Matterhorn Reflected
We are excited to introduce a new regular photography feature by National Geographic’s own Jonathan Irish. We met Jonathan in Switzerland and became fast friends. He and Dave instantly hit it off talking ‘all things photography and’ we were both blown away by his fantastic eye. It is an honour to have him as a contributor here at ThePlanetD and we hope that you enjoy his photography as much as we do. Stay tuned for more amazing shots, tips and stories from Jonathan on an ongoing basis!
While in Zermatt, Switzerland this past October, I woke up before dawn to take the first train in the morning to Riffelsee lake. I had scoped out the scene the day before while hiking up at altitude and keeping my eyes peeled for great images of the Matterhorn. I came upon the lake, saw the Matterhorn reflected in the water by the midday sun, and immediately knew that if the elements came together (clear day, nice light, calm wind with no ripples on the lake, clear-headed photographer) it could make for a really amazing sunrise photo. Well, the elements came together (all except for the clear-headed photographer) and I was fortunate enough to witness, and photograph, a beautiful sunrise in the brutally cold morning (at 9,200 ft. elevation) as the early morning sun gradually lit up the incredible Matterhorn mountain. Such a beautiful and majestic mountain.
Photo Tip: There’s a saying at National Geographic that goes something like this: ”Everyone has a National Geographic photo in them, but the NG Photographers know how to get them more often.” I love walking around and snapping candid shots just as much as anyone. However, really great images are more often than not the result of exploration, preparation, intention, and execution (and feel free to throw a little bit of luck in there as well). When you see something that has a lot of great elements and would make a great photo, go ahead and take the photo….but then ask yourself, “Is there anything I can do to make this even better?” Sometimes, it’s coming back the next day really early in the morning (as I did here), or it could be something as simple as moving around the subject to get the light to fall in a certain way. But don’t take the scene just for what it is….explore it and decide how you can capture it even better. If you take that extra step, where you are actively thinking about how you can improve the image and you are willing to take some extra time to do it, I guarantee you will improve your photography.
Jonathan Irish is a seasoned travel photographer who has traveled to over 65 countries and specializes in photographs of people, landscapes, abstracts, and, above all, cultures abroad. His work has appeared in various National Geographic publications, and he is represented by National Geographic’s Image Collection www.NationalGeographicStock.com/jonathanirish. When he is not traveling the world in search of amazing photos, he gathers inspiration from the other great photographers at National Geographic, where he is the Program Director for National Geographic Adventures Jonathan lives in Washington, D.C.
Check out more of his photography at JonathanIrish.com
Follow is daily photography on Twitter at MagnumJI,
Facebook at Jonathan Irish Travel Photography
and Pinterest
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Gorgeous shot and great tips cause it so true, rarely do we get something fabulous with a one-off snap.
Maria recently posted..Live-Stock Options
Stunning photo! Reflections in mountain lakes can literally take your breath away.
Sonya recently posted..iPhone Photo + Waiting
Gorgeous photo! And great photography tips!
Ali recently posted..Is “What If” Stopping You From Traveling?
It is great when photog’s are willing to share tips of how they not only get great shots, but also the thinking process behind them.
Stefanie recently posted..Do You Eat Vintage Food / New Food / Cult Food / Real Food?
We agree. Thanks for the tips Jonathan. Looking forward to more!
I’ve been wanting to see the Matterhorn forever because of beautiful photos, but this shot is totally amazing. Something tells me I wouldn’t have been able to capture that shot no matter how hard I tried.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Romantic Vienna
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words on this image of mine. I look forward to sharing more! See you next Friday for more photography fun. Have a great weekend! oh….Who’s gonna win the superbowl? =)
Thank you for sharing your amazing photo of the Matterhorn Jonathan. We’re looking forward to see what’s next!
Wow, that is stunning! My photos suck
currybadger recently posted..Home Cafe (Thai Food)
The best thing about travel is that it takes you on this unknown journey and allows you to meet some really awesome people! This picture is a stunner, after all it’s Jonathan! =) *Big Fan*
Get A Car Hire recently posted..13 HOT Travel Destinations of 2013 (Part II)
Beautiful photo! We just spent 3 cloudy days in Zermatt and hardly got a peak at the Matterhorn. We’ll just have to go back!
Jennifer recently posted..Tales of Iceland Elves and Trolls
Gorgeous photo, and tip. You must have had some patience (so necessary for photographers, isn’t it…) to catch the elusive Matterhorn not covered in clouds.
Sophie recently posted..A Garden with a View
Well when you put together the Matterhorn, clear blue skies and a crystalline still mountain lake AND a great eye, I guess this is the result. Fabulous shot.
Greg Prohl recently posted..Hiking in Washington, Part Two – Summerland-Panhandle Gap
Stunning capture! I remember being out there shivering at over 10k feet in the Himalayas waiting for the sunrise. Gorgeous.
Arti recently posted..Heian Jingu Shrine and Garden in Kyoto, Japan
This is just amazing, I am literally blown away by this sunrise photo! Inspiring this is.
What a stunning photo. Thanks for sharing.
Rob recently posted..France’s Most Visited Place: Fontainebleau Castle and Forest
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Absolutely stunning and inspiring at the same time. Thanks for this one!
Johnny recently posted..What Not to Miss in Rome, Italy
Great addition to Planet D!! Looking forward to seeing more!
Abby recently posted..There’s a castle in Napa
Thanks Abby, we’re honoured to have Jonathan join us for this regular feature.