Annecy at Night by Ola Cedell

Captured from the tranquil shores of Veyrier-du-Lac, this evocative night photograph showcases the timeless charm of Annecy, often referred to as the Venice of the Alps. The photographer utilized a 70mm focal length to compress the distance, framing the illuminated architecture of the city against the dark, reflective waters of Lake Annecy. The composition masterfully balances the warm glow of the historic city lights with the deep, cool tones of the nocturnal landscape. This image is award-worthy for its technical precision in low-light conditions and its ability to capture the serene, romantic atmosphere of the Haute-Savoie region.

Annecy at Night by Ola Cedell
Nikon D800 with Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
Exposure 1/200sec @ f/9 | ISO 200 | Focal Length 70mm
Copyright Β© Ola Cedell
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Ola Cedell

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in southern Sweden in 1969, Ola Cedell has cultivated a diverse life journey that spans Australia, Germany, and his native Sweden. Balancing a professional career in engineering with a deep-seated passion for photography since 1996, he has developed a keen eye for landscape and culinary imagery. His work is heavily influenced by the natural beauty of the French Alps and the vibrant landscapes of southern Sweden, reflecting a sophisticated aesthetic that bridges his technical background with an artistic appreciation for the world around him.

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13.0/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
279/500
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Award Reach | Reviews
12,271 views | 4 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date May 25, 2017
60.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 11.0
Clarity 11.0
Composition 16.0
Style 11.0
Skill 11.0
Photograph Location
Veyrier-du-Lac, Haute-Savoie, France

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Night Photography
Ola Cedell Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (12.8/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,458/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
12,271/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
2.8/5 points
279/500 Submission
Jury Score: 60.0/80
Resonance Score: 12.8/20
Total Award Score: 72.8/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Priya Sharma Negative Space, Minimalism & the Japanese Aesthetic Expert Review
The lake doesn't just reflect light. It swallows the city whole. I’m standing on the shore, and it’s quiet enough to hear the water move. The architecture is a thin, golden line against the vast, dark void. It’s a heavy silence. I’ve never felt so small before a frame. Nothing here is accidental. The empty corner is not empty. It’s the weight of the night, held perfectly still. It’s enough.
Rafael Ortega Shutter Technique, Motion & the Cinematic Single Frame Expert Review
The shutter clicks, and the city holds its breath. That 70mm compression pulls the lights of Annecy right into your chest, turning the lake into a velvet stage. It’s a long, steady take where the movement is all in the reflection. I’ve spent hours staring at these ripples; they feel like a heartbeat. The cut would’ve been a mistake. This is the frame the editor keeps, the one that lingers long after the screen goes black.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The 70mm compression forces the architecture into a rigid, planar stack. It’s a disciplined geometry. The lake’s surface acts as a dark, heavy anchor, balancing the luminous verticality of the city lights. While the composition doesn't quite resolve the tension at the frame’s edges, the structural weight is undeniable. I’ve grown tired of romanticized night shots, but the sheer mathematical precision of this alignment holds my attention. It’s a rare instance where the frame actually works.
Victoria Ashby Wildlife, Nature & the Ethics of the Unseen Moment Expert Review
It’s a technically clean exposure, but I find myself cold. Where is the life? A night shot of a city is just architecture; it doesn't demand the quiet, shivering patience I’ve spent years perfecting in the field. I’d trade all this artificial glow for one glimpse of a nocturnal creature stirring in the reeds. It’s pretty, sure, but it’s an extraction of light, not a record of a relationship with the wild.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Clara Menezes

The Architecture of Silence

Night is not merely the absence of the sun; it is a different language spoken by the earth. When the light retreats, the world sheds its frantic edges, and what remains is a quiet, velvet geometry.

Read the reflection →
By Priya Kapoor

The Hum of Deep Water

The air near deep water at night has a specific weight, a damp velvet that clings to the skin like a secret. I remember standing on a wooden dock, the planks cool and slightly slick with dew under my bare feet.

Read the reflection →

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