2024 has been one of my most inspiring years for landscape photography. From the dramatic cliffs of Madeira to the raw volcanic beauty of Iceland, and the peaceful coastlines of Ireland, each destination brought its own magic.
One of my biggest dreams came true when I captured the northern lights over the Swiss Alps, a rare and emotional moment close to home. In Iceland, I witnessed some of the strongest aurora displays I’ve ever seen, painting the sky with surreal colors.
Back in Switzerland, I embraced the quiet beauty of winter: frozen trees, soft snowfall, and even the inside of a glacier, reminding me how fragile and powerful nature can be.
Skógafoss and the northern lights
Iceland remains one of my all-time favorite destinations for landscape photography. During our ten day trip we were lucky to witness the northern lights five nights in a row, a dream for any photographer.
This image of Skógafoss came to life through a creative process. I first photographed my friend Paolo in his yellow jacket during the blue hour when the waterfall was softly lit. Later that night I returned to the same spot to capture the auroras dancing across the sky. Since Skógafoss is always in shadow after sunset I combined both shots using Photoshop to reflect the vision I had in mind.
In 2024 I began to embrace composite photography more confidently not to fake a moment but to express the atmosphere as I experienced it.
Pico do Arieiro sunset photography
Pico do Arieiro is one of the most breathtaking spots in Madeira and a must-visit for landscape photography. I knew this location was a classic for travel photographers but capturing well-known scenes helps improve technique. For this shot I used a three exposure bracket later merging them in Adobe Photoshop. This process allowed me to balance the bright sky and shadowy foreground enhancing the details without overexposing any part.
A fun memory from this moment is when I arrived at the viewpoint and another photographer was already there. Instead of keeping the spot to himself he kindly moved his tripod and invited me to sit with him knowing it was the best composition. It was such a generous gesture.
Northern lights in Switzerland
Many landscape photographers will no doubt remember 9 May 2024. It was on that evening that a beautiful aurora borealis was seen in southern Europe, and Switzerland was no exception. This photo has a very special sentimental value for me, because it was my dream to be able to see an aurora in my country. When I received the notification from My Aurora, I went straight to the Jura, above Rolle. There are some beautiful fir forests, typical of this region. One detail I like in this photo is the moon on the left. There was just a small cloud in front of it, diffusing its light.
Fanal Forest Photography
If I had to choose one place I was most excited to visit in Madeira, it would be the Fanal Forest. I ended up going there three times in just one week, spending more than 12 hours wandering through its misty, enchanted landscape. Every corner felt like a dream, but my favorite image from the trip is this self-portrait in a red dress, standing beneath an old tree with a low, curving branch. The fog danced with the sunlight, coming and going. I stayed under that tree for nearly an hour, waiting for the light I had imagined : a soft balance of shadows and thick fog.
Reynisfjara Black Beach
Visiting Vík í Mýrdal and the famous black sand beach of Reynisfjara had been high on my Iceland photography list. When I arrived, the sky was covered with low, dramatic clouds, exactly the kind of moody atmosphere I love to photograph.
Behind me, a few sun rays pierced through the clouds, adding just enough contrast to the scene. To enhance the minimalist effect, I used a long exposure technique to smooth out the waves, creating an almost surreal appearance. This is what I love about long exposure photography. It transforms a moving scene into something timeless.
Above the sea of clouds in Madeira
This shot was completely unplanned. While revisiting Pico do Arieiro, I noticed a lone figure standing on a rock, surrounded by a sea of clouds. I had only seconds to capture the moment, bathed in golden hour light, before they climbed down.
This image evokes a strong feeling of freedom. Like standing at the edge of the world, completely alone. It reminds me why I love travel photography. To capture fleeting magical moments that tell a story.
Snowy landscapes of Switzerland
Fresh snowfall always brings a special kind of beauty to landscape photography. In December, Switzerland was covered in a thick blanket of snow, even in the lower regions, making it the perfect time to capture minimalist winter scenes.
This particular photo was taken in Vaulruz, in the canton of Fribourg. I had this location in mind for months, and when the fog rolled in, it softened the details, leaving only a lone tree and a hut visible. The simplicity of the scene is what makes it so powerful.
Zinal Ice Cave
The Zinal Ice Cave is one of my favorite winter spots. Every year, the cave changes shape, offering a completely new experience. That’s why I love returning each season to rediscover its beauty.
In 2024, an enormous frozen waterfall formed inside the cave. Everyone who visited was drawn to it, placing their hands on the icy pillar. This inspired my composition with Paolo standing beside it, providing a sense of scale to this natural wonder.
Derrymore Beach in Ireland
This is one of my favorite photos of 2024, thanks to the stunning patterns in the sand at Derrymore Beach in Ireland. The landscape felt wild and untouched, just us, the wind and the rain walking along the shore.
When I first arrived, I immediately noticed the intricate lines in the sand, but composing the perfect shot was challenging. The rain made it hard to adjust my camera, and my lens kept getting wet. Then I spotted these delicate seaweeds standing out against the smooth surface. I loved them. After a few tries, I finally found a strong composition, something more abstract this time.
To get the whole image sharp, I used focus bracketing. While shooting, I kept an eye on the waves, which seemed far away. Suddenly, a massive wave rushed in and erased all the sand patterns. I barely had time to capture my seaweed landscape before it vanished. Sometimes being at the right place at the right time is all that matters.
Published on February 1, 2025 by Jennifer Esseiva
