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Michael Perschl
@perschl_miche
Best of the week 25 at #nomadict 2022
Being in the right place at the right time to capture the perfect light is not easy. There is a lot of planning behind every single picture, which many people who are not doing photography, don’t know. Finding the right time of year for a specific place, knowing when the sun is at the right angle, understanding the weather patterns, doing strenuous climbs with a lot of weight in the backpack, little sleep, hiking in the dark….
A lot of these things came together for the winning shot also, which was taken in Germany, Bavaria, National Park Berchtesgaden, Jenner. The view into the National Park down to the Königssee and the most prominent mountain in Berchtesgaden, the Watzmann made this scene very photogenic.
I always find a few disturbing elements in the foreground quite nice. In this picture, you are nicely guided into the picture via the viewing platform further to the Königssee and up to the Watzmann. And from the side, the sun still shines beautifully into the picture. I almost always edit my pictures with my own presets. Then I edit the details, adjust exposure, slightly correct colors, etc. until I feel the photo reflects my memory.
"I always have feelings of happiness when I stand at the top of the mountain."
I am grateful to live in such a beautiful region. It is even more gorgeous, as in this picture – when no other people are up at the summit. You can quietly look for the perfect composition without people standing in the way.
I usually go to the mountains with friends, but also alone from time to time. Often I’m in the Chiemgau region (which is mostly flat land) or the Berchtesgaden Alps, and every now and then I also like to go to the neighboring Austria Alps. In addition, I always plan my trip according to whether I go up because of photography, or whether I want to climb the summit. Various apps like Kommot or tour sites like Bergfex, and Outdooractive help me plan my trips. A must-have app is PeakFinder, to figure out what is the best spot at a specific moment of the day. For example, to see the lightning conditions and direction. I also work with Sun Surveyor and PhotoPills. With these apps, you can plan exactly when the sun is where and at what time of year. Instagram often gives me inspiration for new photo motifs and ideas for what kind of photographs I’d like to try.
When it comes to safety in the mountains and photography, there are many things to consider. Experience is a big issue. Many people always ask me where I took this picture because they want to take the same picture; I do not give out such information. You don’t know how experienced, how persistent, or what prerequisites the person unknown has. I myself would also not yet be labeled as very experienced but for the past 3 years, I go 2-3 times a week to the mountains. I think everyone should first go on a guided tour, or maybe a few of them, and then if they go by themselves, go after doing proper research and planning. I do that too and everyone should.
Safety also means having the right equipment, not only knowing where to go at what time. What you see nowadays in the mountains is scary: crocs on a mountain or the good old Birkenstock.
As basic equipment, I see a first aid kit, a bivy sack, enough to drink, small snacks for emergencies, and proper clothing according to the (potential) circumstances. Do not underestimate the weather in the mountains. In the mountains, everything comes faster, all people having experienced rough weather changes cannot warn others enough. It’s really true. Always check different weather reports and observe the weather on the mountain itself. And most important, when you think during one short moment “maybe I should go back or seek shelter”, do so. Later can be too late and you make your adventure a lot less fun for yourself and for your family. People have died to get the perfect photo, but many don’t think about this kind of “accident”. I had a dicey situation in the mountains myself too. It was a hot summer day and I wanted to photograph the sunset at the summit. In the distance, I saw that a thunderstorm was approaching. And when a thunderstorm comes, you don’t want to be at the summit. So I descended as fast as I could a few 100 meters to shelter in a cave. The lightning struck for over 1h next to me. I didn’t feel comfortable and had a very bad feeling.
"However, the lesson was learned and I got home safely."
You will never really be able to predict the mountains, but the more experience you gather and if you take the mountains seriously, you will get great photographs and joyful, safe adventures outdoors!
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