I stood in a lush green field in the Normandy region of France. In front of me was the UNESCO World Heritage site of Le Mont Saint Michel — its mediaeval abbey perched steadfastly on the rough, rocky island. All around it are vast tidal flats, including the field I was standing in. At high tide I’d be up to my knees in cold salt water. The 8th century abbey is dedicated to the archangel Michael and no matter where you are in the area, your eyes are drawn to it — a beacon for centuries to pilgrims religious and secular alike. The reinforced abbey-village is beautiful all day. But at sunset, the setting sun illuminates the western face, painting the old edifice a deep rose gold. The day I made this image, the sky was clear, creating a beautiful gradient from baby blue to deep amber. I placed the island commune far to the right to allow the landscape some prominence in the image where the imposing fortress would normally dominate.