I distinctly remember that almost everything went wrong for me on that fateful day in 2019, when I set out to get this shot. It almost didn't happen. My itinerary was just so packed, that I only had one day to visit Monument Valley. 

First, my booked flight on that day was canceled due to bizarre weather in NYC. I felt my dream crushing before I could even take off. Fortunately, later that day, I was able to get into another flight as a chance passenger and arrived in Vegas at night. Without skipping a heartbeat, I rented a car and drove to Arizona but halfway through, my second strike happened - I realized my tripod was missing! 

But even the tiniest prayer works. I didn’t strike out. My lifesavers were a tabletop tripod and a clamp that I had stashed in my backpack. On arriving at the location past midnight, my luck had completely turned for the better - I was greeted by the three mittens towering above the valley while the clear blue skies revealed the majestic milky way; it was a home run after all! 

And this is how my “Crown of the Kings” came to be. It was a difficult birthing  but one that eventually gave me one of my most favorite creations.

Crown of the Kings  #45/50

V.A.Y.C #1453

1/1
The Sagano Scenic Railway or Sagano Torokko Ressha is a sightseeing train line that runs along the Hozugawa River between Arashiyama and Kameoka, at western Kyoto region.

Its charming, old fashioned trains wind their way through the mountains at a relatively slow pace, taking about 25 minutes to make the seven kilometres journey and giving passengers a pleasant view of the scenery as they travel from Arashiyama through the forested ravine and into rural Kameoka.

Sagano Scenic Railway

Atrani, the smallest comune in Southern Italy, located  in the Amalfi Coast, goes along the valley of the river Dragone, named for a legend saying there once was a terrible dragon breathing breath every now and then. Many times forgotten by unaware minds, this little village it’s packed with cultural interests with 6 churches and a beautiful beach to practice La Dolce Vita.

Dragon's Valley

Capturing the perfect aerial photo of Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Seven Cities lagoon) at sunset is a quest that takes patience, perseverance and a little bit of luck. I've returned to this breathtaking location several times over the years in search of the ideal light conditions to showcase the ethereal beauty of this volcanic wonder. However, the unpredictable weather of the Azores often adds a challenging layer to the task. More often than not, mist covers the area, and rain threatens to wash out any chance of capturing a photo that truly does justice to the region's natural splendor.

But on one such occasion back in early summer 2022, after a lost flight at the airport and many hours hasted, luck was on my side. The sun began to dip below the horizon and the colours of the sky burst into an intense and fiery display. Against all odds, the mist lifted, revealing the stunning landscape below. As the sun's last rays bathed the region in a warm and golden glow bringing into the spotlight the beauty of the Azores, with its volcanic craters, lush greenery, and crystal-clear waters, all illuminated by the fiery light of a spectacular sunset. It is a photo that speaks to the persistence and passion that drives my work as a drone photographer, and a testament to the incredible beauty that can be found in the natural world.

LICENSE - Extended Editorial  
Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The license includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.

Amber Embrace

"When the day begins to fall, the mixture of sunset lights and colours will leave you speechless!"

Mirador de la Regalina viewpoint, a small hermitage from 1931, it's one of those places where you feel special as soon as you arrive. The green fields give way to the rugged cape Punta de Cuerno with it's mesmerizing and decaying cliffs.

The panoramic view of the environment, belonging to the Protected Landscape of the Asturian Western Coast in Spain, evokes tranquility and peace, in an exceptional setting surrounded by the fusion of the sea and the mountains.

Rugged Glow

Renowned for vibrant autumn foliage, Nikkō in Tochigi Prefecture is also home to dozens of attractive waterfalls. 
The most famously known, Kegon Falls is the result of the flowing water from Lake Chuzenji spilling  down a 97-meter-tall cliff, showcasing a beautiful and powerful force of nature. 

Kegon Falls Foliage

Located inside Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park in Spain, Las Negras belongs to the largest coastal protected area of Andalusia region, a wild and isolated landscape with some of Europe's oldest geological features. A stroll will take you past whitewashed fishermen’s cottages and old stone churches.

Desert Jewel

There's no amazing backstory about this moment besides a long long walk from central Kyoto to get here. 
The goal was to be able to see the city from a higher point that had some scenic views along the way. 

We took so much due to all the beauty along the hike that by the time we reached Higashiyama Mount Peak Park sun had already settled. 
What did it mean? A long run down the park in pitch-black, i bit scary i confess. In the end we made it to the bus and the rest was just a serene ride to our place.

Higashiyama Mount Drift

J A P A N V2

Once just a sleepy little fishing village, Positano reborn from it’s Greek and Phoenician past to become an iconic artists and royalty destination since the 50’s. Deep-blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, olive gardens and vineyards make for an incredible experience around the region

Golden Enclave

Coastal Villages it’s an expression of the beauty and charm of small human settlements by the sea. Historically retreats for fishermen and artists in search of inspiration, these little paradises are a winning formula to take the balmy sea breeze and enjoy serene walks along the promenades.

This collection was created over the years while traveling to well known towns but also to places lost in time in search for rich history, culture and gastronomy. I was driven by the lush landscapes and captivated by the warm hospitality of the hardworking people living in these rugged regions, some dating back to the Middle Ages.

The picturesque fishermen's houses with tiled roofs linning the rocky coast and the bustling marinas offer a place to moor up or the opportunity to cast off in search of a day on the waves.

Coastline Villages

Playa De Los Muertos - One of the most famous beaches at Cabo de Gata-Níjar, Andalusia, Spain. 

Its a natural beauty with crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by rocky cliffs . It gets its name, which means "Beach of the Dead," from the fact that it was once used as a cemetery by the ancient Romans. Despite its name, Playa de los Muertos is a lively and beautiful place to visit.


LICENSE - Extended Editorial  
Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The license includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise, commercial distribution, or derivative works.

Playa De Los Muertos

VICTORESTEVESeditions

Back in 2017 when drones were still a very new trend, flying over cities to capture the architectural remarkable sights and impressive cityscape geometry was less of an hassle compared to today's increasing restrictions.

Saint Nicholas Church, Ghent, it's one of the most beautiful examples of the Scheldt Gothic style.

Built in the 13th and 14th centuries on the site of an old Romanesque church, this is a veritable mountain of Tournai bluestone and was paid for by Ghent’s wealthy medieval merchants as an ostentatious signal of their wealth to other Flemish cities.

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