Photographs from Dubrovnik

Looking back after a few weeks, and having that time to reflect on this portion of my final trip of the year, Dubrovnik was absolutely a great choice to include. Croatia has been on my list of places to visit for some time, and my days there were blessed with fantastic weather and amazing scenery. I had time to casually explore at my own pace, enjoying the early morning light on some occasions and the sunsets on others.

With numerous picturesque locations and interesting opportunities, I've captured some photographs in Dubrovnik, along with my reasons for enjoying them.

Photo 1 - Lokrum Island

One of my favourite photos from Dubrovnik was taken near Porporela, a pier located on the east side of the Old Town. This area allows you to get close to the sea, where people often swim, and offers a beautiful view of Lokrum Island, just off the coast. I explored this spot for the second time during my stay. The first visit was pleasant, but after returning to my Airbnb and planning my days, I used PhotoPills to check the sunset time and direction to make sure I arrived when the lighting would be ideal. Light makes all the difference in setting the mood and atmosphere, and I was not disappointed this time. Numerous people were enjoying the water.

Looking closely at the photo, you can see swimmers and a few kayaks in the distance. However, the image wouldn’t be nearly as impactful without the man almost centred in the water. The setting sun reflecting on him provides a strong focal point in the foreground, drawing the eye toward the island in the background.

Photo 2 - Morning Deliveries

One morning, I awoke very early to get ready for a walk down to Old Town. It gets hectic there during the day and is also very hot. I wanted to get down there when the sun was low to enjoy some time exploring and enjoying the stillness of Old Town before the bustle.

With the sun at a low angle, the morning light shone through an archway towards this wall. It was about 7 am, and at this time of day, there were hardly any people there, which was a welcome sight. Once I stumbled upon this spot, I waited for only a moment until this man with a delivery came through, framing himself within the light to the left while creating a silhouette on the wall.

Photo 3 - Covered Car

The most interesting aspect about this photo for me is that I don’t necessarily remember taking it. While going through my pictures in order, I recognize where I was and which area led to the location of this covered car, but I don’t remember capturing it.

An old covered car naturally sparks curiosity because it suggests hidden stories, forgotten journeys, and the passage of time. Its mysterious shape beneath the cover sparks curiosity. Personally, I don’t know exactly what kind of car this is, but I know that it has a history with whatever lies underneath. I imagine decades of memories and many thousands of miles covered. Is this the end of its journey, or are there more to come?

Photo 4 - Shadow of the Church of St. George

This lovely area just outside Dubrovnik's Old Town is home to the Church of St. George, a Baroque church. The light was excellent, and it perfectly captured the classic silhouette of this traditional church, complete with a bell tower. As I stood here at this scene, a small group of people gathered to the left, in conversation. I found myself wondering which direction they would take next. Would they stroll towards me or disappear around the nearby corner, where I was hoping they would go? Within a minute, their discussion wrapped up; I believe one was a tour guide sharing information with the group. As they moved behind the wall on the left, I was able to capture the shadows their presence cast against the wall, adding a human touch and a sense of life to the scene.

Photo 5 - Warmth in Dubrovnik

In Dubrovnik, the distinctive colour and character of the architecture immediately catch your eye, largely thanks to the ample use of limestone. This stone bathes the city in a warm, sunlit glow, and complementing this palette are the terracotta rooftops, whose rich red and orange tones add an earthy warmth. During my stay, I found myself drawn to the warm hues and the tranquil atmosphere they created. I leaned into this feeling in my film recipe, using one that shifted the blues down and amplified the reds to capture the essence of Dubrovnik.

As the sun dipped lower, I wandered through an area where outdoor dining was being set up for the evening, and the light cast between these two buildings. Although there are no people in the frame, the glow and tone convey my sense of Dubrovnik. Admittedly, this particular photo may not stand out as extraordinary in a traditional sense, but to me, it perfectly captures the warmth and mood of my experience in the city.

Photo 6 - Cat in Old Town

If there’s a cat, I’m stopping, that’s all there is to it. It’s interesting to see the cats around Old Town, as they are generally comfortable around people, even in crowds. Sometimes, when there are larger groups, you need to be careful not to step on a cat. However, you usually see people looking down and stepping around a section, which alerts you to what’s closely ahead. Most cats I had encountered barely acknowledge people, and from what I’ve heard, the cats are well taken care of and owned by many.

This particular cat had a collar and bell around its neck, so it had a home. As they are usually very friendly, this cat walked around a bit as I was capturing photos, and stepped up onto the bottom stair, where it continued to rub its face in playfulness and happiness. I like adding local pets to my portfolio when possible, as it provides an element of the types of animals and how they fit into their environment.

Conclusion

My trip to Dubrovnik left me with a lasting impression, one that has put Croatia high on my list of places to return to. I may not return to Dubrovnik itself before visiting other places in the country, but it’s one that I would return to in a heartbeat. While wandering through Dubrovnik during my stay, I explored the city and took in the stunning Adriatic views, capturing many photos that I thoroughly enjoy. I often wonder what I will capture and if it will mean anything to me, but looking back at my photos, I believe they provide a great representation of my experience.