Located in northern Italy, the majestic spires of the Dolomites are widely regarded as the most photogenic mountain range on the planet and indeed it’s rare to see an international landscape photography competition without at least one finalist image featuring these stunning natural formations.
- The cloud clears to reveal the west face of Crode Rosse after fresh snowfall. Nikon D810, 80-400 at 120mm, ISO 100, 1/200s at f/7.1, May. ©James Rushforth
- Sunrise looking west from the summit of Monte Castellazzo at sunrise. Nikon D810, 24-70 at 70mm, ISO 100, 1/80s at f/4.5, October. ©James Rushforth
- Light illuminates the church of Santa Maddalena. Nikon D810, 24-70 at 50mm, ISO 100, 1/400s at f/10, May. © James Rushforth.
Once known as the Monti Pallidi or ‘Pale Alps’, the carbonate rock takes its current name from the 18th century French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu and is characterised by impossibly steep towers, spires, pinnacles, jagged ridges and sharp pinnacles that thrust skyward from the picturesque villages and alpine meadows below. These resplendent peaks are often likened to majestic natural cathedrals and invoke an almost religious sense of wonder among the South Tyrolean populace and visitors alike.
- An afternoon storm in the Alpe di Siusi. Nikon D810, 28-300 at 55mm, ISO 100, 1/320s at f/9, June.©James Rushforth
- During autumn first light illuminates the south-east face of Tofana di Rozes. Nikon D810, 16-35 at 16mm, ISO 100, 1/25s at f/8, tripod, October. ©James Rushforth
- One of the many dramatic hairpins on the south side of the Passo Rolle. Nikon D810, 24-70 at 50mm, ISO 100, 102s at f/10, tripod, October. ©James Rushforth
Spanning an area of some 500 square miles, this complex labyrinth of rock walls, forest, rivers, alpine pastures and meadows is surprisingly accessible. The excellent road, transport and lift networks found within the Dolomites ensure that many of the locations included in this guide are blessed with short approaches that can be enjoyed by photographers with limited mobility. For the intrepid adventurer, possibilities abound and there are many hidden gems located off the beaten track which can be enjoyed in solitude.
- The rare and much-coveted Lady Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium calceolus). Nikon D810, 105mm, ISO 100, 1/160s at f/16, tripod, May. © James Rushforth.
- Marmots are a common sight at Cinque Torri and due to the number of tourists they are very tame (and cheeky!). Nikon D810, 80-400mm at 300mm, ISO 200, 1/320s at f/5.6. July. ©James Rushforth
- During September dragon flies can be found along the banks of Lago Antorno. Nikon D810, 80-400 at 400mm, ISO 220, 1/1000s at f/7.1, September. ©James Rushforth
- Above top: An artillery piece watches over the valley. Nikon D810, 24-70 at 42mm, ISO 100, 1/3200s at f/2.8, October. ©James Rushforth
- A golden eagle flies into the light during light snowfall on the Passo Rolle. Nikon D810, 80-400 with 1.4x teleconverter at 560mm, ISO 640, 1/1250s at f/9, June.
The area was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 and is exceptionally diverse from a photographer’s perspective, both in terms of appearance and culture. The unique mélange of Italian, Austrian and Ladin societies has created a trilingual community which is exceptionally distinct in nature and rich in heritage, and the resulting Tyrolean architecture, traditional dress and farming methods provide the perfect foreground to the varied and ever-changing backdrops.
- Sassolungo and the moon. Nikon D810, 28-300 at 300mm, ISO 100, 1/50s at f/10, tripod, October.© James Rushforth.
- Patrick Deacon and Lynne Hempton making a night ascent of Torre Quarta Bassa. Nikon D610, 16-35mm at 16mm, ISO 100, 36 mins at f/5.6, tripod, September. ©James Rushforth
- Climbing ‘Via Myriam’ on Torre Grande at Cinque Torri. Nikon D610, 16-35mm at 16mm, ISO 100, 1/200s at f/7.1, September. ©James Rushforth
- Admiring the view east towards Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Sorapiss group. Nikon D810, 16-35mm at 35mm, ISO 100, 1/500s at f/9, June.
- The superbly photogenic summit cross silhouetted against the west faces of the Pale di San Martino at sunset. Nikon D810, 24-70 at 70mm, ISO 100, 1/50s at f/8,
Over the last decade I’ve had the pleasure of exploring the Dolomites high and low, through the day and night, in summer and winter, climbing, skiing and walking. My discoveries and favourite places are detailed in this guide; I hope you find it a useful resource that serves as a creative catalyst to an area I now call home. The images I’ve selected are designed to inspire your own personal interpretations of these beautiful places and I would encourage every photographer to exercise their own unique style while using this book as a reference point. The contents are by no means exhaustive and despite this being my fourth guidebook to the region, I have no doubt that there is still so much here that I have yet to discover.
I hope that these beautiful landscapes inspire you as much as they have me and wish you a productive, creative and most of all enjoyable trip to the Dolomites.
- A walker ascends the tunnels. Nikon D810, 14-24mm at 14mm, ISO 100, 46s at f/9, tripod.
- ©James Rushforth
- Using a model in the foreground can really help bring a landscape to life. Nikon D810, 24-70 at 24mm, ISO 100, 1/125s at f/5.6, October.
- Battling strong winds at Monte Piana with views of the Cadini di Misurina. Nikon D810, 16-35 at 35mm, ISO 100, 1/320s at f/9, September.