Symphony of the Peaks

Spotlight on one of my most beautiful high-mountain photographs. It featuresObergabelhorn, located at val d’Anniviers, behind which rises the Matterhorn, overlooking the Zermatt valley. Two summits emblematic of the Swiss Alps and so dear to my heart. Although 7 km separate them, I had long wanted to bring them together through my art. In the foreground, the Blanc de Moming ridge underlines the beauty of this legendary portrait.

I'm happy to be the first mountain photographer to have imagined this spectacular alignment of summits. I studied the cartography at length, and climbed neighbouring mountains to visualize the possibilities. But there was only one way to photograph summits from this perfect angle: by helicopter. I waited patiently for the snow to cover summits and for the sky to clear. Just as I was ready to release my camera, a cloud suddenly appeared in front of the sun, casting the majestic Matterhorn into shadow. The profound beauty of summits was sublimated by the exceptional contrast betweenObergabelhorn, a young hero sparkling in the sun, and the Matterhorn, the tutelary figure of the Valais Alps, gently shining alongside his brother. I realize how lucky I am to have been able to experience this moment. No matter how much you think about the photograph you want to take, nature always decides. She is the ultimate creator who breathes her soul into the work. I returned many times to this precise spot, hoping once again to see the magic work, but nothing did. The moment was simply unique, as are each and every moment of our lives.

This sumptuous black-and-white portrait celebrates the purity ofObergabelhorn and the grandeur of the Matterhorn. The picture owes its perfect aesthetic to the interplay of form and light. The aim here was not to convey the emotion of a celestial atmosphere prey to the elements, but rather to magnify the striking graphics of summits. Between light and shadow, one shot follows another. The precision of the lines highlights the fabulous silhouette of the mountains. Geometry and balance are the watchwords of this incredible photography.