About the Image(s)

### Chasing the First Light ??“ FIAP Brazil 2026

**About the Image**

This photograph was taken from behind Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during the FIAP Brazil 2026 photography tour.

As the first light of dawn appeared over the city and Guanabara Bay, photographers from our group gathered along the viewpoint, eagerly capturing the spectacular sunrise. With limited space and many photographers around me, I struggled to find a stable position for a long-exposure shot.

I wanted to capture not only the dramatic sunrise and colorful clouds but also the silhouettes of fellow photographers in the foreground, telling the story of our shared passion for photography.

**Post-Processing**

The image was processed in Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), using selective masking and local adjustments to brighten specific areas while preserving the natural atmosphere of the early morning.

My primary technique was HDR processing to recover the dynamic range between the brilliant sunrise and the dark foreground. Special attention was given to enhancing the dramatic cloud formations, revealing details in the shadows, and maintaining the rich colors of the sky.

The goal was to balance light and shadow while preserving the mood, depth, and excitement of witnessing the first light of day above Rio de Janeiro.