Photographer Mark Mervai spent five years capturing a series of sunrises and sunsets in Budapest, Hungary. (Mark Mervai)

For photographer Mark Mervai, every sunrise and sunset is different. “I have seen a lot and [have] never seen two looking the same,” he told weather.com

For the past five years, Mervai has traveled around Budapest capturing spectacular moments of dusk and dawn in the Hungarian capital. Though we encounter sunrises and sunsets every day, they’re not the easiest subjects to photograph, according to the photographer.

“I’m looking to the weather website every day and set[ting] my alarm to 2 a.m. to 3 a.m. during [the] summer month[s],” he said. Each morning Mervai heads to the window and checks the sky to see if it will be the day for a special sunrise. “If yes, I go out,” he said. “If not, I lay back into my bed.”

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The perfect shot for Mervai includes a combination of the sun and clouds. “The sun must [break] through the clouds and [color] them red or orange,” he said. “That’s the perfect moment.”

Many of his images capture this moment when beautiful light sweeps across Budapest, with golden rays streaking through dense clouds. Reflections in the water make the images look even more dramatic.

However, Mervai has frequently missed the opportunity to capture a perfect moment. Often times, he’ll head out only to be confronted with clouds, hiding all the beautiful light he saw through his window. But he doesn’t let these challenges deter him—“That’s photography” he said.

He’s remained patient and dedicated to his subject, spending five years to collect a portfolio of stunning sunrises and sunsets that shed light on the beauty of his hometown.

For more of his work, visit .

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