An Autumn Morning at Passo di Giau

Wow, what a colourful start to an autumn day in the Dolomites. Passo di Giau is, purely scenically, a highlight of any Dolomites trip. At least, it seemed that way to the group of Chinese photographers who, along with me and many others, marvelled at the 360-degree panorama on the scenic ridge next to the pass. To the north, Ra Gusela rises, then to the west Nuvolau – you can just spot the mountain hut on the rock face – and Averau. To the east, with the 5 Torri in front of the mighty Tofane massif and the Cristallo group, lie other famous mountains of the Ampezzo Dolomites. Far to the north, the peak of Hohe Gaisl then juts out. This already belongs to the Pragser Dolomites. A part of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo of the Sesto Dolomites also stands out.

I’m torn as to whether I preferred yesterday’s sunset or today’s sunrise. There are so many motifs and locations for impressive landscape shots (and indeed, many photographers are out and about) that making a decision seems pointless. With the many perspectives and compositions – wide-angle shots with plants in the foreground, telephoto shots of individual mountain peaks, but only short windows for the special light – I would have loved to spend several days here. Better to have multiple options than none at all. With the other photographers present, interesting technical discussions and the exchange of information on worthwhile photo spots developed in an open, non-rivalrous atmosphere.

So, it was only later that I visited that small pond, known for its reflection of Ra Gusela. Stillness is a necessary prerequisite for a smooth surface, and that was the case today. However, so late after sunrise, the direct sunlight is already high-contrast and harsh, unlike the soft curtain of light at dawn with its delicate colour nuances. Nevertheless, it was precisely this light, in combination with the lines of the icy surface – the night had been frosty and the lake was still in shadow – that created photographically interesting and unique structures. I didn’t have a specific image in mind as an expectation, so I happily played with the conditions that were present. The same applied to the light trails of passing vehicles – there was hardly any traffic at the right time, only isolated cars – but I, for one, am happy with my result.