A Collection of Silhouettes
Marc van Eyken - Photography
The Inn at Saint Peters, PEI
85mm f/6.3 1/100s ISO 400 3:2
Evening Reverie, St. Peter's Bay, PEI
This evocative photograph captures the serene beauty of St. Peter's Bay, Prince Edward Island, during the golden hour's most dramatic moments. The composition presents a stunning silhouette of a traditional gazebo, its distinctive octagonal form and decorative railings rendered in perfect black against the brilliant amber and coral sky.
The photographer has masterfully positioned the gazebo as the central focal point, its architectural details creating an elegant framework that draws the viewer's eye toward the tranquil waters beyond. A majestic spruce tree anchors the left side of the composition, its characteristic Maritime profile adding organic contrast to the gazebo's geometric lines.
The bay itself becomes a mirror, reflecting the sky's warm palette of oranges, golds, and deep crimsons that stretch across the horizon. This reflection doubles the visual impact, creating a sense of infinite space and tranquillity that speaks to PEI's renowned coastal beauty.
The lighting demonstrates the photographer's keen understanding of the 'blue hour' – that magical time when the sun has set but enough ambient light remains to reveal subtle details in the shadows while maintaining the sky's vibrant colours. The weathervane atop the gazebo, pointing steadfastly north, adds a charming Maritime detail that grounds the image in its Island setting.
This photograph beautifully encapsulates the peaceful essence of Prince Edward Island's landscape, where human-made structures exist in harmonious dialogue with the natural environment, creating moments of profound serenity that define the Island experience.