It’s the autumn rendezvous of the mountaineering capital: the Chamonix Photo Festival. From October 25 to 27, it’s the place to be for lovers of photography and the mountains. On the program: exhibitions, conferences and masterclasses with the presence of numerous professional photographers, including Vincent Munier as the festival’s patron. Alpine Mag is a partner of the event.
Afestival always starts with a beautiful and generous idea: that of sharing a passion with as many people as possible, whether it’s photography or mountain films. After a highly successful first edition in 2023, the Chamonix Photo Festival returns in 2024! For three days, from October 25 to 27, you’ll be able to meet some of Chamonix’s greatest nature photographers, including this year’s patron: Vincent Munier. The photographer and co-director of La Panthère des Neiges will be present, as will a host of other top photographers. There will be Masterclasses, brand stands such as Sony and, of course, a variety of exhibitions. Here’s a round-up of the highlights of the Chamonix Photo Festival!
“Autumn is not chosen at random. It’s the most beautiful time of year for photography or simple contemplation. It’s essential to offer a space and entertainment to tourists and locals who aren’t necessarily top sportsmen and women. The festival aims to be the event not to be missed.“
Exhibitions, conferences, evening events: it’s all part of the plan for photo enthusiasts to come together in Chamonix from October 21 onwards. And don’t forget that one of the highlights of the Chamonix Photo Festival is the masterclasses! And there are plenty of them. The idea? Improve your photo skills, “take advantage of exceptional settings and lighting conditions on the glaciers, mountains, forests, animals and villages of the Chamonix valley to improve your photo techniques. ”
There will also be lectures by Tristan Shu, Fujifilm ambassador and leading mountain sports photographer, Bertrand Carlier, and a conference on the 50th anniversary of the Aiguilles Rouges Reserve…
Wildlife photographers such as Vincent Munier will be present, of course, but also well-known mountain photographers such as Jérôme Obiols, whose fine book we reviewed, and other young talents such as Thomas Lebat, Barbara Thollot Rumel and others.
Information on the festival website.
Lots of exhibitions
Les Praz de Chamonix: Outdoor exhibition in front of the chapel (new)
Chamonix: from the SNCF train station to the Majestic convention center, via Place du Poilu, Avenue Michel Croz, the town hall and in front of the Hotel Mont Blanc, a hundred photographs will be on display outdoors.
In the lounges of the Majestic, renowned photographers will present their work.
A conference room, planetarium, brands and a panel of professionals working in the field of photography will also be on hand.
Exhibitions in the city center
In front of the Aiguille du Midi, Place des Alpes, Triangle de l’Amitié and Place du Mont Blanc. Exhibitions will also be set up at partner hosts: Hôtel Mont Blanc le Prieuré, Albert 1er, Plan B, Folie Douce.
In Les Houches: in the finish area of the famous World Cup downhill run, you’ll find talented photographers showcasing their work, as well as a room dedicated to the valley’s photographers, and a comic-reading area for children (new).
Outside the hall, over fifty photographs will be on display, with the Chamonix valley and its Mont-Blanc massif as a backdrop. In front of the town hall, a dozen photos will present the festival. On the Chavans site, mini-master-classes for children will be held (new). Finally, in Servoz: an outdoor exhibition, between the church and the village hall.
The big new photo book
“To mark my 40 years of photography, I wanted to take you into the intimacy of the Mont Blanc massif” explains Mario Colonel, photographer, gallery owner and one of the founders of the Chamonix Photo Festival. “This is my 27th book and probably the last one devoted to this massif, which has marked my life as a mountaineer and photographer.”
In any case, it’s an exceptional book: 39X32 cm format, round back binding, hardback, 240 pages for 220 photos, luxury paper, printed at Escourbiac (3 gold cadrats)… for a weight of 4 kilos! Only 1000 copies of this art book are printed. To be followed on Mario Colonel’s website.