The Power of Screenlove

A person sits in an airplane seat, silhouetted against a vibrant sunset visible through the window. The sky transitions from deep orange to soft pink, casting a warm glow inside the cabin. The passenger is focused on the screen of a mobile phone. The interior is dimly lit, with overhead compartments and seat details faintly visible. The scene conveys a sense of calm and travel during twilight.
Two passengers look at their mobile phone screens while a beautiful sunset is on display outside their windows on an airplane. — J. Matthew Buchanan

Are kids addicted to their screens? Maybe, but they're not the only ones. This older couple stayed fixed on their screens on a recent flight while an incredible sunset was on full display on their side of the plane (and not mine!). I think they missed the entire thing, which is crazy to me. I have to look out the window when flying, particularly during takeoffs and landings. And definitely when nature is putting on a show.

My side of the plane on this flight had no view of the sunset, but I still stared out the window as we descended over Nova Scotia and approached Halifax. I occasionally glanced over to get a glimpse of the sunset through their window and noticed their intense focus on their screens throughout the entire process. After going back and forth a few times between my window and theirs, I realized the story of this scene and captured the photo.

Metadata

Published
May 25, 2026
Camera Make
Apple
Camera
iPhone 15 Pro Max
Lens
iPhone 15 Pro Max back camera 6.765mm f/1.78
Focal Length
6.8mm
Aperture
f/1.8
Shutter Speed
1/110s
ISO
ISO 200
Captured
May 20, 2026, 8:11 PM
Exposure Program
Program AE
Metering Mode
Spot
Flash
Off, Did not fire
White Balance
Auto
Exposure Compensation
-2
Creator
J. Matthew Buchanan
State
Ontario
Country
Canada
Copyright
Copyright 2026 J. Matthew Buchanan
Rights Usage Terms
All rights reserved
Copyright URL
Web Statement of Rights