Towering peaks, coalescing sheets of white, and glacial valleys – the French Alps – offering some of the most spectacular views and thrilling adventures in Europe. This rugged, unspoiled region is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and a paradise for those seeking to enjoy inspiring alpine scenes, particularly for those who want to experience multiple activities throughout a winter holiday.
As far as capturing precious moments in such a picturesque scene goes, there is arguably no better place. Whether focusing on the breathtaking backdrop or totally immersing yourself in the outdoor experience, not to mention the delights of après-ski, this is a dream destination for capturing great photographic memories too.
In this guide, we provide tips and advice, for getting the most out of your photographic adventures in the French Alps, whether you’re a more seasoned pro or just starting out.
Shooting Locations: Iconic French Vistas
The Alps offer countless remarkable spots for photography and if you fancy perusing the proverbial ‘road less travelled’ then you’re spoilt for choice.
Here are some of the most photogenic locations to prioritise on your next trip:
Ecrins National Park
One of France’s most beautiful natural parks located between the northern and southern Alps, the Ecrins National Park features 150 summits at 3 km above ground. Consider these iconic, stunning summits for some truly mesmerising shots:
- Glacier de la Meije – This impressive glacier offers beautiful leading lines and contrast between the white ice and surrounding rock faces. The early morning sunrise is a particularly stunning sight to behold.
- Le Lac de Lauvitel – Capture perfect, sparkling reflections of the mountains in this pristine alpine lake located in the commune of Le Bourg-d’Oisans.
- Le Vallon du Fournel – Get sweeping shots of this dramatic glacial valley and its feeder streams, while taking passing shots of the vibrant biodiversity.
Vanoise National Park
- Lac de Tignes – An expansive high-altitude lake in the Savoie Province of France, creating stunning blends of deep turquoise and pearl white. Shoot from different vantage points for varied perspectives.
- Grande Casse – Photograph the jagged, snow-capped peak of the Massif de la Vanoise’s highest mountain, at over 12,000 feet high.
- Vallée de Chavière – Get panoramic mountain views along this classically alpine valley that overlooks the pristine Chaviere meadows and trails.
Queyras Regional Park
- Lac de Ceillac – Take panoramic shots of the biggest alpine lake in the Queyras enriched in beautiful shades of blue. This glacial lake is set against rocky scree slopes and a moraine which forms a dam.
- Col Agnel – Capture landscape shots of the Cottian Alps mountain pass and surrounds from the neighbouring Monte Visto. This is one of the most photogenic climbs in all of Europe.
- Gorges du Guil – Photograph the dramatically carved rock walls and rapids of this steep, narrow canyon in the Hautes-Alpes in Côte d’Azur (the French Riviera), nestled on a plateau overlooking the right bank of the River Guil.
Capturing Alpine Wildlife
In addition to the stunning mountain vistas, the French Alps are home to a variety of fascinating wildlife. The roe deer is the main type of deer that roams the alpine mountains, while other stunning animals like wild boars, marmots, mouflon, chamois, and ibex are also quite commonly seen inhabiting the cold landscapes. It’s even possible to get glimpses of wolves if you peruse the right spots.
To capture amazing alpine wildlife photos, against a wonderful glacial canvas, research locations where species are known to gather and stake out these spots in the early morning or evening when animals are most active. Using a telephoto zoom lens will allow you to shoot from a distance without disturbing them. When photographing mammals like marmots, get low and try to capture eye-level shots that convey a sense of connection.
Packing Light for Mountain Travel
When embarking on mountainous or outdoor adventures, keeping your photography kit lightweight and minimal is key. Luckily, advances in technology mean that compact cameras can now deliver professional-quality shots, without the bulk and weight of a full DSLR setup, with tripods, lenses, and backdrops.
Models like the Sony RX100 VII offer features like 20MP sensors, 24-200mm zoom lenses, and continuous shooting speeds of up to 20 fps (frames per second), providing the power and versatility required by most expert photographers. Other excellent, lightweight and affordable options can be found in this guide on the best compact travel cameras to take with you on your next excursion.
Choosing a capable compact camera allows you to focus on the adventure, without being burdened by heavy gear. A small and quality camera will be just what you need to capture epic mountain scenes that you can remember for years to come.
Capturing Alpine Areas: Useful Tips and Techniques
Wherever you decide to go for your next winter break, be sure to master a few essential techniques to make your mountain photography count, and leave you with powerful, captivating images that bring those exciting memories back.
Consider using a polarising filter which can cut through haze and glare, whilst boosting saturation and contrast in your images. Conversely, a graduated ND filter can darken the skies to create a more even balance between them and the land, which makes sunrise and sunset imagery much more impactful. These are the times when lighting is going to be most dramatic, while moody weather can also make for captivating, powerful shots, depending on the ambience you are trying to create.
Convey the scale of your epic landscapes by shooting panoramic images and some isolated close-ups that emphasise texture and depth, with rocks, flowers or other natural features that make interesting foreground features. You may also wish to buy a small, steady tripod for special occasions to allow a slower shutter speed with optimum stability and minimal camera shake.
Conquering the Elements
The alpine environment can be unforgiving, presenting challenges like extreme cold, wind, and precipitation in the blink of an eye. Navigating the unpredictable French Alps weather can be a little challenging for novices, which is why it’s important to account for a few extras in your repertoire. Key things to consider are:
- Extra batteries, so you’re always ready to capture a moment
- Spare lens hoods and rain covers. to protect your equipment from all weather conditions
- Wiping down equipment, to avoid excessive condensation, fog and snow buildup
- Acclimatising equipment camera, when shifting between warm and cold environments.
- Regularly check all controls and mechanisms to ensure they are not being inhibited by cold temperatures.
With the right preparation and techniques, the rugged alpine conditions will pose no barrier to capturing stunning photographs. Just take care to protect both your camera gear and yourself from the elements.
Post-Processing: Enhancing Your Alpine Shots
Don’t underestimate the power of post-processing and editing to take your French Alps photographs to the next level.
Adjust brightness, contrast, shadows, highlights and white/black colours for different balanced exposures in your images. Vibrancy can bring out the lushness and opulence of greens and blues, while luminosity can make contrast all the more impactful.
Use spot healing and cropping tools strategically to remove any unnecessary blemishes in the landscape mountain shots. Sharpen selectively to bring out the intricate, finer details of the images that captivate the most.
Making Alpine Memories Last
A solo or family trip to the French Alps, armed with a small digital camera, provides a great opportunity to capture beautiful images amid some of Europe’s most iconic mountain passes. Knowing where you want to go and how to make your photos stand out will ensure you’re left with images that you can cherish for years to come when you return.
