The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
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March 2015 back issue
by Ulla Lohmann
and Sebastian Hofmann
The Dolomites: rugged mountain faces, shaded summits, dark walls. And
the feeling of being on top; completely free, looking into an endless vista.
I spent a year, together with my husband Sebastian Hofmann, crossing the
mountains. Our journey took us over 250km from the lowest point, the Lago
di Garda to the highest, the Marmolata at 3343 metres. We took mountain
bikes and sometimes free-climbed.
I realized that there is so much more to these magic mountains. We made
an effort to observe nature underneath our feet. At eight different altitudes,
we photographed one square metre and discovered that the beauty of
these mountains also lies in the detail. Too many times, we pass without
paying attention.
Our new book from National Geographic Germany is an invitation to travel
with us and to stop, discover and understand.
Our journey starts in Spring at Lago di Garda, Italy with moutain bikes.
The mountains mirror in Lago di Caldonazzo. Val Sugana.
A Ladybird takes off in Val Sugana.
At different altitudes, we looked closely at 1 square metre of ground and discovered weird critters such as this green
spider.
An insect polinates Polygala Pedemontana.
Basti climbs with a 25kg back pack towards Cima d'Asta with Lago Cima d'Asta in the background.
The sun on our backs projects our shadows into the mist and because of the reflection of the sunlight, we are treated
to a rainbow around us. Cima d'Asta.
Rare moment of good light at Cima d'Asta.
I light the Bivacco Paolo e Nicola with my torch during a long exposure at Forcella Valmagiore in the Lagorai.
A breathtaking autumn in Pala Group is perfect for hiking.
Valley in mist near Gares, Pala Group, Dolomites.
Basti skis down the Forca Rossa, the most dangerous
part of our winter leg with high avalanche risk.
Sand from the Sahara colors the Lago Fedaia near Marmolata.
One square metre of snow can be extremly interesting and diverse.
Golden light on Civetta west face.
Basti sleeping outside at the foot of Marmolata in -10 degrees C.
Basti and I finally reached the summit of Punta Penia, Marmolata. A year long journey, divided into 8 legs, and a 250
kilometre long trail comes to its end.
The last descent, 1300 metres, partially 45 degree powder descent of the Punta Penia, Marmolata.
