Gozo – The Timeless Gem of Malta

 The first time I set foot on Gozo, I felt as though time had slowed down. The scent of salt and sun-warmed limestone filled the air, and the sounds of the city gradually faded, replaced by the rhythmic crash of waves and the distant hum of cicadas. Gozo – Malta’s smaller, quieter sister island – captivated me with its authenticity, unhurried pace of life, and breathtaking landscapes that became the perfect inspiration for my photography.

 Victoria – The Beating Heart of Gozo

My journey began in Victoria, the island’s capital, which brims with life, but not in the chaotic way of a big city. Here, life moves gently – locals gather in small cafés for an espresso and conversation, while narrow streets whisper stories of the past through their weathered limestone facades.

Towering above the city is the Citadel, an ancient fortress offering a panoramic view of the entire island. As I stood atop its walls, I felt as if I were gazing into the past – rolling hills, golden buildings, and the vast blue Mediterranean stretching into the horizon. It was a photographer’s dream, where every angle told a tale of time and history.

Azure Window – A Lost Wonder

The most awe-inspiring sight for me, however, was the magnificent Azure Window. This natural limestone arch was Gozo’s most iconic landmark, drawing travellers and photographers like a magnet.

I was fortunate enough to see it in 2015, before it tragically collapsed into the sea. Standing there with my camera, I felt like a witness to nature’s masterpiece – the golden arch glowing in the late afternoon sun, the turquoise waves crashing against the rocks, and the sheer grandeur of the scene. I captured that moment, unaware that, years later, it would exist only in photographs and memory.

Mgarr, Xlendi & Ramla Bay – The Many Faces of Gozo

Mgarr, the island’s small harbour town, was my first glimpse of Gozo as I arrived by ferry from Malta. Even then, I had a feeling this journey would be something special.

In Xlendi, romance filled the air – a tiny bay nestled between rugged cliffs, fishing boats gently swaying in the water, and cosy seafood restaurants serving the freshest catch. Walking along the cliffs at sunset? Simply unforgettable.

Then came Ramla Bay, where the sand surprised me with its deep, rusty-orange hue. It’s one of those places where you just want to sit, run your fingers through the warm grains, and lose yourself in the endless horizon of the Mediterranean.

 

Gozo – A Place That Stays in Your Heart

Gozo is like a time capsule – serene, raw, and utterly enchanting. For a photographer, it is pure magic – the light shifting across the ancient stone, the timeless charm of its villages, and an atmosphere that can never truly be captured in just one image.

As I look back on that journey, I know one thing for certain – Gozo is a place I long to return to, if only to experience its tranquillity and wonder once more.

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Bull Island Dublin - A Natural Paradise Full of History. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

Rafal Rozalski.

Poolbeg Lighthouse - A Unique Walk in Dublin

Poolbeg Lighthouse is one of Dublin’s most iconic landmarks, located at the end of South Bull Wall. It’s a popular walking destination offering breathtaking views of Dublin Bay, the city, and the open sea. The route takes you along a scenic stone pier, providing not only spectacular landscapes but also opportunities for birdwatching and observing ships entering the port.

Why Visit Poolbeg Lighthouse?

• Highly Recommended by Travelers – Poolbeg Lighthouse is frequently mentioned in travel blogs and forums as one of the best walks in Dublin.

• Unique Atmosphere – The rugged coastal landscape combined with the striking red lighthouse creates an unforgettable sight.

• Perfect for Photography – Whether at sunrise or sunset, Poolbeg offers fantastic photo opportunities.

• Rich History – Built in 1768, the lighthouse has a long and fascinating history.

How to Get to Poolbeg Lighthouse?

To reach the lighthouse, start in the Ringsend area of Dublin and follow the pathway along the pier. The full walk is about 4 km one way, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for windy and changing weather conditions.

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Exploring Wales: From Holyhead to Snowdonia National Park. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

 Rafal Rozalski.

A Look Back at 2013 – Dublin on Fuji Acros 100

A Look Back at 2013 – Dublin on Fuji Acros 100

Analog photography is not just a technique; it’s a journey through time. In 2013, I captured a series of photographs of Dublin using a Bronica ETRS with a 75mm lens and Fuji Acros 100 film. This roll was special – not always technically perfect, but full of character. Looking at these scans today, I see not only my early steps in film photography but also a glimpse of a changing city.

 

Fuji Acros 100 – Classic Black & White

Fuji Acros 100 is known for its exceptional sharpness, fine grain, and wide tonal range. It’s an excellent choice for city photography, where light and shadow create unique compositions. In Dublin’s unpredictable weather, it delivered beautiful tonal transitions and a richness of detail that’s hard to replicate digitally.

Nostalgic Views of Dublin

I love photography that isn’t always perfectly sharp – the slight motion blur, minor imperfections that add soul to an image. Looking at these scans years later, I not only see my growth as a photographer but also a city that has evolved. Some places look different, buildings have disappeared, and the streets have changed their character.

Photography as a Time Machine

Film photography is more than just an image; it’s a story of a moment, an emotion, and an atmosphere. Viewing these frames takes me back to the days when I wandered through Dublin with my Bronica, searching for compelling shots. It’s a reminder that photography is not just about technical perfection – it’s about capturing a fleeting moment that will never come back.

Will I shoot with Fuji Acros 100 again? Absolutely. This film has a unique quality that makes every frame special, and being able to look back at a city from years past is truly priceless.

If you're looking for more photos taken with an analog camera, feel free to check out the post Film photography in the Dublin in Black and White - May 2014!  

Rafal Rozalski.

Landscape Photography on Fuji Velvia 50 – A Return to Analog Magic

The year 2013 was a turning point in my photography journey. While the digital revolution was in full swing, I felt the urge to step back in time and master the art of shooting on slide film. My choice fell on the legendary Fuji Velvia 50 – a film that had captivated landscape photographers for decades with its incredibly rich colors, stunning contrast, and exceptional detail. Little did I know how much this experience would shape my perception of the world through the lens.

The Challenge and Magic of Slide Film

Velvia 50 is a demanding film. It offers spectacular colors and sharp details but does not forgive exposure mistakes. With an ISO of just 50, longer exposures often became necessary, yet paradoxically, the film did not respond well to extended shutter speeds. Every frame required precise light metering and careful planning.

A Morning in Co. Wicklow – Vartry Reservoir, Glendalough, and Lough Tay

One of my first outings with Velvia 50 took place at sunrise in County Wicklow. Armed with my Bronica ETRS, I set out to capture the magic of the morning over Vartry Reservoir, Glendalough, and Lough Tay. The cool, pink-gold light of the rising sun slowly awakened the landscape, and I felt as if I was witnessing something almost mystical.

Shooting on film forces you to slow down. Each press of the shutter is a decision that comes at a cost. There is no room for randomness – every frame must be carefully thought out. This process – deliberate composition, light analysis, waiting for the perfect moment – brings a sense of magic that is often lost in the digital era.

An Expensive but Unforgettable Lesson

Velvia 50 is not only demanding but also expensive. Every roll of film and every development process was an investment. Yet, every developed frame made it all worthwhile. Holding the finished slides and viewing them on a light table was like opening a treasure chest – the colors seemed unreal, the sharpness was astonishing, and the tonal transitions were beautifully subtle. This experience taught me to respect every frame and to anticipate the final outcome even before pressing the shutter.

Why Shoot on Film?

While digital photography offers immense possibilities, working with film teaches patience and sensitivity to light like nothing else. Fuji Velvia 50, despite its limitations, allows photographers to rediscover photography – not as a quick image-capturing process but as a carefully considered ritual of preserving a moment in its most beautiful form.

Will I return to shooting on film? Definitely. Despite the cost and challenges, the feeling of seeing your first developed slides is priceless.

 

If you enjoyed this post and are looking for more inspiring places and unique photographs, feel free to check out the post Bull Island Dublin - A Natural Paradise Full of History. You’re also welcome to visit my Landscape Photography Portfolio Gallery, and those interested can explore my stock footage as well.

Rafal Rozalski.