ABOUT MATTHIAS

Hi, I’m Matthias Conrad — a fine art photographer based in Germany, specializing in capturing quiet moments in nature. My photography journey began in childhood, experimenting with my family’s analog EXA and Praktica cameras at the edge of Hainich National Park. That early bond with the natural world continues to shape my vision and work today.

Over a decade ago, I fell in love with the Swiss Alps — their towering peaks, shifting light, and vast glaciers completely captivated me. Each mountain has its own personality: some are rugged and imposing, others serene and elegant. Witnessing the effects of climate change on retreating glaciers has only strengthened my commitment to documenting their fleeting beauty. These ancient ice formations shimmer with splendor, yet also serve as a visual reminder of our planet’s changing climate.

Beyond the glaciers, I’m drawn to the Engadin Valley’s dreamy landscapes — winding rivers, lush meadows, and quaint villages that often feel like living storybooks. After more than ten years exploring Switzerland, Austria, and southern Germany, I now lead workshops and photo tours, guiding others to these breathtaking places while helping them refine their photographic skills.

At the heart of my work are two long-term projects that reflect different scales of nature:

"Lights, Shadows, and Glaciers" captures the interplay of light and ice — raw textures and stark contrasts found across alpine glaciers. This series is both a celebration of natural beauty and a statement on the urgency of climate change.
"Botanical Studies" focuses on the small yet profound — delicate plant forms rendered in minimalist black and white. Rooted in one idea: enjoy the little things, this series draws inspiration from Ernst Haeckel’s illustrations and celebrates the shapes and details we often overlook.

I print my work using archival pigment inks on museum-quality Hahnemühle PhotoRag, often in limited editions under acrylic glass or framing — ensuring each piece is a tactile, elegant object.

Selected works are available through my Saatchi Art gallery.

My photographs have been featured in BLACK+WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY Magazine, in SCHWARZWEISS Magazin and exhibited in solo and group exhibitions.

My goal is simple: to slow down, look closely, and share the poetry of the natural world — whether in grand glacial panoramas or the quiet geometry of a single leaf.

Gear I Use and Trust

While my photographic focus is on simplicity, quiet detail, and natural form, the tools I use are essential to realizing that vision — whether I’m photographing glaciers from a mountaintop or the delicate textures of a leaf in the studio.

Camera Bodies

I currently work with the Sony A7R V and Sony A7R III camera bodies — offering exceptional resolution and dynamic range, essential for capturing subtle transitions in tone, light, and texture.

Lenses

I use a carefully selected mix of prime, macro, and telephoto lenses depending on the subject and environment (the list is not complete - just what I use most):

Sony FE 200–600mm f/5.6–6.3 G OSS
Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
Sony FE 16–35mm f/2.8 GM
Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG DN | Art
Sigma 28–105mm f/2.8 DG DN| Art
Sigma 50mm f/1.2 DG DN | Art
Sigma 100–400mm DG DN OS
Tamron 28–75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2 Macro
Canon 50mm Compact Macro
Laowa 90mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO

This flexibility allows me to switch between wide landscapes, compressed glacial forms, and macro botanical detail while maintaining consistent optical quality.

Filters & Light Control

To manage reflections and control light in high-contrast conditions — especially in snow, ice, and wet foliage — I rely on high-quality filters.

As a Maven Filters affiliate, I primarily use their Dark-CPL (ND + CPL combination) filters.

These reduce glare and enhance tonal control while preserving accurate color — ideal for both alpine and botanical work.

Tripods & Stability

I’ve trusted Gitzo tripods for over six years and am proud to be part of the Gitzo Creatives program.

For stability and precision in demanding environments, I use:

Gitzo GT3543LS Systematic Tripod (Series 3)
Gitzo Traveler Kit (Series 1, 4-segment)
Gitzo Center Ball Head, Series 4
Gitzo Center Ball Head, Series 3

These systems allow me to shoot long exposures or precise macro setups with confidence — even in alpine winds or rugged terrain.

Camera Bags & Field Gear

Protecting gear in the field is just as important as image-making.

I work with several modular backpack systems depending on the destination, duration, and gear load:

Shimoda Explore 60L & 40L V2
Shimoda Action X V2 (50L + 70L)
f-stop Tilopa (50L)
f-stop Kashmir
LowePro PhotoSport PRO 70L AW IV (M/L)

For multi-day hikes or expeditions that require extra outdoor gear, I use:

Fjällräven Kajka 75 (M/L)
Deuter Aircontact Core 70+10

These setups allow me to carry professional gear safely and comfortably — from glacier ridges to alpine forests — while staying mobile and prepared.

Printing & Final Output

All of my fine art prints are produced using archival pigment inks on museum-quality papers from Hahnemühle, Canson or Ilford, ensuring longevity, tonal richness, and a tactile finish that honors the image and its story.

When I print in-house I'm using the Epson SureColor P800 and P900, both DIN A2-capable and equipped for roll paper handling. This gives me complete control over the final output — from file to physical print — allowing me to fine-tune every detail in contrast, sharpness, and tonal depth before it reaches the collector.

Each print is part of a carefully managed edition and can be delivered unframed, mounted under acrylic glass, or framed in high-quality wood options, depending on the series.

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