How does a rainbow form and why does it appear as an arc?

A rainbow forms when sunlight hits water droplets in the air. The light is refracted, reflected, and dispersed into its spectral colors (red through violet). The arc shape occurs because light is always returned to the observer at a fixed angle of about 42 degrees. That is why a rainbow always appears opposite the sun.

How can this Photo be used?

This stock photo is suitable, for example, for nature magazines, environmental and sustainability campaigns, and advertising media that want to visualize movement and change. Thanks to the commercial usage rights available on Kataloop, it can be licensed for print ads, website headers, social media content, or presentations. The calm color palette combined with the vivid rainbow band makes it a versatile background option for text overlays.

What mood does this Photo convey?

The diagonal rainbow divides the image into two zones of cool gray and vivid spectrum. The small, dark bird silhouette positioned right at the rainbow creates a natural tension between scale and smallness. The overall composition feels calm and understated without being emotionless. It conveys a sense of momentariness: a natural event that dissolves within seconds.

What equipment was used to capture this Photo?

This rare moment was captured with the Sony Alpha 1 (ILCE-1), a full-frame camera featuring a 50-megapixel sensor that delivers outstanding image quality even under difficult lighting conditions like this overcast sky. The Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II allowed precise framing so the bird and rainbow align perfectly within the frame. The result is a sharply rendered image at 4080 x 2720 pixels resolution.

What visual style or trend does this Photo represent?

Visual content showing natural phenomena unfiltered and without heavy post-processing is gaining relevance in content strategy. This image aligns with the growing interest in authentic nature photography that does not stage a perfect scene but documents a genuine, fleeting moment. Such imagery is increasingly used in climate communication and environmental awareness contexts.

Bird flying across a vibrant rainbow

Name: Bird flying across a vibrant rainbow
Brand: Kataloop
Price: 16 EUR
Availability: InStock

50% discount for agency clients, forever.

One project, a lifelong discount. Realize your next website or another project with us and get 50% off all stock media you license in the future.

Go to services

Bird flying across a vibrant rainbow

Kataloop stock photo no.

0425666

4080

2720

5786146

SONY ILCE-1

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Cart

Your cart is empty.

Something went wrong, please try again later.

Bird flying across a vibrant rainbow

Select your license:

How does a rainbow form and why does it appear as an arc?

How can this photo be used?

What mood does this photo convey?

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

Aerial view of Laem Haad Beach, Koh Yao Yai

Two red-whiskered bulbuls perched on wire against blue sky

Curious cat peeking out from underneath white sheet

Majestic white peacock in Plaka Forest

Aerial view of West Bay skyline in Doha

Romantic proposal on Holbox Island pier at sunset

Purple phacelia flowers in natural meadow setting

Urban scene with illuminated doorway and puddle reflection

Coastal dune grasses on sandy beach with ocean view

Siberian husky running through water at beach

Close-up of green cactus with sharp spines

Elegant egret strolling on a sunny beach

Industrial building corner with metal pipes and panels

Aerial view of Mandraki village on Nisyros island

Sunset over calm ocean horizon

Berlin TV Tower at sunset on Karl-Marx-Allee

Scenic view of El Torcal de Antequera limestone formations

Time-lapse of floral arrangement wilting

Seebrücke Sellin pier in winter landscape

Barbary macaques cuddling at the Rock of Gibraltar

Close-up of a malachite butterfly on a green leaf

Aerial view of Mandraki on Nisyros island

Bare tree silhouette against Los Angeles sunset sky

Close-up of a lizard basking in the sun

50% discount for agency clients, forever.

Cart

Cookie settings

Select your license:

50% discount for agency clients, forever.