Larch Trees & Light: A Photo Hike in the Engadin

Highlights of the Photo Hike

• Reading the light: why larch trees glow differently at 4 p.m. than at noon, and where the sun disappears in the narrow valley
• Finding subjects that aren’t on every postcard
• Composing shots with a foreground, reflections, and a mountain backdrop
• Photographing with a smartphone: what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the most out of it
• Staying safe on the trail in fall: Cold, short days, first snow

Learning Objectives

• You’ll recognize good light before it arrives and be in the right spot when it does.
• You’ll consciously compose your shots instead of just snapping away.
• You’ll use reflections, foregrounds, and lines to add depth to your images.
• You’ll know the key camera or smartphone settings for autumn light and backlighting.
• You’ll go home with a handful of photos you’ll want to share – and with an idea of how to find new spots on your own.

Schedule

We’ll meet at 10 a.m. at the Pontresina train station (you’ll find out the exact location after booking).

Then we’ll set off: a leisurely walk into the valley, with a few stops along the way to sharpen our eyes and observe how the light is playing. We’ll have a picnic lunch at a spot where you’ll want to linger.

In the afternoon, we’ll work on specific photo ideas – each of us on our own. I’ll look over your shoulder, offer tips, and together we’ll search for perspectives that haven’t been photographed a thousand times already.

To wrap things up, we’ll spend the golden hour at a spot with water. If the wind cooperates, there’ll be reflections; if not, there’ll still be light. We’ll head back with headlamps, arriving at the train station around 7 p.m., and on Sunday around 6 p.m. (Daylight Saving Time gives us an extra hour of sleep but takes away an hour of daylight).

The exact route will be decided in the morning based on the light, weather, and snow conditions.

The Upper Engadine around Pontresina and St. Moritz, including the side valleys of the Bernina region. The meeting point is easily accessible via the Rhaetian Railway, and all locations are within walking distance of the meeting point. You won’t need a car.

The valley we’ll visit will depend on the light and weather that morning. You’ll receive the exact meeting point after booking.

Please bring your own picnic and drinks. A thermos with something warm is worth its weight in gold in October, especially when we’re waiting for the last light of the day. If you’d like, you can stay for a drink at the destination after the tour (not included, but highly recommended).

Camera

• Smartphone, point-and-shoot, mirrorless, or DSLR – it doesn’t matter which, as long as you have a general idea of where the shutter button is.
• Make sure you have enough battery life and storage space; cold weather drains batteries faster than you’d think.
• A power bank for your smartphone.
• Optional: a tripod and a polarizing filter – not required

Clothing and Shoes

• Warm, windproof, and waterproof clothing layered according to the "onion principle".
• Hiking boots with good traction.
• A hat and gloves (touchscreen-compatible – you’ll thank me later... 🙃)
• Backpack with room for food, camera, and a change of clothes

Food for the hike

• Picnic lunchSnacks for during the day
• Enough to drink, ideally a thermos

Miscellaneous

• Headlamp with fully charged batteries (required – we’ll be returning after dark)
• Sunglasses and sunscreen – it’s easy to underestimate the low-angle sun
• Optional: a small seat pad for waiting for daylight
• Public transportation ticket for your arrival and departure

You’ll receive a detailed packing list well in advance of the course.

• Travel to and from the destination
• Meals and beverages
• Accommodations (if applicable)
• Personal expenses
• Cancellation insurance

Schedule: Minimum of four participants per session. You’ll be notified no later than two days before the course whether your session will take place. If it’s canceled, you can switch to another session free of charge or receive a full refund.

Weather: Fall in the Engadin sometimes means snow on golden larch trees. That’s no reason to cancel—it’s the best backdrop of the year. The event will only be canceled if safety requires it, and in that case, the same applies as above: reschedule or get a refund.

Insurance: Participants are responsible for their own insurance (accident, health, and liability insurance). We recommend a Rega membership and trip cancellation insurance.