View of Lake Lucerne with Mount Pilatus covered in snow during sunrise.
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Sunrise over Mount Pilatus and Lake Lucerne

January 3, 2026

Image description

The morning sun rises behind the snow-capped Mount Pilatus, reflecting in the calm waters of Lake Lucerne.
Date taken
January 3, 2026
Resolution
3'888 × 5'184 px (20.2 MP)
Shutter speed
1/320 s
Aperture
f/16
ISO
500
Focal length
13 mm

Photography tips

How this image was taken

For this sunrise, the small aperture of f/16 creates a distinct starburst effect around the sun, while the fast shutter speed of 1/320 s freezes the motion on the lake. A 13 mm focal length captures a wide landscape view, with ISO 500 balancing the light levels against the snow-covered background.

  • Use a small aperture of f/11 or higher to achieve a sun star effect when shooting directly into the sun.
  • Employ a wide-angle lens to emphasize the scale of the lake and the mountain range.
  • Use a fast shutter speed to keep the water surface reflections and bird movements sharp.

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