Photography workshop for alpine landscapes

Focus of the photography workshop

In our photography workshop for alpine landscape photography, we focus on the following areas:

• The specifics of mountain photography
• Dealing with changing and challenging lighting conditions
• Everything you need to know about successful image composition
• Planning in alpine landscape photography (including alpine route planning using the 3x3 filter method)
• Safety and behavior in the alpine environment

Learning goals

• You understand the interplay between aperture, ISO, and exposure time and can confidently apply the exposure triangle.
• You use different shooting techniques in a targeted manner and choose the right method for your image idea.
• You can master even challenging lighting conditions and always find the right settings.
• You know useful photographic tools and use them efficiently for better results.
• You discover exciting nature motifs and learn how to emphasize their expressiveness in your images.
• You play with the stylistic elements of image design and create harmonious, aesthetic image compositions.

Agenda

After meeting and greeting, we hike at a leisurely pace up to our accommodation, an idyllically located mountain hut. During the ascent, we take regular breaks for short theory and practical sessions on important photographic topics.

At the hut, there is the option to store some of your luggage. As the afternoon progresses, we continue our ascent to some of the most beautiful photo locations in the area and deepen our knowledge of alpine landscape photography.

In the early evening hours, we take advantage of the golden sunlight to take impressive pictures of this unique mountain world before heading back to the hut by the light of our headlamps, where a delicious dinner awaits us.

The next morning, we will set off early to visit more unique photo spots so that we can use the rising sun and morning light to complete our portfolio. During the day, we will visit other magical places in the region where we can deepen what we have learned.

CHF 490 per person in the small group, from three people.

The price includes the two-day workshop, guiding to the photo spots and the hut reservation. You pay for accommodation and half board directly at the hut, and SAC members get the reduced rate in SAC huts.

We choose the location together. On your own or just the two of you? Send me your preferred dates and I’ll team you up with others. The workshop goes ahead as soon as three people are in for the same date.

Rather keep it to yourselves? The private workshop is a flat CHF 1390 for up to two people and CHF 2090 for three or four.

Where we shoot is something we decide together. Whether it’s Valais, where I live, Central Switzerland or an area you’ve had your eye on for ages: I’ll suggest locations that match the season, the light and the subjects you’re after, and we choose together. What matters are reasonable approaches, a cosy hut and perspectives away from the spots everyone already has on Instagram.

We’ll set the meeting point and time as soon as the location is fixed.

We spend the night in the dormitory of a cosy mountain hut, often an SAC hut. Simple and functional, but with the best morning light right outside the door. I take care of the reservation, and you pay for accommodation and half board directly at the hut. In SAC huts, members benefit from a reduced rate.

At the hut, a tasty dinner awaits you in the evening, followed by a breakfast that easily lasts until the first photo spot. Both are part of the half board, which you pay directly at the hut. You can order a packed lunch there for the second day; anything else for the trail, please bring along yourself.

Camera equipment

• SLR camera, system camera, or bridge camera with basic knowledge of how to use it
• Wide-angle lens, standard lens, and optionally a light telephoto lens
• Tripod
• Optional polarizing filter and/or ND filter set

Clothes and shoes

• Functional clothing for hiking
• Rain jacket (and rain pants, depending on the overall weather conditions)
• Hiking boots with good tread
• Backpack with space for your personal gear and camera
• Optional: hiking poles

Please keep in mind that even in summer, weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly. You should therefore be equally prepared for sun and clouds, storms and rain.

Food on the go

• Dinner and breakfast at the hut (half board, paid on site)
• Packed lunch for the second day available at the hut
• You are responsible for any other food

Misc

• Sun glasses
• Sunscreen
• Headlamp with spare batteries/battery charger
• Cash (usually preferred at huts)
• Money for accommodation and half board at the hut (cash is often the safest bet in huts)

Accommodation

• Sleeping bag
• Dry change of clothes for the hut
• Earplugs, if necessary
• Toiletries

You will receive a detailed packing list in good time before the course begins.

• Accommodation and half board at the mountain hut (paid on site)
• Your own arrival and departure
• Any costs for cable cars
• Individual drinks and meals during the day
• Personal expenses
• Cancellation insurance

Insurance is the responsibility of the participants (accident, health, and liability insurance). We recommend REGA membership and cancellation insurance.