Sunlight sparkling on ocean waves | Kataloop Stock Photo

Name: Sunlight sparkling on ocean waves
Brand: Kataloop
Price: 16 EUR
Availability: InStock

Sunlight sparkling on ocean waves

Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more

Why does sunlight create star-shaped sparkles on water surfaces?

Star-shaped light reflections on water occur due to diffraction: when a bright point of light reflects off small wave crests or ripples, the aperture blades of a camera lens split the light into spike patterns. The more aperture blades, the more spikes appear. On the Aegean Sea, the deep blue water and intense Mediterranean sunlight make this optical effect especially vivid and photogenic.

How can this photo be used?

Licensed commercially on Kataloop, this stock photo suits web design backgrounds, digital campaigns in tourism, wellness, or maritime industries, and print media such as magazine layouts or packaging design. The expansive water texture provides ample space for text overlay. Example uses include app interfaces, social media visuals, or presentation backgrounds requiring a clean, textured look.

What mood does this photo convey?

The dense scatter of point-like light reflections across the dark blue water surface creates a calm, slightly mysterious atmosphere. Despite its visual liveliness, the image feels still and contemplative. The absence of a horizon or sky reinforces focus on the pattern, evoking associations of vastness, depth, and quiet stillness.

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

The exceptional resolution of 8640 x 5760 pixels in this stock photo comes from the Sony Alpha 1 (ILCE-1), a full-frame sensor camera delivering 50.1 megapixels. Paired with the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II lens, every fine light glint on the water surface is rendered with precision, making this file suitable for large-format print applications without quality loss.

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

Water shots with natural light play remain a consistent trend in stock photography, particularly for wellness, mental health, and mindfulness marketing. The abstract texture quality of this photo aligns with the design shift toward natural, unprocessed surfaces as alternatives to flat stock backgrounds. Within Slow Living and Blue Mind visual language, water imagery continues to see strong demand across digital platforms.

What is Thessaloniki known for?

Thessaloniki sits directly on the Thermaic Gulf, a calm inlet of the Aegean Sea. The deep blue water capturing sunlight in this photo reflects the coastal character of the region. Greece's second-largest city combines a vibrant waterfront promenade with rich Byzantine heritage, making it a destination where sea and culture meet in an authentic, unhurried atmosphere.

Stock media of Thessaloniki

View Thessaloniki on Google Maps

More stock media from this area: Thessaloniki, Greece

Sunlit seafront fountains in Thessaloniki, Greece

5485

8227

Golden hour light on fluffy reed plumes

8640

5760

Golden berries in autumn field with mountain backdrop

8529

5686

Sparkling sunlight reflections on ocean waves

8640

5760

Seafront fountains in Thessaloniki against clear blue sky

8003

5335

Pine tree branches with cones against blue sky

5760

8640

Aerial view of Thessaloniki waterfront promenade

8640

5760

Flamingos foraging in the water at sunset

5661

3774

Cargo ship sailing in front of snow-capped mountains at sea

8580

5720

Fresh seafood on ice at fish market

8640

5760

Ornate religious frescoes on church ceiling

5760

8640

View more stock media

Professional camera lens with reflections on glass surface

5760

8640

Hand holding mirror reflecting pink flowers

8640

5760

Curious ginger cat peeking from behind blue door

4000

6000

White coffee mug on sunlit wooden table

8640

5760

Aerial view of Riambel Public Beach in Mauritius

8064

6048

Pelicans floating on tranquil water

7779

5186

Snow-covered traffic sign in urban setting

3649

5444

Sea foam from breaking waves on sandy shore

8640

5760

House of the cultures of the world, Berlin modern architecture

8640

5760

Eroded red sea cliff beside tropical beach

8640

5760

Lisbon cityscape at night with Miradouro da Graça viewpoint

8640

5760

Mandarin ducks at Charlottenburg Palace gardens, Berlin

1535

2255

Close-up of a malachite butterfly on a green leaf

8237

5491

Aerial view of Palacio de Bellas Artes, Mexico City

1535

2255

Vibrant pink lily with buds on black background

8485

5657

Sunset view over deserted beach chairs

6000

4000

Beautiful sunset clouds with orange hues

2203

1500

Young Buddhist monks wading ashore from boat

8640

5760

Young pine tree on Hahneberg Hill in Berlin

1535

2255

Majestic peacock displaying vibrant plumage

8640

5760

Reflection of Berlin TV Tower in glass facade

3359

5010

Solitary walk along Thai Mueang Beach

4032

2268

Aerial view of Makkasan Interchange in Bangkok

8640

5760

Pink lily in ornate gold frame

7062

5650

Go to stock collection

Cart

Cookie settings

Select your license:

50% discount for agency clients, forever.