In nature I can switch off and leave everyday life behind. The first chirping of birds before sunrise, the intense glow of mountain peaks in the last light of the day, the gentle pattering of rain on the leaves in the forest, when wisps of mist mysteriously drift across the landscape, or the colorful northern lights dance in the night sky – all these moments are of incomparable beauty to me.
And then there is the sea of fog that covers valleys and forests like a soft blanket, with mountain peaks emerging from it – a sight that never ceases to fascinate me.
A New Way of Seeing the World
My journey into the world of landscape photography began in 2018 in Scotland with my partner Nicole – not out of a passion for photography itself, but to capture special memories. I had no idea how stunning landscapes could be until I got there.
When we landed late in the evening, it was pitch black – Scotland is really dark at night. Our accommodation was right on the shore of Loch Linnhe, but we didn’t see anything. When we looked out of the window the next morning, we could hardly believe our eyes. The water is wide and calm, sometimes smooth as glass, sometimes gently crossed by little waves. Majestic mountains rise in the distance, bathed in golden light. It was the most beautiful landscape I had ever seen. At that moment, Scotland completely captivated me.
At that time Scotland was much less touristy, the parking lots were small, and nature was often completely untouched. I was particularly impressed by the Old Man of Storr. I could see it from far away, and my anticipation grew with every step I took. When I finally stood in front of it, I realised for the first time how small we humans really are.
Magical Places That Teach Humility
After our trips to Iceland and the Dolomites, I realised that nature photography was my passion. In Iceland we saw our first northern lights. In the Dolomites at Passo Giau, a gentle sea of mist enveloped the peaks in a magical, dreamy atmosphere. Both experiences had a lasting effect on my photography. From that moment on, I wanted not only to capture the beauty of nature, but also to share it with others in order to create an awareness of its value. Nature is a gift that we must preserve. We are only guests on this earth and should treat it with respect.
My recent trips to the Lofoten Islands and Patagonia have helped me grow as a photographer and as a person. These unique landscapes have given me an enthusiasm for longer hikes and camping. There comes a point when you realise that extraordinary images often require more effort. Many places have been photographed thousands of times – but they still exist, those hidden places where you are all alone. But finding them is a challenge.
Off the Beaten Track
But how do you find such places? It’s a mixture of intensive research: Instagram accounts of locals who are often not photographers, Google Maps and Google Earth, reading countless blog posts, or flipping through walking guides. I invest a lot of time in this search – sometimes without success. But when I actually find a special place and we have it to ourselves, there is no better feeling.
Once you have found a promising spot, the first step is to explore it and clarify important questions: Is it better for sunrise or sunset? How difficult is it to get there and how long will the hike take? Which perspectives offer interesting compositions? A few test shots are often taken during this first visit, but it is essentially a preparation for the actual shoot on the following day, if the weather forecast is good.
Despite all the planning, it is often the unplanned moments that produce the best images. Most of the time, one visit is not enough. The more you return to a place, the better you understand it and the more impressive the images become. But there is one thing that should never be forgotten in all this photography: to be present in the moment and to enjoy the beauty of nature to the full.
What Really Matters
Choosing the right photographic equipment can enrich landscape photography, but it’s not everything. Any modern camera can take stunning pictures. I myself have been shooting with my Canon 5D Mark II from 2008 for over six years – and have achieved great results. The lenses are much more important than the camera.
I recommend that everyone invests in a trinity of lenses: an ultra-wide-angle, a standard zoom, and a tele-zoom. If only one lens is an option, I recommend a standard zoom (24 to 70 mm), as it covers around 90 percent of typical shooting situations. It’s worth investing in quality here – if you save too much, you often end up buying twice.
A special light and mood can make the difference between an ordinary photo and a stunning one. The soft light of the golden and blue hours, the mysterious mist, or the soft glow after a shower – all add depth to your images. But the real magic unfolds when light meets fog, bathing nature in an almost surreal beauty.
