Twilight Magic Over Lauterbrunnen, a river winds through it with a milky surface softened by a long exposure, along the banks, litter timber-framed houses that nestle into the hillside with windows casting a golden warmth that goes well together with the cool evening air. A church steeple rises among them, its sharp lines guiding the eye toward the heart of the village, where paths and bridges lead deeper into the valley. The scene, masterfully framed, draws a sense of quiet awe; each element is positioned with a painter’s precision.
Jan-Tore Oevrevik, with over two decades behind the camera, has captured more than an image; he has distilled an experience. The composition moves naturally, leading from the river’s edge through the village, up toward the illuminated waterfall that cascades from a sheer rock face. Light spills down the rugged cliff, emphasising its texture and scale, while beyond, snow-capped peaks fade into the deepening twilight. There’s a balance here that is soft while glowing windows offset the stark, untamed wilderness.
The atmosphere is one of contrast. The cold blue of the evening sky meets the golden hues of human presence. The warmth of the village is not overpowering; rather, it feels earned, a respite in a landscape that remains vast and imposing. The long exposure turns the rushing water into a smooth ribbon of motion, adding an almost dreamlike quality to the foreground. The sharpness of individual roof tiles, tree branches, and the gentle curve of the pathways speak to an expert eye, one that understands the delicate interplay of light and shadow.
Patience played a role in this composition as the vantage point, discovered after days of searching, frames Lauterbrunnen with purpose. The fading daylight shifts, allowing the village to glow at just the right moment. A steady stream of trains moves through the valley, each passing moment reinforcing the contrast between movement and stillness. Timing matters, and JT’s meticulous planning brings it all together.
The final result is a scene that feels alive and creates a sense that this isn't just a mere village that one stumbles upon daily. Twilight Magic Over Lauterbrunnen is where nature and civilisation meet in quiet harmony. A photograph like this makes one feel the evening air, and experience the distant rush of water under the glow of twilight.
Entry Title: Twilight Magic Over Lauterbrunnen
Photographer: Jan-Tore Oevrevik
Winning Category: Nature Photography - Landscapes
Read about The Winning Prize: The Art of the Hunt by Michelle Valberg, award-winning photographer here.