Krakow’s Gothic Tower in Dramatic Clouds

I came across this wonderful photo my son captured, and I was instantly drawn to the clouds that framed the Town Hall Tower in Krakow. I felt inspired to edit this image (with permission) of the tower, which stands proudly in the historical market square of Krakow in Poland (Rynek Główny). This Gothic tower, built in the 14th century, is the last remnant of the old town hall. It’s fascinating to see how it’s constructed from brick and stone, and I read that it leans slightly—about 55 centimeters off vertical.

I wanted to give the clouds a little more depth, and converting the image to black and white really did the trick. Heavy clouds fill the sky, with bright light breaking through behind the tower, creating a moody, cinematic atmosphere and strong contrast. I find the mood quite ominous—what about you?