‹ Previous Photo | Next Photo ›

Assignment Journal

Photo Galleries

Tips from the Pros

Zoom to Discover

By Land, Sea and Air

Low Light, High Drama

Incredible Islands

Doing Great Things

Low Light, High Drama

Sunset silhouettes. Color-drenched dawns. Underwater secrets. See images captured when dramatic sun and color collide with light-inspired emotion above and below the waves.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 1 of 8

Day breaks over rolling waves and a sliver of beach off the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns and Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 2 of 8

Sunrise silhouette. A glowing band of dawn sun spotlights a lone figure transfixed by the view along Australia’s coastal Captain Cook Highway north of Cairns.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 3 of 8

A humphead maori wrasse floats above spiny fingers of coral on Moore Reef, Australia. These huge fish boast blue and green stripes and can measure more than three feet in length. Prized for their meat, they are endangered in most of the world. But in the protected waters of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, they find a safe haven and flourish.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 4 of 8

Bathed in a beam of setting sunlight, sailors return to Stonehaven Beach on Hook Island, Australia.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 5 of 8

A boat wreck punctuates the waterfront as dawn breaks at Abell Point Marina. Boats sail from the popular spot to explore Australia's iconic Whitsunday Islands.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 6 of 8

Sunrise and clouds create a dramatic skyscape as day breaks over Hayman Island's Blue Pearl Bay, Australia.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 7 of 8

A gold ball of fire sinks into the sea, silhouetting Taylor Simpkins on her sunset perch atop Whitsunday Peak. While underwater splendor earns fame for Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands also provide plenty of grounded grandeur high above the waves.

Photo taken with the Lumia 950 XL

Photo 8 of 8

Coral of myriad shapes, sizes, and textures flourish in Butterfly Bay off Hook Island, Australia.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Gallery: Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details from iconic coral formations to intricate underwater creatures to remote island corners.

Video: Epic Odyssey

A mid-air dive into Angel’s Pool. A glimpse of bone-chilling cheetah teeth. Rainbows glowing…and gone. See the shots that catch the action.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

ADVERTISEMENT