Place Moulin Dam
Towering over the Valpelline valley, this massive arch dam holds back the vivid turquoise waters of Lago di Place Moulin, one of Italy's largest reservoirs, framed by jagged Alpine peaks and glaciated ridges. The contrast between the raw concrete structure and the electric blue-green water makes for a compelling subject, and you have several strong compositions to explore: shoot from the dam's walkway looking down into the gorge below, or pull back to capture the full sweep of the reservoir with Les Grandes Murailles in the background. A wide-angle lens works well for capturing the scale, while a telephoto helps compress the layers of peaks behind the water. Morning light is ideal, with soft illumination hitting the dam face before harsh midday shadows set in. The road to the dam is paved and accessible by car in summer, and you can walk freely along the top for unobstructed views. (Bionaz, Aosta Valley, Italy)
