Miquel Angel Artús Illana's Image

Shallow, sheltered and warm, this corner of the Sa Banyera de Ses Dones cove at Tossa de Mar, northeast Spain, is more bath than bay, shielded by the rocks from the wind.

The older inhabitants of the village talk of how the local women used to gather at this tranquil spot to bathe. Today, tourists swim here. It’s also much photographed. But Miquel, who lives in the village, set out to create a picture that would capture the spirit of the bay and commemorate its place in the heart of the local culture. For nearly a year he tried to create his ideal image, using just the light of the moon, without night divers and fishermen visible and without light pollution from the nearby promenade casting strong shadows. Finally, one night offered the perfect combination of a full moon, cloud and strong winds. ‘I was so lucky,’ he says. ‘No ship passed through the horizon, no diver left the water, and the tripod did not move during the long exposure.’