About This Photograph
As one of my favorite places in the world, the Lauterbrunnen Valley has long been one of those places that feels unreal from the moment you arrive. Located in the heart of the Swiss Alps and surrounded by sheer vertical limestone cliffs with dozens of waterfalls pouring over them, it is a landscape that feels both timeless and dramatic. Alpine villages dot the landscape, both in the valley and up above the cliffs, with Lauterbrunnen at the base and the iconic towns of Wengen on one side and Murren on the other.
I created this photograph while hiking down from Wengen into the valley, as the sunset faded and the first glow of night settled over Lauterbrunnen. Shortly after the sun set and night began, the village lights started to turn on and the spotlight illuminating Staubbach Falls came to life. This created a a warm glow against the towering cliff face rising above the valley floor. It is no wonder JRR Toklien stood in these same places in the early 1900s and was inspired by the region to create Rivendell in the Lord of the Rings masterpieces. Even without the embellishment of Tolkien and his amazing fantasy narration, the scene already feels mythical and otherworldly.
Photographing Lauterbrunnen at Night
This image was created using a technique I have refined over the years called a blue hour blend. I photographed the landscape during blue hour, when the remaining ambient light after sunset is still bright enough to photograph the foreground, revealing exceptional detail, natural color, and subtle contrast throughout the valley. Photographing at this moment preserves shadow detail and tonal depth that would be lost if the scene were captured in full darkness, allowing for a piece that can be printed like any other day-time photograph without heavy noise and still full of detail.
The night sky was photographed separately under ideal conditions to capture the Milky Way with exceptional clarity and detail. These files are then carefully blended, placing the stars where they would naturally appear in the sky above Lauterbrunnen during this time of year. I try to place the stars where they would naturally show up during the night so it is a real representation of the unfolding scene at night.
This approach allows for an image that remains true to the location while achieving a level of resolution and clarity that makes extremely large fine art prints possible. The Milky Way, while far more detailed than what the human eye can perceive, reflects what the camera is capable of revealing during long-exposure night photography.
The Finished Artwork
The result is a quiet yet powerful scene with the Milky Way rising above Lauterbrunnental as village lights glow softly below and the dramatic walls of the Swiss Alps standing in still contrast beneath the night sky. It is a photograph that balances realism with atmosphere, designed to feel immersive rather than exaggerated, with the camera able to capture far more of the stars and Milky Way than our eyes can see.
“Lauterbrunnen Valley at Night” is offered as a limited edition fine art print in mediums such as HD acrylic and metal and is crafted to hold exceptional detail and depth at large sizes. It is a piece meant to draw you in slowly, revealing more the longer you spend with it.
Location
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
Edition
Limited Edition Run of 100 (Paper Prints Open Edition)
Aspect
Classic Landscape
Fine Art Print Styles
I offer a number of print styles for my fine art nature photography prints. Below are the different styles you can choose from as you consider your art purchase. All formats with the exception of archival paper prints come ready to hang as is without any need for framing. However, optional external framing can be added if desired. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have regarding these print styles. For more detailed information on my print styles, please visit my fine art prints page.
Signature Series Acrylic Prints (Ready to Hang)
If you’re looking for luxury and quality, then choosing arcylic for your artwork will certainly make it stand out! Details from the image emerge from the acrylic in an almost HD-like appearance due due to the transparency layer that is infused with iridium particles and is encapsulated in a layer suspended between the white poly surface and Acrylic. I also offer upgrades to TruLife acrylic and both Lumachrome and Ultra HD acrylic papers.. The final product is finished with a recessed float mount that allows for easy hanging without the need of an external frame creating a modern gallery look that is perfect for any home or office. Additionally, Italian hand-made ROMA frames can be added to any acrylic piece.
Signature Series Chromaluxe Metal Prints (Ready to Hang)
Using a method called dye sublimation, Chromaluxe is my choice for metal prints. Chromaluxe metal prints are created by taking an archival fine art print and infusing it into an aluminum sheet, creating a much more durable and visually stunning product than printing directly to aluminum like other metal print methods. Surprisingly light-weight, Chromaluxe metal prints are resistant to scratching while having that shiny, high gloss look that makes an image pop! Larson Juhl and box framed Chromaluxe metal prints are available upon request.
Arcival Canvas Prints (Ready to Hang)
Created with 8 color oil based inks, these giclee canvas prints are on another level compared to other canvas prints you might have seen. Many canvas prints have a lack of sharpness, but these canvas prints are some of the highest resolution, sharpest, most vibrant canvas prints possible.
Signature Series Frames (Ready to Hang)
While all of my mounted print styles come ready to hang without the need of an external frame, sometimes collectors want that extra touch of elegance. For that reason, I offer ROMA frames on all of my acrylic, metal and canvas prints. Plaque mount prints can also be framed with Larson Juhl frames. Standard styles include the Tabacchino line, but other ROMA lines are available on request.
