Through the Lenz: A Captured Moment, A Story Told – Switzerland Edition

Hinterfultigen Country: Switzerland

I love planning my photography trips. I can spend hours lost in research, mapping out the most breathtaking locations, and finding just the right place to stay that gives me access to those spots. But sometimes, no matter how much planning you do, you are gifted with something even more incredible than you imagined. This image is one of those moments.

Being a landscape photographer is as rewarding as it is challenging.

Actual landscape photography is about being in the right place and time.

Timing is everything. There are many elements to consider—the light, the weather, the angle. Thankfully, I have access to tools that help predict the best conditions, but even with all that planning, the real work begins once I arrive. Sometimes, getting the shot means climbing mountains, scaling cliffs, or squeezing through tight spaces to find that perfect angle. But not this time. This image was the exact opposite of all that effort.

A Stay Like No Other

When booking this trip, I had two simple but essential requirements. The first was to stay somewhere central to all the locations I wanted to visit so I could settle in and plan my next moves once I arrived. The second was that I didn’t like the typical tourist experience. I wanted to live as close as possible to how the people of Switzerland experience daily life.

So, instead of a hotel, I booked a stay with a Swiss family—a cozy little spot that felt like a home away from home. It was exactly what I was looking for.

I booked my stay through E-Domizil and chose Gartenhaus in Hinterfultigen, Switzerland. This charming spot, tucked away just outside Bern, offered everything I had hoped for—a quiet retreat surrounded by rolling greenery and a glimpse into everyday Swiss life.

When I arrived, it was raining and cloudy. When I got to my room, the sky was dark, and I couldn’t see much. The following day, I woke up to lush, endless green all around me—peaceful, quiet, and deeply relaxing. But the fog still clung to the landscape, hiding most of the scenery. I spent the day exploring, returning late at night when the world was wrapped in darkness again.

A Breathtaking Surprise

Then came the morning that changed everything.

When I stepped outside, the fog had lifted, revealing mountaintops cutting through the soft morning darkness. It was one of those moments when time seemed to stand still.

I didn’t think about settings or gear—I turned, walked inside, grabbed my camera, and stepped back onto the porch. There was no tripod, filter, or setup—just me, my camera, and the soft light of morning unveiling itself before my eyes.

The transition from a faint silhouette to a full-blown masterpiece happened far too quickly, yet it was long enough to take my breath away. It was pure, unfiltered magic.

And as if that wasn’t enough, every morning when I stepped onto that same porch, I was greeted with a basket of cheese and meats, ready to be enjoyed as I took in the incredible scenery.

This was an experience I’ll never forget. It wasn’t about scaling mountains or chasing light—it was about being in the right place, at the right time, and simply present.

Some moments you plan for. Others, like this one, find you.

This is why I love photography—sometimes, all you have to do is step outside, and the world gives you a masterpiece.