Bebakus' photostream  

I still remember the day I started with photography. On the first November weekend in 1983 I borrowed my dad's old mechanical Rolleiflex SLR to accompany me into the mountains. Roman and I were climbing the 'Sisiger Spitz' and I was fascinated having the ability to capture my surroundings onto film.

My 'specialty' is staying overnight on mountain peaks. This is something that started by coincidence. In October 2003 I climbed Monte Gradiccioli (1936m) in southern Switzerland and as the only decent place to pitch up a tent was just below the summit I did so. It turned out to be a key experience for me as the unique weather situation on top of the mountain reminded me of movies like 'Koyaanisqatsi' and 'Baraka'. Here is the photoset: Monte Gradiccioli

Apparently this activity is bound to alpine risks that are higher than usual. So far it went wrong only once...I was just about to fall asleep on top of Cima Del Uomo (2395m) above Bellinzona/Locarno when a severe thunderstorm suddenly embraced the mountain within minutes. I was able to climb down the most crucial section just before snow and hail blanketed the mountain in white colour. I kept descending the steep slopes in the dark for three hours until I felt save enough to look for a new bivouac spot. Here is the photoset: Cima Del Uomo These pictures were taken just a few hours before the storm hit.

It was a night to remember and an experience that completely changed my attitude. Since then I only set off during very stable weather conditions using professional trekking equipment and choosing mountain peaks offering quick and 'safe' descent routes. In return I usually get rewarded with exceptional scenery and light conditions that many photographers/hikers miss out on.

All my pictures are 'originals' in the sense that they have not been manipulated whatsoever, once downloaded from the camera. The only exception to this rule is that, on rare occasions, I apply some cropping (rather than using digital zoom). I always use the highest possible resolution while shooting.

I currently work with the Canon PowerShot S2 IS and the Sony DSC R1

All my photosets are in chronological order, the most recent ones being at the top.

Based on my experience I dare say that if you try hard to take 'good' pictures it won't work. It's all about intuition, being an attentive observer and quite often having luck as well.

My biggest passion though is still collecting and listening to electronic music.


Countries I have been travelling to in my life so far:



U.S. States I have visited so far:







I have just started using Last.fm to keep record of my music listening habits. Have a look here: www.last.fm/user/Bebakus/