Lightning Strikes 3
Isola Bella, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
For years I have been seeking for another thunderstorm image after capturing two of them within just one week in 2013. As we were overlooking the beautiful Sicilian gem Isola Bella, dark storm clouds were rolling in. I vigilantly observed the scene while I tried to catch a lightning in the framed composition, and I was thrilled to bits when it finally happened! The strong single beam struck straight into the Ionian Sea, perfectly lighting up the water in the extension of the coastal road. Minutes later, the sky turned literally black and we had to seek shelter as the heaviest of rainfalls ploughed down.
Milky Way
Canyonlands National Park, Utah, USA
Initially we wanted to shoot the sunset at the Green River Overlook. As the cloudless sky did not allow for a glory sunset panorama, we decided to wait until nightfall. Crystal clear night skies in the silence of Utah are just unforgettable experiences and we were thrilled as myriads of stars appeared above us. The thin layer of golden twilight above the horizon adds some warmth to the cold night blue. The gnarled leafless tree seems like it’s shying away, blinded by the sparkling milky way. Shortly after, the moonrise cast the area in a soft light which made the experience even more special.
Fairytale Cottages
Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park, Alberta, Canada
Emerald Lake Lodge is a perfect example of how man-made elements can nicely integrate into an incredibly idyllic and otherwise pristine place. Surrounded by majestic mountains, the sleepy cottages with their warm welcoming lights seem to arise from a fairytale. The blurred clouds and the logs disappearing into the turquoise water add an element of mysticism to the scenery. For a short moment the water calmed down enough for me to capture this truly magical atmosphere.
Cold Light
Uttakleiv Beach, Lofoten, Norway
This is probably the most challenging photo I have ever taken − freezing feet and fingers, slippery wet rock and the need to constantly change the composition due to the tidal movement and the unpredictability of the Aurora Borealis. In the end, it was well worth the effort. The whole sky was immersed in surreal green light while the sparkling stars shined down on snow-capped mountains, directly reaching into the Norwegian Sea − an absolutely stunning experience!
Colorful Night
Hamnøy, Lofoten, Norway
We were incredibly blessed during our visit to the Lofoten as we experienced clear sky and intense northern lights for the whole week. During one night, the marvelous aurora borealis appeared just above the traditional Rorbuer fishing houses of Hamnøy, a magical scene one couldn’t have set up any better. The village’s comforting warmth and the surrounding coldness of the natural light contrast and complement each other at the same time. I just managed to capture this spectacular display of colors before the green veil slowly faded away.
Lightning Strikes
Zion National Park, Utah, USA
Capturing a thunderbolt during daytime is particularly challenging as short exposure times are required. Due to the unpredictability of the event, one has to rely on a bit of luck and improvisation. We were driving through the magnificent Zion National Park when this storm occurred. I quickly jumped out of the car and set up the composition although I felt quite frightened being so close to the action. This particular lightning is especially impressive due to its circular shape. The black and white composition highlights the raw forces of nature and nicely complements the unique texture of the sandstone.
Lightning Strikes 2
Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Thunderbolts were flashing all over the horizon when I drove up to Bryce Canyon early in the morning well before sunrise. I was extremely excited as it had been my dream to shoot a thunderstorm for a long time. However I still had some miles to go and I was afraid that I might end up arriving too late at the viewpoint. It turned out that I got lucky and from a safe distance I was able to witness an electrifying atmosphere. The canyon valley, packed with surreal, delicate geological structures, seems to purposely lead up to the point on the horizon where the massive lightning bolt hits the ground.
Blue Hour
Ålesund, Norway
Ålesund is a picturesque town close to the spectacular Sunmore Alps, a mountain range directly going into deep blue fjords. So far up north, the sun sets very slowly, making the gentle rise of the blue hour even more special. I like how the image contains several layers of mountains, disappearing in the hazy distance.
Above the Clouds
Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE
The probability of rain is quite low for Dubai. Hence I was especially delighted to witness the rare occasion of a thunderstorm close to the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa. Although the rain kept washing the sand out of the air and into every little hole of my camera, I refused to stop shooting. The fast moving clouds mystically floated around the arcitectural masterpiece, while the top of the building was still way higher up.
Shaft of Light
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA
Rocky mountain National Park is an amazing hiking area, offering lots of beautiful little lakes and scenery views. Usually my shots are well planned, however this time it felt as if nature has just waited for me to come by to instantly take this photo. Suddenly the sun broke through the clouds, creating a shaft of light which made the water of the little winding river in the valley glitter and sparkle.
Green Canopy
Arashiyama, Japan
Creating a unique image of a much-photographed sight such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a real challenge. I decided for an ultra wide angle composition with the camera pointing straight upwards. The bamboo stalks create a strong visual flow towards the center of the image where the sunlight breaks through the lush green leaves, intensifying their vibrant green color. I took advantage of the sun glancing through just on the edge of this circle of light to add a special point of interest.
