Julianne McWhirter, The serpent (PLACES 2026)

In this early morning photograph, I used a long exposure to soften and smooth the movement of the sea, transforming the water into an almost ethereal surface. This technique reveals a striking rock formation emerging from the ocean, its shape suggestive of a giant serpent rising from the depths. By blurring the restless energy of the waves, the scene takes on a quiet, dreamlike quality, inviting viewers to interpret the form as something mythical rather than purely geological. The image explores the boundary between reality and imagination, where natural elements become vessels for storytelling and wonder.

Images have been resized for web display, which may cause some loss of image quality. Note: Original high-resolution images are used for judging.