Moke I

Taken in 2017, this iconic New Zealand sunrise photo quickly went viral, shared to millions around the world. In an age where 99% of photos on social media are momentarily glimpsed and forgotten, this fiery sunrise over Moke Lake just outside of Queenstown stops people in their (scrolling) tracks. This is New Zealand-based landscape photographer Nick Crarer's most recognisable and successful image from close to 10 years of photography and is labeled the 'gift that keeps on giving', being re-shared across social media platforms regularly. It combines many of the vital elements that make for a striking and jaw-dropping image. A once in-a-lifetime cloud formation, breath-taking colours and tones, and a lake surrounded by mountains with all but a zephyr allowing for the textured reflection you see here.