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My best landscape photography of 2024

2024 was a year filled with unforgettable moments and incredible travels. I was lucky to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Madeira, Iceland, and Ireland. One of my dreams came true when I captured the northern lights in Switzerland, and in Iceland, I witnessed some of the most intense auroras I’ve ever seen. Switzerland also gifted me with magical winter scenery, from fresh snow-covered landscapes to an ice cave, an extraordinary glimpse into the beauty of our glaciers.

Explore stunning northern lights landscape photography in Iceland by Jennifer Esseiva at Skógafoss waterfall. Captured with her Nikon Z8, the scene features a man in a yellow jacket standing before the majestic falls. Discover the magic of Iceland's beauty!
Skógafoss and the northern lights

Iceland remains one of my all-time favorite travel destinations. In just ten days, we experienced five nights of incredible northern lights. But capturing this shot at Skógafoss required a creative approach.

During blue hour, I photographed my friend Paolo, dressed in yellow, in front of the waterfall. Later that night, I captured the northern lights in the same area. Since the waterfall was always covered in darkness during nighttime, I merged both images in Adobe Photoshop. This blending technique, which I explored in 2024, allowed me to create the exact vision I had in mind.

Discover my photography series of Iceland

Breathtaking sunset at Pico do Arieiro in Madeira, captured with a Nikon Z8. This landscape photograph showcases vibrant hues of orange and pink illuminating the rugged mountain peaks, with a dramatic sky and ethereal clouds adding depth to the scene.
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: when I arrived at the viewpoint, 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!

Discover guide to photographing 5 landscape spots in Madeira

A stunning night landscape photograph capturing pink northern lights in Switzerland, taken at the Marchairuz Pass in the Canton of Vaud, near Lausanne.
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.

Find all the tips to master northern lights photography

Fanal Forest Photography

If I had to pick 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 the misty, enchanted landscape. Every corner felt like a dream, but my favorite images from the trip are two self-portraits with my red dress.

One of these moments happened just as we were about to leave. I noticed the pond area was finally free, and the fog was creeping back in. The changing light gave me two different atmospheres—one in soft light and the other in dense mist. Both versions tell a different story, and I love them equally.

Explore my guide to photograph the Fanal Forest

Explore stunning long exposure landscape photography of Reynisfjara black sand beach and Arnardrangur sea stack on a moody day, captured by Swiss photographer Jennifer Esseiva using a Nikon Z8. Her work beautifully portrays the dramatic Icelandic coastline, with its powerful waves and ethereal atmosphere.
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.

Explore my 10-day photography itinerary in Iceland

Stunning landscape photography of a sunset over Pico do Arieiro in Madeira, captured by a Swiss photographer using a Nikon Z8. This image showcases a beautiful sea of clouds and a breathtaking view of nature’s splendor, with a person standing on the peak at sunset.
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.

Stunning winter landscape photography of snow-covered trees with frost in the Canton of Fribourg, near the village of Gruyère, Switzerland. Experience the serene beauty of snow landscapes captured in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
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.

Have a look at my whole photography series of Switzerland

Embark on a visual journey with this panoramic view of the Zinal Glacier Ice Cave nestled within the breathtaking Swiss Alps. Renowned photographer Jennifer Esseiva expertly captured this stunning landscape using her Nikon Z8, unveiling the dramatic allure of this natural marvel. Prepare to be mesmerized by the spellbinding vistas and intricate details, inviting you to immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this majestic scenery.
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.

Discover my guide to accessing the Zinal Ice Cave

A captivating landscape photograph of Fermoyle Strand on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland. The image showcases seaweed scattered across the sandy beach, with intricate sand patterns visible. Taken with a Nikon Z8 camera, capturing the natural beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.
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 on the beach.

When I first arrived, I noticed the intricate sand patterns, but composing the perfect shot was challenging. Rain made it difficult to adjust my camera, and my lens kept getting wet. I noticed these seaweeds standing out in the sand, and I loved them. So I finally found a good composition, for something more abstract this time.

I had to use focus bracketing to get the whole image sharp. While shooting, I kept an eye on the waves, but they 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 was gone. Sometimes, being at the right place at the right time is all that matters.

Discover guide to photographing 5 landscape spots in Ireland

Published on 01.02.2025 by Jennifer Esseiva