Behind the image: capturing a stunning silhouette of Europe’s fastest roller coaster

Capturing Europe’s tallest and fastest roller coaster silhouetted against the sun was never going to be easy. Yet somehow, landscape and astrophotographer David de la Cruz pulled off this compelling image of Ferrari Land’s Red Force in Port Aventura, Eastern Spain.

Like its name, the ride is a force to be reckoned with. It lasts just 39 seconds and takes you from 0 to 180kph in 5 seconds, plunging from a near vertical height of 112 metres. Just watching it is terrifying. David’s photo captures that raw power and you can even see some brave riders with their arms raised. So, just how did he take the image? DIYP caught up with David to learn more!

DIYP: What was the inspiration behind the image?

David: The inspiration behind the image came from my desire to capture the stunning combination of nature and the structure of this man-made attraction. The sun represents a powerful natural force, while Ferrari Land’s Red Force ride symbolizes engineering and emotion. I wanted to create an image that would show how these two elements can coexist and highlight the beauty of both in one shot.

DIYP: How did you plan the shot?

David: I planned the shot using the Photopills app, which helped me determine the best time and position to capture the sun behind the attraction. Photopills is an amazing tool for photographers, as it allows you to plan the position of the sun and other astronomical elements with great precision. In addition, I visited the shooting spot well before the shoot to scout the location and make sure the attraction was visible for perfect framing.

DIYP: What equipment did you use?

David: I used an OM-1 Mark II camera with an OM SYSTEM 100-400mm lens. For this kind of photo, it is highly recommended to have a sturdy tripod to avoid camera shake. And, of course, an ND filter is essential to manage the intensity of sunlight. In my case, I used an ND1000 from K&F Concept.

DIYP: How did you take this photograph? Can you explain the technical aspects involved?

David: The shot required a combination of planning and patience. I set the camera on the tripod and set the parameters for proper exposure, taking into account the intense sunlight and ND filter (f9 | 1/2000s | ISO 200). I took multiple shots to capture the sequence of the sun in different positions. Then, in post-production, I stitched the images together to create the complete sequence.

DIYP: What was the most challenging aspect of taking this image?

David: The most challenging aspect was timing the car’s position with the sun just as it was coming down. The Red Force ride is very fast, but trolleys do not appear frequently, and having one appear just when you want it to only comes with a bit of luck, which I had.

DIYP: What advice would you give to anyone who wanted to try something similar? Would you do something different if you shot it again?

My advice would be to plan meticulously and be patient. Using apps like Photopills and visiting the location ahead of time can make a big difference. Make sure you have the right equipment and familiarize yourself with its functions. Another very important point is to check the weather forecast; as for this session, I made sure there were no clouds that day. If I were to do something different next time, I might experiment with different filters and exposure techniques to see how they affect the final image.

This experience has taught me a lot about the importance of planning and patience in photography. It has also inspired me to explore more combinations of natural elements and man-made structures. Photography is a wonderful form of storytelling, and I am always looking for new ways to capture and share those stories through my camera.

We can’t agree more! I’m sure everyone will agree that these are fantastic photographs. You can see more of David’s work on his website, or follow him on Instagram.

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