NEWSLETTER - 16 December 2011
Dear all,

Sunset light on the Churfirsten under its winter coat, Toggenburg, Saint Gall, Switzerland.     

Winter is here! It took its time to arrive this year, after such a warm and sunny autumn. But snow is now falling generously on our mountains and the magic of winter is starting to work.

What could be more fulfilling for the photographer than to see the beautiful landscape that surrounds us putting on its beautiful white coat, looking so soft and clean that we just want to roll in it.

Then all is needed is the golden colour of an unexpected light to fall onto these beautiful winter scenes and further transform them into real treats for the eye. This is what happened to me last winter during my visit in the Torrenburg valley, when the rays of the setting sun found a small gap in the clouds to shine on the Churfirsten chain and its impressive sawtooth like peaks.
These moments, often short-lived, are always intense and it is always such a pleasure to be able to share them with you all.

More recently it was the small Amsoldingersee lake which has provided me with its own surprises. Several days photographing it revealed many of its faces, one of them being this branch lying just under the water's surface, which, on that peaceful autumnal morning, was brightly lit by the sun and brought an extra dimension to the lake and its breathtaking view across the impressive Bernese Alps in the distance.

What a contrast with the evening I spend at the Pilatus summit where I was lucky to photograph one of those sunsets which only autumn knows how to paint. But this peaceful image hides much of its story! Indeed I spent all that evening battling against very strong winds which made taking pictures almost impossible as I couldn't keep the tripod steady enough to get sharp images. Quite a hair pulling situation but that's ok for me as I don't have any left!! But anyway the view was such a delight for the eyes that this alone was all worth it.

Amsoldingersee, Berne, Switzerland.

It is on the Gorner Glacier that I probably spent one of the most surreal couple of days. Together with my friend Raymond, we set out to explore this big glacier and its meanders carved by the melting waters. What a magical world, and so difficult to do justice in a photograph as it looks so impressive in real life.

Widderfeld seen from Pilatus summit, Bern, Switzerland.
This year, the Grisons has also offered me its share of beautiful things to photograph. A rather "express" visit at lake Sils has reminded me how much sometimes it is just a case of being in the right place at the right time. I only spent a few hours there but was rewarded by a very soft evening light which revealed all the subtleties of the larches' needles and their autumnal golden colours.

Anyway, enough with my photographic adventures. If you are like me, you are probably still wondering what Xmas presents you're going to get for your loved ones.

Maybe one day I'll manage to have all my Xmas shopping done in advance...! But if you are short of ideas, maybe my 2012 wall calendar of the Swiss Alps might save you. I only have a few left in stock but if you order fast enough, there is still time for me to deliver it to you on time for Xmas.

Another idea might be to offer a place on one of my photo workshops to your friends passionate about photography. Indeed, the dates for my 2012 workshops have just been published on my website. But just like in previous years, given their great success, if you are interested, I encourage you not to wait too long to register. Last year, there were not more places available two weeks after their publication.

My latest photographic news in brief:

2012 Wall Calendar

My 2012 wall calendar of the Swiss Alps is still available (while stocks last - I only have around 10 left!).

All the information about its content, technical details, as well as how you can order it, is available on the Calendars page of my website.
2012 Photo Workshops The dates for my 2012 photo workshops are now available on my website.
For further information please refer to the Workshops page on my website.

You might remember from my last Newsletter that I was announcing an "imminent" update of the photo galleries on my website with some 100 new images. Well I just had forgotten to look up the exact definition of "imminent"! ;-)
This update is taking me a bit more time than expected as I am very busy with other projects going on. But I hope that within a few more weeks it should be ready. I will certainly inform you in my next Newsletter.

Autumn at lake Sils, Grisons, Switzerland. Gorner glacier's meanders, Valais, Switzerland.

So here we are. I hope that this year has been a fulfilling one for you all.

Come the time to wish you some great Christmas celebrations. Do make the most of this short break and recharge the batteries... with chocolate probably! I also wish you all the very best for the New Year, let it be filled with great health, plenty of love, joy and success in all that you endeavour.

Warm regards to you all.




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