Behind the Image
Sunrise at Lac De Cheserys, Chamonix
Arriving by bus to the village of Chamonix, France in the early hours of the morning, I was instantly greeted with views of the Mont Blanc Massif. This incredible mountain range surrounds the small mountaineering village bustling with climbers and passionate hikers. Having arrived 2 days prior to starting the Tour Du Mont Blanc, an 11 day hike traversing the borders of France, Switzerland and France around this large mountain range, I begun walking the small streets in search of last minute items I needed. Intrigued by the world of mountaineering, I stared through store-fronts looking at all the new equipment and clothing. After passing many souvenir stores in search of a woven patch, a collection I had maintained throughout my trip, I stumbled across a set of panoramic images. One photograph in particular was an incredible sunset over the Mont Blanc Massif with a crystal clear reflection. I picked up the framed image in hopes of finding an exact location point printed somewhere, however there was none. Inspired by this print, I decided to take a photo on my iPhone of this framed print with hopes I’d find this perspective.
Finally purchasing everything I needed for this hike, I returned to my guesthouse with a warm drink. Sitting down in the communal area, I begun analysing Google Satellite in search of this perspective. Utilising the specific angle of the light direction on the mountains at sunset, the perspective of the mountain range and the lake reflection in the foreground, I had finally found it. This area was called ‘Lac De Chesrys'. I then altered my Tour Du Mont Blanc itinerary to camp beside the lake on my final night of the 11 day hike.
Camp setup, Lac De Cheserys
On the final day of my hike, I had finally arrived to the specific lake I had seen in the panoramic image. It was foggy, wet and cold, not the conditions I had hoped for. Nonetheless, I was very excited I had found the right location and perspective. Now, I just needed to be patient and wait for a clearing in the clouds. While waiting, I decided to set up my tent and camping space .
Unfortunately that afternoon, the conditions never fully cleared so I tucked into my sleeping bag hoping that the clouds would clear overnight.
Awaking at 4:30am I unzipped my tent wall to see the whole Mont Blanc Massif in clear view, stars still shining above. Setting up my tripod, I then photographed the sun rising over the mountain range for the next 2 hours. Conditions were incredible, low wind, no clouds and a beautiful haze that softened the rising sun light. This finished image is now my take on the inspiring perspective I saw in the souvenir shop in Chamonix.