Behind the Shot
“Usually I gravitate toward ocean- and water-based photography, but when you encounter a location like the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in West Bali, you can’t help but be inspired.”
Merr got to the location long before sunrise to scout the area around the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. “I knew that the area was known to have some of the most amazing sunrises, with mists rising over the terraces and fields, but when the sun started rising I was completely floored. It was so exotic and dramatic. The way the sun hit the terraces was beautiful. But then the volcano appeared in the distant mists and the entire scene changed. I knew this would be a really cool photo, but I still had to find the right focal point. Luckily I was able to frame the tiny house in the center of the terraces. All these elements worked together to make this shot possible. This spot proved to be the perfect place to watch an incredibly breathtaking Bali sunrise.”