von Tessa Mellinger
05 August 2018
SUMMER
Tips from the professional photographer: The best photography tips & the most beautiful places for photos
Pack your camera and let's go! In the region around Seefeld, there are many fantastic photo hotspots of superlatives for the most beautiful pictures. Four of them have been discovered by professional photographer Mathäus Gartner who shares the best tips for the perfect picture: in the mountains, by the lake, in the village, and in a mystical gorge.
The truly most beautiful places: Tips from a professional photographer
Being at the right time in the right place: that is the secret behind the most beautiful Instagram shots. However, finding the right place isn’t that easy with the wide selection of photogenic spots in the Hochpleau area around Seefeld. That’s why photographer Mathäus Gartner has selected four favorite spots that are particularly "instagrammable" and can also be combined with a lovely hike or bike tour. For the absolute like guarantee on social media and in your analog photo album, follow his tips for the perfect shot.
#1: Ghost Gorge
There are many ways to get from Austria to Germany or vice versa. The most exciting and beautiful one I discovered in Leutasch near Seefeld – the Geisterklamm. At the very end of the valley in Leutasch, a very special world opens up. An impressive gorge of bizarre rock walls, rushing cascades, and roaring small waterfalls will leave most people in awe. Thanks to a spectacular steel walkway over a kilometer long, it is also very easy to explore. For me personally, it was only the second gorge I had ever been to, and I was thrilled from the very beginning. At every bend of the steel walkway, I was as excited as a little child, wondering what would come next around the corner.
There are also many options and great perspectives for photography where one can let loose. Especially the two bridges, which are about 40 meters above the Leutascher Ache, offer fantastic locations for shots. I particularly enjoy images taken with a wide-angle lens. These shots have a "drone-like" feel due to the wide field of view that makes everything appear even more expansive. Additionally, I can only recommend bringing a tripod and a neutral density filter to enable long exposure shots. Another tip for the perfect photo in the Geisterklamm: At sunrise or sunset, you not only have the gorge all to yourself, but the light is also better than during the day. The Geisterklamm is also perfect as a bad weather program since everything becomes even more mystical in the rain, and the Ache carries significantly more water.
#2: The Gehrenspitze
The Gehrenspitze is a vantage mountain par excellence. I really enjoy being in the mountains and have already climbed some renowned peaks in Austria such as Großglockner, Großvenediger, Wildspitze, etc. But this summit is now officially one of my favorite mountains. The Wetterstein mountain range, where it is located, is generally a breathtaking area. You don't easily find so many ridges, towers, and steep cliffs elsewhere. You also don't have to search long for great photo opportunities, as there are simply many.
My tip: The advantage of an early or late ascent is the fantastic sunrises and sunsets. In this case, having a clear view from all perspectives plays an important role, as no other mountain obstructs the view. For those who do not like to ascend or descend in the middle of the night, the Wettersteinhütte offers a great accommodation.
The Gehrenspitze
Back to our tour: We were really lucky with the conditions. High fog and great light, every photo enthusiast wishes for that. I was particularly fascinated by the views into the Gaistal and towards the Karwendel. With a telephoto lens, which allows you to zoom in closer, even more possibilities are opened up. I always find it very exciting to work with a nice foreground and thus create depth of field in the picture. Flowers, grasses, or even stones are ideal for this. In the background, the mountains come out even better and complete the whole image. I also had a lot of fun with shots using normal focal lengths. At the beautiful ridges at the summit, you can really let loose and take cool pictures. What did I particularly like? Besides the unbelievably beautiful atmosphere and landscape, we also had a special experience. On our way back to the valley, we were greeted by about 50 sheep at around 2000 meters above sea level. After many petting sessions and a shared snack, we said goodbye with great memories and descended into the valley.
#3: Parish Hill
First time in Seefeld? For me personally, it's always important to get a little overview of a new environment. The Pfarrhügel in Seefeld is predestined for that. In about 10 minutes from the town center, you reach the top and have a fantastic panoramic view. The view extends from the Wildsee and over the village center to the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains. Plenty of seating options also provide a place for relaxation.
Before relaxing, I would like to share a few photography tips with you.
This tip is aimed at all the early risers: Make the most of the beautiful morning light! If you're lucky, you might even get some amazing early morning fog, starting your day perfectly! For those of you who sleep in, I also have a few suggestions to make your photo even better. The wide open space on the parish hill is fantastic and should definitely be used for the picture. So no mountains in the background or stones in the foreground should be included. If there are still beautiful flowers blooming, be sure to include them in the shot - they add more color and freshness to the photo.
#4: Cold Water Lake
Whether as a family hike or a mountain bike or e-bike excursion: this perfectly designed lake is a focal point for many. For those who prefer going downhill rather than uphill, there is also an alternative: the funicular to Rosshütte. Upon arriving at the Cold Water Lake, you are greeted by a wonderful view towards the Hohe Munde and the Wetterstein mountains. If you are lucky and it is calm, the peaks even double in the water. I was really very impressed by the lake and found the view towards Hohe Munde immediately photogenic.
There are extremely many perspectives that one can capture. Either with a telephoto lens to bring the mountains a bit closer and work with a nice foreground. But also shots with a wide-angle lens to depict the size of the lake. Lots of sky, little water, or lots of water, little sky – you can already tell, experimenting is the motto here. What I personally find particularly cool is that it rises a bit behind the lake. Thus, if you wish, you have a perspective from higher up, bringing more of the valley into the photo. As with every landscape picture, the mood is of course an essential factor to make the image even better. For this, I can only recommend a sunset tour to the Kaltwassersee. Take some friends and cold drinks with you and enjoy a dreamlike sunset!
Matthias Gartner
Mathäus is a photographer from the heart of Tyrol. Due to the geographical location of his hometown, he is practically at home in the mountains and spends every free minute outdoors. Whether it's climbing, mountain biking, or skiing. Photography also plays an important role in his life and is his greatest passion. He particularly likes emotional, authentic shots. With his images, Mathäus tries to take people out of their comfort zone and motivate them for future adventures.
Matthäus Gartner
Share your most beautiful impressions
Now it's your turn! With the hashtag #visitseefeld you can share your pictures on social media – we look forward to seeing your amazing shots and with a little luck we will gladly share your pictures on our account.
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