Photograph of the reflections of the Karlskirche in the pond before the church’s main entrance. The Karlskirche in Vienna is a marvel of baroque architecture, designed by Johann Bernhard Fischer von Erlach and completed by his son, Joseph Emanuel Fischer von Erlach, in the early 18th century. Its grand design features massive columns, an impressive dome, and an elegant façade. The church is dedicated to Saint Charles Borromeo, an archbishop and cardinal who devoted his life to revitalizing and strengthening the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation. He had a deep commitment to improving clergy education, promoting pastoral care, and advocating for the poor and marginalized – Vienna, Austria

During a morning stroll in Barcelona, I captured this photo featuring the city's newly installed ferris wheel, a trend observed in numerous urban centers. I'm curious whether it's a seasonal attraction or a permanent fixture. More prominently, the image showcases the century-old schooner Santa Eulàlia, an integral part of Barcelona's Maritime Museum and a significant cultural treasure in Catalonia. Originally named Carmen Flores and constructed in 1918 in Alicante, this vessel has a rich history as a Mediterranean and Cuba freight transporter. Its transformation into the Santa Eulàlia in 2000 marked a new chapter, as it now hosts astronomy and maritime photography courses and plays a central role in Barcelona's Christmas festivities, including the arrival of the Three Kings. Acquired by the Maritime Museum in 1997, it underwent extensive restoration in 1998-1999, ensuring the preservation of this unique Mediterranean schooner. - Port Vell, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

This photo was taken in Barceloneta, a neighborhood known for its beachfront. To reach the beach, you must first pass through its historic fishing village, which dates back to the 18th century. The weathered four to five-story apartment buildings and narrow streets provide an ideal backdrop for capturing early morning or evening shots. I captured this particular photo as the morning sun was rising. I patiently waited for the perfect moment when a person was positioned just right in the frame before I pressed the shutter button - Barceloneta, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

​In the evening, Barceloneta's waterfront comes alive with activity. During a leisurely stroll on a warm November evening, I encountered a scene that beautifully encapsulates the lively and vibrant atmosphere of this place. While the photograph may not be perfectly sharp and contains some motion blur, I believe it still manages to capture the essence of this vibrant location – Barceloneta, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.

​My evening strolls in Barcelona often lead me through the Gothic Quarter to Barceloneta. Of course, Barceloneta is renowned for its beachfront, but before reaching there, you must pass through the historic heart of Barceloneta. This area has a rich history as a traditional fishing village dating back to the 18th century. It was originally established to accommodate fishermen and their families who worked along Barcelona's coastline. In this part of Barceloneta, you can still discover lightly deteriorated four to five-story apartment blocks with narrow streets, Evoking its heritage as a fishing village. One of my favorite seafood restaurants, Carballeira, is actually located here. During one of my walks in this neighborhood, I encountered a woman with a group of dogs, one of which was comfortably seated in a stroller. I found this scene quite interesting and was about to push the shutter when the woman noticed me, making the shot even more captivating. After taking the picture, I smiled at her in gratitude, and she reciprocated, probably realizing that with her pack of dogs and the one in the stroller, she was a standout in the crowd – Barceloneta, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

​Yesterday evening, I enjoyed a delightful stroll through Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, a neighborhood that ranks among my favorites, alongside Barceloneta. It's renowned for its intricate network of streets, medieval architectural gems, and historic squares. Within this quarter, you'll discover the majestic Barcelona Cathedral and the Gothic Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi. Aware that the Gothic Quarter truly comes alive in the evening and at night, I was eager to find captivating photographic opportunities. In a narrow alley, I came across a solitary figure leaning against a weathered wall. The interplay of light and shadows produced an intriguing composition—not a masterpiece, but a "keeper" that nicely documents the atmosphere of the Gothic quarter - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

At the grand entrance of Ghent University's Aula, you'll find a remarkable and brilliantly orange light installation named 'Conos' gracing the eight Corinthian columns. This artwork bears a resemblance to 'Legs of Reason Skinned,' an installation by Jan Fabre in 2000 that attracted notice on CNN but also faced criticism here. Fabre had covered the columns with fresh ham, but unfortunately, the ham did not stay fresh and had to be removed earlier than planned. In contrast to Fabre's controversial installation, 'Conos,' the installation by SpY, simply announces the return of the Ghent Light Festival, scheduled from January 31st to February 4th. The artwork will continue to light up every evening until December 6th, after which it will be dismantled – Volderstraat, Ghent, Belgium

The moon added the finishing touch to this breathtaking view of the Paznaun Valley from my room at the Hotel Post in Ischgl, Tyrol. The area is a true alpine paradise, with majestic peaks and idyllic valleys. In the summer, this region becomes a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts amidst the stunning landscapes – Ischgl, Tyrol, Austria

We embarked on the trail descending from the Wiesbadener Hütte (2,443 m), a mountain hut nestled in the Silvretta Alps, to the Silvretta-Stausee (2,030 m), a reservoir, in Vorarlberg, Austria, on a misty and rainy August day. Normally, this trail is renowned for providing breathtaking vistas of the Alpine landscape, offering ample opportunities for capturing awe-inspiring panoramas. However, on that particular day, the weather didn't seem to cooperate, casting a shroud of uncertainty over the prospect of such picturesque views. As a result, I had to put in extra effort to seek out alternative compositions to document our hike. The photograph I've titled 'Meeting of Two Solitary Spirits' encapsulates the essence of that unforgettable excursion – Ischl, Tirol, Austria

During our visit to Schoenbrunn Palace, I found myself less captivated by the palace's interior and more drawn to its splendid gardens and the exterior. Perhaps this preference was partly due to the restriction on photography inside the palace and the perfect early evening sunlight outside. In any case, I decided to break away from the tour guide and explore the magnificent gardens. One of the highlights I couldn't miss was the "Great Parterre Fountain", also known as the "Neptune Fountain." This impressive feature is a prominent element of the palace's stunning Baroque gardens, perfectly aligned with the main facade of the palace. A bit of historical context: The fountain was commissioned during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century to enhance the palace's grandeur and its surroundings. I must admit, it contributes significantly to the visually striking and harmonious landscape. And, by the way, it's worth noting that Schoenbrunn Palace and its gardens, including the Great Parterre Fountain, hold UNESCO World Heritage status today. - Schloss Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria