Find landscape photography guides by Jennifer Esseiva.

Scenic landscape image of Préverenges Beach with Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, captured during golden hour using long exposure techniques.

Behind the Scenes: How I Find and Plan My Best Landscape Photography Locations

Finding great landscape photography locations is often an adventure before the adventure itself. Sometimes I discover a new spot while driving through Switzerland or looking out of a train window. Other times, it takes hours of research, comparing maps, browsing photography portfolios, watching YouTube videos, and following clues hidden in travel blogs or social media posts. Over the years, I have developed a process to find and plan landscape photography locations, whether I am preparing for a trip to Iceland, exploring the Faroe Islands, or discovering a new region closer to home. My research usually starts with a blank Google

Blood moon photographed on 07 September 2025 above the Swiss sky, overlooking the Lavaux vineyard region near Lausanne. Night sky and astrophotography scene.

Photographing the Blood Moon: Lessons from a Real Night

On September 7, 2025, I photographed the total Blood Moon in Switzerland, above the Lavaux vineyards near Lausanne. The sky was perfectly clear, and it turned into a long, cold night under the stars. It was only my second attempt at moon photography. My first try had been a complete failure, so this time I came better prepared. In this article, I’ll take you behind the scenes: the location, the gear I used, the camera settings that worked (and those that didn’t), and the lessons I learned from photographing the Blood Moon. How I Planned a Blood Moon Shot with

Autumn view over Lake Geneva and Lavaux vineyards, Switzerland, with dramatic sky and warm seasonal colors.

10 Stunning Lakes to Photograph in Switzerland

Switzerland is home to hundreds of lakes, from the vast waters of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to countless alpine gems hidden high in the mountains. I once read that in Switzerland, you are never more than 27 km from a lake. It is no wonder lakes have become one of my favourite landscape photography subjects. Over the years, I have explored dozens of lakes across the country, searching for reflections, mountain scenery and unique light conditions. This guide brings together 10 of my favourite lakes to photograph in Switzerland, from iconic alpine destinations to lesser-known locations that deserve more attention.

Golden sunset over Famara Beach in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, with dramatic clouds and sunlight reflecting across the wet sand and Atlantic Ocean.

Lanzarote Photography Itinerary – 5 Days in the Canary Islands

In May 2025, I visited the Canary Islands for the first time and chose Lanzarote for one simple reason: its volcanic soul. I had seen photos of black sand, jagged cliffs, and rust-colored craters. I imagined a wild island, maybe even something close to Mordor from The Lord of the Rings. But when I arrived, I discovered a different Lanzarote. One that was not only powerful, but also sensitive, welcoming, and unexpectedly gentle. The volcanic rocks shifted from deep reds to blacks, with soft hues of orange and ash in between. The beaches were raw and magnetic. Some of the sea

Drone landscape view captured by drone of Stokksnes black sand beach and dramatic Icelandic coastline.

Drone Photography in Iceland: Seeing the Land from Above

I had the chance to visit Iceland in autumn 2024 for a landscape and drone photography adventure.From Vík í Mýrdal to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the dramatic skies and changing colors offered countless opportunities for drone photography in Iceland. The colors were just starting to change, and the weather was surprisingly kind, which gave me plenty of opportunities for drone photography. From braided rivers to black sand beaches, canyons, and even shipwrecks, Iceland is absolutely stunning from the sky. In this article, I’m sharing my favorite spots to fly your drone in Iceland, along with practical tips for aerial photography. But

Northern lights over snow-covered forest in Kiruna, Lapland, Sweden, with green aurora and reindeer tracks in snow.

Northern lights photography tips: 8 Real Challenges & Fixes

Northern lights photography tips often focus on gear and settings but in reality, it’s full of surprises. Since 2018, I’ve been lucky enough to capture the aurora in Lapland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and even Switzerland. But let me be honest: even after all these trips, it’s still a challenge every single time. Weather, camera settings, location, timing… so many things can go wrong. In this article, I share the 8 biggest challenges I’ve faced when photographing the aurora and the little things that helped me overcome them. I hope these northern lights photography tips will help you enjoy the

Blue hour photography guide: how and why to capture this magical moment

Blue hour photography is often overlooked but it’s one of the most magical moments of the day for capturing landscapes. Before sunrise or after sunset, when the light turns cool and soft, a different kind of beauty emerges. We often hear about the golden hour in photography that glowing moment when the light turns warm and vibrant. For a long time, I chased sunsets, looking for drama and contrast. But lately, I’ve been drawn to something quieter. The blue hour. What is the blue hour? The blue hour is the short period of time just before sunrise and just after

Long exposure sunset during storm at Préverenges Beach, Lake Geneva, Switzerland, with dramatic sky and reflections on water.

Why Every Landscape Photographer Should Have a Local Photography Spot

When we scroll through Instagram or photography websites, it often feels like the best landscapes are always far away. I used to think the same. But over time, I realised that some of the most inspiring places can be just around the corner. Since I work full-time in Switzerland, I can’t always travel far for photography. So I started exploring places close to home. That’s how I found Préverenges Beach, a peaceful lakeside spot just 15 minutes from where I live. It’s easy to reach, with a big parking lot nearby, and it offers a wide open space with multiple

A traditional Lappish hut, frozen in thick layers of snow and ice, stands along the Valtavaara Winter Trail in Kuusamo, near Ruka, Finland. Surrounded by Lapland’s magical winter landscape, this serene spot is a true embodiment of the Arctic wilderness.

Explore and Photograph Valtavaara Winter Trail Near Ruka, Lapland

Valtavaara is the highest hill in the Kuusamo region, located just outside Ruka in Finnish Lapland. In winter, the Valtavaara Winter Trail offers an incredible opportunity to explore a pristine snowy landscape, whether on foot or with snowshoes. Only accessible during the winter season, this scenic trail winds through a breathtaking forest of snow-covered fir trees, leading to a traditional Lappish hut at the summit. Here, visitors can admire the famous tykky, the fir trees dramatically bent under the weight of thick snow. This trail is a dream for landscape photographers seeking to capture the magic of Lapland’s winter wonderland.

A breathtaking purple sunrise over the snow-covered pine trees of Riisitunturi National Park, Finland. This winter wonderland in Lapland transforms under the soft morning light, with the Arctic landscape bathed in shades of violet and pink. The untouched snow and frozen trees create a dreamlike atmosphere, capturing the magic of the far north.

Winter Wonderland at Riisitunturi National Park, Landscape Photography in Lapland

Riisitunturi National Park, located just below the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, is a dream destination for winter landscape photographers. Only 34 km from Ruka and 163 km from Rovaniemi, this national park transforms into a magical white world during winter. The famous tykky trees, snow-covered spruces bent under the weight of heavy snow, create surreal, sculptural shapes across the hills. With its soft light and frozen silence, Riisitunturi offers the perfect setting for sunrise photography and snowy forest scenes. Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park is a popular activity and remains accessible even during the