The Southern Alps don't welcome visitors so much as they test them. From the first thud of the helicopter’s skids against the alpine rock, we knew we were stepping into something far less forgiving than a postcard scene.

It was early autumn. The air above Mount Cook was brittle and thin, the kind that turns breath into smoke and silence into something you can almost hear. Our crew, Scott Buttigieg, Aubrey Lee, Euna Sahng, Matty Haysom, and myself, had lifted off from the valley floor, loaded with camera gear, warm layers, and the kind of optimism that only really surfaces once you’re beyond the reach of phone reception.

Vestrahorn, Iceland, one of the most photogenic mountains in the world, becomes even more magical when the Northern Lights dance above its jagged peaks. But capturing this moment in a way that does justice to its grandeur requires careful planning, precision, and technical expertise. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the process of executing a 9-frame mega panorama to produce a 3-meter-wide print that truly immerses the viewer in this breathtaking spectacle.

Mastering the art of visualisation in landscape photography, particularly for panoramic compositions, is about seeing the final image in your mind before even pressing the shutter. Timothy Poulton, an experienced panoramic photographer and mentor, emphasises the importance of pre-visualisation, developing a deep understanding of light, composition, and storytelling before taking a shot. This skill allows photographers to anticipate the conditions, frame their shots with intention, and create images that evoke emotion and atmosphere.

Photography isn’t merely the art of freezing time; it’s the alchemy of crafting emotion, storytelling, and inspiration. A powerful image can take us on a journey, evoke feelings we thought long forgotten, and ignite a spark of wanderlust that lingers. Photography inspires. A breathtaking image of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine might spark someone’s first hiking adventure.