Behind the Lens: July Light and Iron Wings
July Light and Iron Wings
July evenings in Northumberland offer a distinct tranquility, where the air is warm and the sky begins to glow with the soft, golden hues of the setting sun. It was on one such evening that I found myself beneath the monumental figure of the Angel of the North, eager to capture its essence at the perfect moment. As a photographer, I’ve always sought fresh angles and unique perspectives, and for this shoot, I wanted to portray the Angel in a way that emphasized both its massive scale and its connection to the surrounding landscape through a vertical panoramic.
The Location and Setup
The Angel of the North, standing tall above the A1, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. I’d visited the site on several occasions, but it wasn’t until this particular July evening that I felt everything align. The golden hour light was softening the landscape, and the colors in the sky were beginning to shift. I had chosen a position that would allow me to shoot upward, highlighting the Angel’s towering wings against the fading light. The plan was to capture a series of images that would come together into a panoramic frame, showcasing both the sculpture’s enormity and the drama of the evening sky.
The Moment of Truth
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the light took on a magical quality. The Angel’s iron surface, which usually carries a cold, industrial tone, now seemed to glow, reflecting the rich oranges and reds of the sunset. The soft light hit the sculpture just right, accentuating the curves of its wings and giving it a depth and presence that I hadn’t expected. It was as if the Angel itself was absorbing the sunset, radiating warmth and energy. I moved quickly, capturing a series of bracketed exposures to ensure I got the full range of detail, from the deepest shadows of the steel to the bright, glowing sky. The moment felt fleeting—one of those rare instances where the light, the subject, and the timing came together to create something truly unique.
Reflection
As the sun sank further, I stepped away from the camera to take in the view. The Angel stood resolute, but in the fading light, it felt like it was part of the landscape itself, almost as though it had grown out of the land beneath it. That evening, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. The time, the planning, and the patience had all led to this single moment, when everything aligned in perfect harmony. As I walked back to my car, camera in hand, I was reminded of the power of photography—to capture the fleeting beauty of a scene, just as it is, in a way that lasts. The sunset had given me not only the perfect light but a fresh perspective on an old favorite.
Camera Settings
Vertical Panoramic
Shutter Speed – 1/250
Aperture – f/11.0
ISO – 100