At sunrise on Walakiri Beach in East Sumba, the iconic “dancing trees” rise from the tide like living sculptures: beautiful, resilient, and increasingly fragile. Their twisting roots and delicate silhouettes have become a magnet for photographers and influencers alike, yet these mangroves can only survive when treated with extraordinary care.<br /><br />In this image, our lovely model, Irina, reaches toward the nearest tree without touching it, a gesture of admiration rather than contact that reflects the respect this place so urgently needs. Walakiri’s mangroves have been dwindling over the past few years, threatened by both natural change and the growing pressure of tourism. My hope is that photographs like this inspire not only wonder but stewardship, reminding all who visit to approach gently and help preserve these rare coastal trees for generations to come.
At sunrise on Walakiri Beach in East Sumba, the iconic “dancing trees” rise from the tide like living sculptures: beautiful, resilient, and increasingly fragile. Their twisting roots and delicate silhouettes have become a magnet for photographers and influencers alike, yet these mangroves can only survive when treated with extraordinary care.<br /><br />In this image, our lovely model, Irina, reaches toward the nearest tree without touching it, a gesture of admiration rather than contact that reflects the respect this place so urgently needs. Walakiri’s mangroves have been dwindling over the past few years, threatened by both natural change and the growing pressure of tourism. My hope is that photographs like this inspire not only wonder but stewardship, reminding all who visit to approach gently and help preserve these rare coastal trees for generations to come.
