European Highlights: Lauterbrunnen und Jungfrau

A new favourite place.

Lauterbrunnen, a small town nestled amongst the Swiss alps, attracts tourists all year round. Located in perhaps one of the most glorious places I've ever had the joy of visiting, the obvious setting amongst the mountains was probably did it for me. I visited during August, with temperatures around 25+ degrees celsius on ground level and with the mountain ranges being so alpine, able to sustain snow all year round. One benefit being the fresh mountain stream running through town. I stayed with my fellow travellers from Topdeck in a cabined site, with on-site facilities such as bar, toilets, showers, laundry. Bring plenty of small change (in Swiss Francs), as the facilities such as showers and laundry cost (not much).

One of my highlights was heading up to Jungfrau (young lady) mountain ranges. Just above 3km from sea-level, the best view I've had of mountains (so far) in my life. To get there, an hour long mountain train ride zig-zagging up to the top. Along the way are plenty of opportune moments to get a snappy hap or 20. The train costs around 151 Swiss Francs, which is not quite $200 AUD. 

Heading into town.

"I'm on a train!" Heading up the mountain.

The breath-taking amazing view.

With a number of stops along the way to the top, there are plenty of walking / hiking trails, a small holiday village, restaurants, bars and souvenir hunting. Once at the top you arrive inside of the main mountain hub. Find the map and pick your own adventure. 

Mountain Folk + Mountain Dog.

Mountain Rescue

Black and white - Fuji Acros 100. Colour - Kodak Ektar 100.

Featured in Startup Creative Magazine

Issue #03 Summer '15/16

Words by Jess Mackay

"For Damien Woods, the most influential moment in his career came when he decided to go back in time. A commercial photographer for almost ten years – shooting weddings, portraits and events – Damien found his true calling in the endless variety of film, and the random textures and results different cameras can create. 

‘That’s what drew me to film: the journey, the process being just as important as the end result, and of course a love for old things,’ he says.

The layout of his home town Brisbane, and the classic architecture of European cities – London, Lauterbrunnen and Barcelona, to name a few – inspires Damien to capture everyday moments in a unique way. Falling victim to the travel bug, he says he already has his next Europe trip planned.

‘[My inspiration comes from] everyday moments, following the lines and forms of structures, light reflection; a love of history, obsession with architecture and of course the experience of going to different places [and] being engulfed [by] culture, human experience, and food,’ he says.

‘Even with my work from around my home of Brisbane, I try to approach my work differently.’

Damien’s talented eye for unusual framing and composition has led to his first solo exhibition ‘EUROPEAN POSTCARDS’, set to launch in April of next year at Jugglers Art Space in Fortitude Valley. On display will be Damien’s collection of photographs from his overseas travel; a collection that will cover 13 countries and some of the most beautiful cities, each with their own unique flavour. 

The upcoming exhibition will feature a mixture of black and white, and colour rolls of film, shot with two late-1970s film SLRs, showcasing Damien’s pursuit of the yet to be discovered.

We wanted to know where Damien –who is self-taught– gets his passion from.

‘My journey began with inspiration from seasoned professionals; later [it was] my own experimenting, practice, technique and blending a bit of technical with the creative on a digital SLR,’ Damien says. ‘I often laughed about switching and am certainly glad I did; it has changed my life. After shooting film now for almost 3 years, I look forward to discovering the many types of cameras from nearly 150 years of film photography history.’

Photography is currently Damien’s part-time passion, something he describes as a continual personal side project that is always developing and growing."

More information about Startup Creative Magazine - here

European Highlights: Dresden

Ein Nachmittag in Dresden. En route from the glorious Prague to Berlin we stop in Dresden, southern Germany.

"Dresden, capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, is distinguished by the celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed old town. Completed in 1743 and rebuilt after WWII, the baroque church Frauenkirche is famed for its grand dome. The Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace houses museums including Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, exhibiting masterpieces of art like Raphael’s “Sistine Madonna.”" From Google.

Here are a few photos:

Read about the rest of journey through Europe here. And exhibition next year here.