The Awakening of the Dawnkeepers

This beautiful black and white panoramic photograph shows the Aiguilles Rouges d'Arolla. These mountains dominate theArolla valley, in the heart of the Val d'Hérens. I love their distinctive shape marking the horizon. And the rugged beauty of this region of the Valais Alps, which offers nature lovers numerous alpine hiking and climbing routes.

I took this portrait of the Aiguilles Rouges atArolla in late summer 2014, when it was still snowing in the mountains. Times have changed. These moments are increasingly rare today. This photograph is the story of an adventure. I set off at night with the woman who now shares my life, the mother of my daughter. I conquered the Mont de l'Étoile to photograph the Aiguilles Rouges at sunrise. The snow had just covered summits and the show was going to be dazzling. Sheltered from the wind in a tent, we slept at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. In the darkness, we began our ascent with the snow still billowing in the sky. By the light of our headlamps, we were approaching summit when the cold became more intense. It was impossible to wait for dawn in the open. We had to climb back down to take refuge under a large boulder. Huddled together, waiting for daybreak. Suddenly, the sky opened up, revealing the mountains. Listening only to my desire to photograph them, I ran towards the summit of Mont de l'Étoile. Before I reached the long-awaited viewpoint, I saw them, majestic and unreal. In front of me, the Aiguilles Rouges d'Arolla rose out of the mist, illuminated by the first rays of sunlight. I was able to capture this magical moment, like a gift from nature. We quickly returned to the shelter of our tent and dozed off, so exhausted had we been by the cold. It took us hours to warm up, abandoned by the sun and swallowed up by the clouds. Then we headed back down to the valley, exhausted by our adventure but happy to have seen the Aiguilles Rouges d'Arolla at their best.

I particularly like this panoramic photograph because it highlights the unique silhouette of the mountains and the splendour of its glacier. Once blanketed in snow throughout the year, this jewel of ice is now bare in summer. The work also draws its beauty from its structure and details. Its lines energize the picture, while the succession of planes adds depth to the whole. Light and frost paint the rock in the foreground. Freshly sprinkled snow on summits highlights new textures. Photography guides our gaze to the summit of the Aiguilles Rouges d'Arolla on a surprising and unforgettable journey.