You can find my guide to photographing mountains here. Photographing in the Alps is something very special. The 1200 km long Alps are particularly diverse in terms of landscape and hide many magical places. A paradise for mountain sports enthusiasts and photographers. So why not combine the two and skillfully photograph the mountains?
There is a lot of information on tour planning in books, from mountain guides and on the internet. I link to a large database of tours here: outdoor-active.
Hike, climb, use your mountain bike or skis. You can take your camera with you on all activities.
Don’t wait until you reach the summit to take out your camera, but take photos as you ascend.
The most important rule: Don’t go on a tour where you don’t feel comfortable or are unsure about alpine dangers.
And don’t forget any essential equipment, such as a carabiner or first aid kit, because of all the camera equipment in your rucksack.
Every season has different photographic attractions. From freshly blooming meadows in spring to frozen lakes in winter. In the Alps, accessibility often changes depending on the season. Easy mountain peaks in summer can become difficult tours in winter (e.g. crossing the Watzmann). Some hiking regions in summer become a ski paradise in winter and are therefore only accessible on skis. Find out beforehand whether the area is easily passable in snow, for example. In winter, be sure to check the avalanche risk HERE!
The weather is particularly volatile in the Alpine region. The Wetterstein mountains got their name from this. If you want to avoid thunderstorms or storms in the mountains, you should find out exactly what the weather conditions are. Despite careful weather research, storms can still occur and you should consider abandoning your tour. Photography in the Alps is therefore not always possible.
If you want beautiful photos in fog or a great cloud pattern, you need luck and some advance planning. The most comprehensive weather site for photographers is Kachelmann-Wetter. It even provides information on cloud bases. Who wouldn’t want to stand on the summit above the clouds?
You can find a particularly precise app from the Norwegian weather service for smartphones HERE (IOS) or HERE (Android).
Those who do without the nacelle know that weight is the trump card. Mirrorless cameras in particular shine with their weight savings compared to SLR cameras.
The question of whether full-frame or APS-C also plays a role when it comes to weight. Full format: heavier and better resolution due to larger sensor. APS-C: light and lower resolution.
If you do astrophotography, you should choose a full-frame camera. For wildlife photographers who need “more” focal length, APS-C is advantageous. There is no clear yes for any sensor size, as everyone has different requirements for their camera. My recommendations for mirrorless cameras are clearly from Sony Alpha. The new Sony Alpha 7c II in particular impresses in a small body with a full-frame sensor. In good conditions, photographers can also do a lot with a smartphone. The technology here has developed enormously.
The weight issue also plays a major role with lenses. A lightweight mirrorless camera with a heavy lens eliminates your weight advantage.
Most landscape photographers use wide-angle lenses. This allows the foreground to be included in the image composition. But telephoto lenses can capture exciting motifs of mountain peaks or wild animals. A sunset can be captured particularly impressively over the mountains with a telephoto lens, as the sun appears very dominant in the picture.
Fixed focal length lenses generally have an advantage over large zoom lenses when it comes to weight. On the other hand, zoom lenses offer significantly more flexibility and have weight advantages if several fixed focal lengths are required.
In the past, zoom lenses in particular were inferior to fixed focal length lenses in terms of resolution, but today this is put into perspective with the latest lenses.
My tip for particularly heavy tours: a lightweight fixed focal length, my recommendation for Sony: Sony Zeiss 55mm F1.8. A very sharp and lightweight fixed focal length. Even lighter and just as sharp: Samyang 35mm F1.8.
My tip for “normal” tours: a classic zoom, my recommendation for Sony: Sony 24-105G F4. A zoom that convinces at all focal lengths and is super flexible. The low speed is compensated by an additional stabilizer.
You don’t usually need a tripod to take photos in the Alps as you are out and about during the day. However, if you start before sunrise, you will notice how the ISO value on your camera skyrockets. Tripods can therefore make sense in certain situations. Using a tripod also slows you down and gives you more time to compose the picture.
When choosing a tripod, the weight must again be taken into account. A lightweight tripod is easy on the back and joints. However, it can lead to camera shake on a windy mountain peak. A compromise could be to make the tripod heavier and therefore more stable with a heavy rucksack. You should also choose a rather heavy tripod for astrophotography. When choosing a tripod for the mountains, in my opinion you should rather choose a tripod made of carbon, as you can save weight with a very wind-resistant tripod.
Your clothing should be chosen according to the season and the weather. The onion principle works well when doing sports in the Alps, as you wear thinner clothing for the ascent than when resting. When on the move, wear thin and airy clothing, and when resting or on slopes exposed to the wind, wear warm and tight clothing. Above all, bear in mind that you hardly move when taking photos and are more susceptible to cooling down. There are many recommended clothing brands for mountain sports. The important thing is that the clothing fits well (and looks good if you want to be in the photo).
Take care of nature and don't leave any garbage behind
Use light fixed focal lengths or a standard zoom
Don't put yourself in danger for a photo
Carry the batteries on your body in winter
Photographs of you climbing, mountain biking, skiing or hiking
Find out about particularly beautiful trails/summits in advance
Mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop and are a fascinating landscape that is ideal for impressive photographs. The dramatic contours, the changing light conditions and the diverse flora and fauna make mountain photography unique.
A digital SLR camera or a mirrorless system camera is recommended for mountain photography. But also a smartphone, of course. A fast lens, tripod, polarizing filter for high-contrast skies and possibly a grey filter for long exposures are also an advantage. Don’t forget to take enough batteries and memory cards with you.
You can find my equipment HERE.
The so-called “golden hour” during sunrise and sunset offers soft, warm light that bathes the mountains in a magical play of colors. These are often the best times for impressive shots. Keep in mind, however, that the mountains can also be spectacular during the day and in cloudy weather.
To emphasize the depth in your mountain shots, use elements such as foreground, middle ground and background. For example, integrate foreground objects such as rocks or plants to create a spatial effect. Also use different levels in the image to emphasize the expanse of the mountain landscape.
Mountain regions can have very different weather conditions. Pack weatherproof clothing, check the weather forecast in advance and plan your photo tours accordingly. Use the weather conditions creatively – fog and clouds can lead to particularly atmospheric shots.
Yes, safety comes first. Check the local conditions, be aware of weather changes and let someone know where you are going. Wear appropriate clothing and equipment, especially if you are traveling on higher trails. Respect nature and marked trails.
Basic editing, such as adjusting exposure and contrast, can enhance the beauty of your mountain photos. Make sure the colors look natural and experiment with different filters to enhance the mood. Remember to keep the editing subtle to preserve the authenticity of your shots.
Research in advance and local recommendations are helpful to find the best photo spots in the mountains. National parks, viewpoints and marked hiking trails are often ideal locations for breathtaking mountain shots. Also exchange ideas with other photographers to get insider tips. Or check out my book HERE.
Use a tripod, insert a gray filter and experiment with different exposure times to achieve the desired effect.
Practice and experimentation are key. Learn the basics of photography, discover your own creative perspective and analyze the work of other photographers. Also use online resources and books to expand your technical knowledge. Be patient and open to constant learning to continuously improve your mountain photography.
