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 Marketingkonferenz 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
By northierthanthou July 25, 2013 - 8:48 pm
Gorgeous picture, really bright colors in and out of the lake.
By Taj Mahal in Black and White July 16, 2013 - 12:16 pm
[…] Matterhorn Reflected […]
By Abby February 10, 2013 - 1:39 pm
Great addition to Planet D!! Looking forward to seeing more!
By debndave February 12, 2013 - 11:49 am
Thanks Abby, we’re honoured to have Jonathan join us for this regular feature.
By Johnny February 6, 2013 - 3:31 am
Absolutely stunning and inspiring at the same time. Thanks for this one!
By Matterhorn Reflected | Travel Blog | Marketingkonferenz | Global A.C.T. | Scoop.it February 4, 2013 - 8:01 pm
[…] While in Zermatt, Switzerland this past October I came upon Riffelsee lake and saw the Matterhorn reflected in the water by the midday sun and knew it could make for a really amazing sunrise photo […]
By Rob February 3, 2013 - 1:21 pm
What a stunning photo. Thanks for sharing.
By Wends of Journeys and Travels February 3, 2013 - 3:18 am
This is just amazing, I am literally blown away by this sunrise photo! Inspiring this is.
By Arti February 2, 2013 - 10:34 pm
Stunning capture! I remember being out there shivering at over 10k feet in the Himalayas waiting for the sunrise. Gorgeous.
By Greg Prohl February 2, 2013 - 10:06 pm
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.
By Sophie February 2, 2013 - 6:54 am
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.
By Jennifer February 2, 2013 - 3:32 am
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!
By Get A Car Hire February 2, 2013 - 12:46 am
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*
By currybadger February 1, 2013 - 8:03 pm
Wow, that is stunning! My photos suck
By Jonathan February 1, 2013 - 5:56 pm
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? =)
By debndave February 3, 2013 - 3:52 pm
Thank you for sharing your amazing photo of the Matterhorn Jonathan. We’re looking forward to see what’s next!
By Cathy Sweeney February 1, 2013 - 5:11 pm
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. 🙂
By Stefanie February 1, 2013 - 1:05 pm
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.
By debndave February 3, 2013 - 3:53 pm
We agree. Thanks for the tips Jonathan. Looking forward to more!
By Ali February 1, 2013 - 11:40 am
Gorgeous photo! And great photography tips!
By Sonya February 1, 2013 - 11:11 am
Stunning photo! Reflections in mountain lakes can literally take your breath away.
By Andi Perullo de Ledesma February 1, 2013 - 3:35 pm
Gorgeous! I love reflection shots.
By Maria February 1, 2013 - 9:40 am
Gorgeous shot and great tips cause it so true, rarely do we get something fabulous with a one-off snap.