke. It is precisely those early hours that offer the chance to witness something special: soft light, morning mist and an interplay of shapes that may well have vanished by the time you look again. In this image, they all come together.

For me, this photograph evokes the tranquillity of a morning when everything is yet to begin. The warm highlights and the soft, muted tones lend the landscape a serene atmosphere. Your gaze wanders from the tangible details in the foreground to the almost invisible hills on the horizon.

Hanging on the wall, this piece brings warmth, depth and a sense of space. The natural shades of green, gold and earth tones complement wood and understated materials beautifully. An invitation to slow down for a moment and let your mind wander through the Tuscan landscape.