Santiago Calatrava’s Sunrise Masterpiece

The Pont de l’Assut de l’Or in Valencia, near the City of Science and Art is a striking piece of architecture, so when this sunrise turned purple just before the sun rose over the horizon I had to make sure to get a photo of this stunning bridge.

The Pont de l’Assut de l’Or was designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2008. Its distinctive single pylon stands 125 metres tall, making it the highest point in Valencia and a defining feature of the city’s skyline. The bridge’s name translates to “Bridge of the Assut de l’Or Dam,” referencing a historic dam that once stood nearby. What’s particularly impressive about this cable-stayed design is that the asymmetric pylon (leaning at an angle rather than standing vertical) creates enormous engineering challenges. All the weight and tension from the bridge deck must be balanced through that single angled support point. Calatrava, who trained as both an architect and an engineer, is famous for these gravity-defying designs that blend structural innovation with sculptural beauty. The bridge is part of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences complex, which Calatrava also designed, transforming a former riverbed into one of Europe’s most striking examples of contemporary architecture. The entire complex cost over €1 billion to build and has become Valencia’s most iconic modern landmark.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length16mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/10s

From the Heart of Spain

La Mariblanca, a statue in a large square in Madrid, marks the geographic centre of Spain.

This is what it looked like in 2017, but the area around it has been developed since then and now there’s more places to stop and sit.

La Mariblanca, May 2025

Apertureƒ/8
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/800s

Fresh Fruits and Fortune

I went out one morning to photograph Palafrugell, walking around the town, exploring the streets. It’s a small town with narrow roads and tall buildings, with a few public squares dotted around. Near one is a vegetable market where I spotted a man buying a lottery card.

The ONCE lottery, seen in the photo, is unique in Spain for being operated by the Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles, an organisation founded in 1938 to support the blind and visually impaired. Many of the lottery vendors, like the one pictured, are themselves visually impaired, making each ticket sale a contribution to social inclusion and support for people with disabilities.


Apertureƒ/8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length35mm
ISO1600
Shutter speed1/500s

A Striped Antelope at Valencia Zoo

A young antelope stands in water at Bioparc Valencia, Spain.

The animal in the photo is a sitatunga, a type of antelope known for its semiaquatic lifestyle. Its splayed hooves help it walk easily through marshy and swampy habitats.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length205mm
ISO250
Shutter speed1/1000s

Architectural Waves by the Sea

It’s been a few years since I’ve been in Malaga. This one is from November 2018 on a lovely sunny day. I love the “Palmeral de las Sorpresas” pergola is an eye-catching structure along the promenade.


Apertureƒ/9
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO125
Shutter speed1/400s

Red Trousers on the Metro Steps

It was early in the morning on a lovely day in Madrid, Spain. I went out for an early walk to capture the comings and goings of the local population and chanced upon this woman coming out of the metro.

She probably made this journey hundreds of times. Hopefully, she’s still in Madrid.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraCanon EOS 6D
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/640s

City Life Through Generations

What caught my eye initially was the two older gentlemen in the foreground, but I love that the riders of the bike are wearing similarly coloured clothes. Dark and bright, both.


Apertureƒ/4
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO250
Shutter speed1/500s

A Chimpanzee’s Afternoon Siesta

A Chimpanzee in the Bioparc in Valencia has a nap in a warm afternoon sunshine.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length240mm
ISO1000
Shutter speed1/500s

Urban Geometry in Valencia

An interesting building that caught my attention on the C. del Mar in Valencia. Just around the corner from the Placa de la Reina.


Apertureƒ/2.8
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length24mm
ISO100
Shutter speed1/500s

All Stripes and Horns

A Bongo Antelope at Bioparc Valencia was relaxing under the shade when he looked behind at the humans visiting. The baboons in an enclosure nearby were getting most of the attention, though.


Apertureƒ/6.3
CameraILCE-7M3
Focal length240mm
ISO160
Shutter speed1/500s