HIGHLIGHTS

From the lookout point, we watch the sun’s warm rays fall across the vast landscape below us—white glacier-covered peaks, alpine flower meadows, and finally the deep valleys where turquoise-blue lakes shimmer in the backlight. Here, at over 2,000 meters above sea level, with wild Switzerland right outside our window, we encounter fascinating alpine flora, spectacular landscapes, and the king of the Alps – the Alpine ibex.

Join us in the Swiss Alps this July and discover unique alpine flora and fauna in a grand mountain setting. Over five days, we will visit two specially selected locations chosen for their outstanding qualities for nature photography, offering excellent opportunities to get close to wildlife. We will hike along alpine flower meadows on mountain ridges, capturing both the grandeur of the surrounding landscape and the vibrant colors of the tiny macro world. This area is also one of the very best places in the Alps to photograph the Alpine ibex, which we may encounter just a stone’s throw from our accommodation. Since we stay high up in the mountains, only short walks are required to reach our photo locations.

Most of our days will be spent out in the field, photographing intensively. The main focus will be on dawn and dusk when the light is at its best and wildlife is most active. We will combine fieldwork with theory, as your guide shares a range of exciting techniques and tips for creating atmospheric and compelling images.

THE ALPINE IBEX
The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex) is one of the most iconic inhabitants of the Swiss Alps. With its long, curved horns and powerful body, it is both majestic and perfectly adapted to life on steep mountain slopes. In July, when we are there, they graze in high alpine meadows, feeding on herbs, grasses, and mosses. The ibex groups we are likely to encounter near our hotel consist mainly of family groups with young kids. The youngsters are curious and playful, giving us the chance to capture their explorations at very close range.

ALPINE FLOWER MEADOWS
In July, the alpine meadows burst into full bloom, transforming the green slopes into dazzling seas of color—a feast for both the eyes and the camera. A wide variety of fascinating flowers thrive in this harsh yet sunny high-altitude climate. We’ll have excellent opportunities to photograph this diversity in beautiful light, using a range of photographic techniques.

HIKING & DIFFICULTY
The hikes to the best photo spots are about 2–3 kilometers in varied terrain. The first section is relatively flat and follows well-trodden paths. Higher up, the ground becomes more uneven, requiring surer footing, but you will always be free to decide how far up you’d like to go and where your personal limits lie. Ibex, alpine flora, and sweeping landscapes can all be enjoyed along the way.

PHOTOGRAPHIC LEARNING
Throughout the journey, your photography leader will provide continuous tuition tailored to your knowledge and level. Field guidance is adapted to your individual needs, and in addition, we will have theoretical sessions covering various photographic techniques that we will apply during the trip. In the Alps, we will focus heavily on photographing ibex and other subjects in different lighting situations, working with everything from panning to high-key and low-key photography.