The Cliffside That Became Light

I’d always dreamed of photographing the Cinque Terre, especially being Italian myself. When I arrived in Riomaggiore, I loved the charm, but Manarola called to me—it’s that village that clings to the cliff, almost like a lighthouse. Midday light was harsh, and I searched from above but couldn’t find the perfect angle. The gates to the rocks below were closed, but as sunset approached, I hopped the gate and made my way down. I set my tripod, framing the curve of the rocks leading to the village. The light was changing fast—early blue hour creeping in—so I time-blended later village lights to capture the full glow. The long exposure softened the sea, making the water a serene contrast to the village’s warm, bustling lights. In that moment, I saw how the cliff had become light, and I knew I had the image I’d always wanted.