Mountains of my dreams

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

France | Monday, October 4, 2010 | 5 photos

I grew up in Lyon, a mere two hours from Chamonix, in the French Alps, one of the mountain capitals of the world. I learned to ski and hike there, and over the years, developed a deep love for the place. I am convinced it is because of Chamonix that I became both a photographer and a climber.

These five photos express what mountaineering in Chamonix is all about. More than the technical difficulties of the routes, it is the connection with the mountain that matters, finding a small but real place for the human figure in this vast and majestic environment. Humility and respect for the mountains are major themes in my photography.

I have since traveled to other world ranges, from Alaska to the Andes and Scotland. In just a few days, I will also make my first foray in the Himalayas, climbing some peaks in the Khumbu region of Nepal. I want to bring my photography vision (and skills) to the greater ranges and, through my images, inspire viewers who may not be lucky enough to be able to travel to such locations.

I am currently finishing my PhD in mathematics in Denmark but realized not too long ago that being a mountain photographer was a viable option, and I am determined to try this road as soon as I graduate, next summer. I have already received praise on my mountain photography and even wrote a book on the topic (to be published next March), though it is not supporting me yet.

It was by observing and talking to experienced photographers such as Mark Kitaoka, Andy Burr or Jimmy Chin that I learned the most and improved both craft and vision. Going to Bhutan with Jason Edwards would undoubtedly be extremely helpful, and doubly interesting since it would allow me to show a different facet of the Himalayas than the climbing images I will bring back from Nepal in October.