Projects
This is a small, curated selection of work I did over the last ten or so years. It is a representative sample of my landscape images of both black and white and colour images. Although my earlier images were mainly in B&W, first more contrasty and then more and more subtly shaded, I always loved to create colour images. In recent years, colour became increasingly important to me as I developed what I like about its presence and what not. In short: I cannot manage deep blue sky in my images, but I love the ice-cold blue patterns of the glaciers in winter times; and I find different shades of warm colours a joy, while the strong colour contrast of popping landscape images is just not my thing.
This, however, does not mean that I do not use post processing. In fact, I am driven by an artistic vision rather than a desire to accurately depict reality. To move hidden patterns to the foreground I often push dynamic range in post to its limit, both in B&W and colour images.
I add – and remove – images over time so you always have an updated view of what I am currently working on.
Colour of Rock
Often referred to as "the triumvirate," the Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau are the most famous mountain range in the heart of the Bernese Alps. Their steep, stony slopes that rise to 4000 meters nearly vertically are simply fascinating.
Their faces are oriented towards the north, north-west. During winter times, they barely see direct sunlight and they are mostly tinted with a blue hue from the sky which gives them an overall frosty appearance. This blue cast also conceals the colours of the rocks beneath. When the sky is overcast, the blue tint is removed and a stunning array of shades is revealed, showcasing the mountains’ true colours in tones of warmer grey and ochre.
Stoic Mountains
Sometimes it is simply cold and freezing. You put on whatever you carry with you, but it does not change much – it stays cold. The wind is biting and the sky is grey, and you might ask yourself why you went out into the cold in the first place.
The mountains, though, in their timeless presence, remain indifferent to the weather. They stand tall and unwavering, stoically enduring the harsh conditions. They have faced countless storms and blizzards, embodying a strength and resilience that makes you feel humble. Yes, there is something existing beyond our hectic human life.
Autumn in Engadin
I always remember Engadin in autumn, and if you have the chance to visit, you should certainly not miss it. The region transforms into a landscape with stunningly beautiful warm colours, from the golden hues of the vegetation to the rich, earthy tones of the soil. The sky often takes on a light blue shade that creates a striking contrast with the autumn colours below. The air is remarkably fresh and clean. The tranquillity of the surroundings, combined with the breathtaking scenery, makes it a perfect place to unwind and take things a little bit more relaxed.
After the Blizzard
During winter storms, mountains are often hidden behind a thick blanket of clouds, creating an air of mystery and isolation. The landscape becomes a secret world, with the peaks and valleys shrouded from view. As the storm subsides and the clouds begin to lift, it feels like a theatrical moment when curtains are drawn back to reveal the stage. The unveiling is gradual, with each passing moment offering another glimpse of the snow-covered terrain and the majestic peaks. There's a sense of anticipation and wonder as you wait to see what lies beyond the clouds, whether it’s a serene, white-capped vista or a dramatic, rugged landscape. This moment captures the unpredictable beauty of nature, offering a fresh perspective and a reminder of the transient nature of weather and scenery.
Dynamic Sky
I prefer overcast and cloudy days over clear blue skies. An even overcast provides diffused light that reduces harsh shadows and bright highlights, making subtle patterns of the landscape more visible. The sky loses its dominance and disappears.
In the images above, however, this is different as individual cloud formations play a key element and add significant visual interest to the sky. They create dynamic and varied textures, which enhance the overall feel. The presence of clouds also casts shadows on the landscape, highlighting the terrain's contours and features. This helps to define shapes and structures more clearly, adding depth and dimension. A fascinating, fast-moving interplay of light and shadows.
At the End of the Valley
The Lauterbrunnen valley in the centre of the Bernese Alps is well known for its U-shape. Unlike other valleys, its flatness extends all the way to its very end, and its depth is truly immense. The surrounding mountains rise sharply with prominent, sometimes overhanging cliffs. In the narrow valley, the light is often dull and muted, particularly during the morning and afternoon hours. Yet, as you ascend, the light intensifies and the mountain tops shine intensely bright.
Panoramas
"Grand vistas" might be a more commonly used term for these images, but I do not like this expression and find it a bit lacking. While the expansive view is certainly a key element of these images, I am more interested in the numerous small details and unique locations you can discover in them. The images do not have a single focus, but many. They often tell stories or highlight the unique character of a place, which might be overlooked when only considering the big picture.
To fully appreciate these details, you need to look at the images in their original large format. This way, you can discover the finer aspects and distinct features. You can find some crops of the panoramas below. Click on them and zoom in to a width of approximately 8in (20cm) to get a size similar to a print.