It is a great honor for me to announce that I have been awarded third place in the architecture category at the prestigious APA Awards 2024. The American Photographic Artists (APA) have been organizing this competition since 1984, which, 40 years later, is still one of the most important awards in commercial photography. The APA Awards celebrate outstanding work and set standards in the commercial advertising photography industry. In addition to the award, my award-winning image will be presented on the official APA website and published in a book on this year's competition – an acknowledgement that makes me particularly proud.

Cabane du Glacier de Tortin - 3rd Place Architecture - APA Awards 2024

The story behind the image: Cabane du Glacier de Tortin at night

My award-winning photograph depicts the Cabane du Glacier de Tortin at night, an architectural masterpiece by architect Snorre Stinessen. This image is the result of meticulous planning and an incredibly fortunate moment. I have received international recognition particularly for my nocturnal architectural photography, and it was the owner's wish to fly me directly to the cabin by helicopter to capture this shot.

Together with my assistant, I stood on a glacier, waiting until 3 a.m. for the moon to set to ensure the best shot of the night sky. As we were taking picture after picture, we suddenly noticed a faint glow on the horizon. To our great surprise, it was the first appearance of the Northern Lights over Switzerland in 25 years! And we were in the right place at the right time, with the camera perfectly positioned to capture this rare phenomenon along with the highest private holiday home in Europe.

The APA Awards are more than just an accolade; they are a recognition of excellence in photography that extends far beyond commercial success. In a world where images play an increasingly important role, these awards highlight the importance of quality and artistic vision. The fact that my work is being published in a book for the competition not only represents valuable recognition of my work but also enriches my portfolio, further positioning me in the industry. I look forward to continuing to share this image and the story behind it with my clients and the public, and I am excited to see where my next photographic journey will take me.

For more information about the APA and this year's awards, visit the American Photographic Artists website.