Newborn Alpine Ibex - Switzerland 2027
Photograph Alpine ibex and their newborn young in the beautiful early summer light of the Swiss Alps.
place
Switzerland, Swiss Alps, Europe
Start and End:
Canton Bern, Switzerland
date
5 – 8 July 2027
group size
Maximum 6 participants
focus
Alpine wildlife with opportunities for landscape photography
Activity level
Moderate hiking
price
Early Bird: 1,290 €
(first 2 confirmed bookings)
Standard Price: 1,390 €
A small group photography workshop in the Swiss Alps in early July, when Alpine ibex are raising their newborn young in the mountains. We spend our days in the field photographing ibex in beautiful early summer light, with early morning and afternoon sessions around golden hour. Depending on conditions and luck, we may also encounter chamois, marmots, ptarmigans, mountain birds, and occasionally black grouse or mountain hare.
What you can expect to photograph
Newborn Alpine Ibex
Our main subject and the focus of the workshop. Early July is an exciting time to photograph Alpine ibex, with very young newborns still staying close to their mothers and gradually becoming more active in the alpine environment.
Adult Female Ibex
Female ibex often remain close to their young, offering opportunities to photograph family groups, maternal behaviour and intimate interactions between mothers and their newborn young.
Adult Male Ibex
The impressive males, with their distinctive long, ridged horns, provide opportunities for powerful portraits, environmental images and behavioural photography against the dramatic alpine landscape.
Alpine Chamois
These agile mountain ungulates share the alpine environment with ibex, but are generally more elusive and wary. With some luck, we may encounter them moving through rocky terrain, alpine meadows or steep mountain slopes, offering a different and often more challenging wildlife photography opportunity.
Alpine Marmots
Marmots are active throughout the summer and can often be found around alpine meadows and rocky areas, offering opportunities for both portraits and environmental images.
Alpine Rock Ptarmigan
Well adapted to life in the high mountains, these elusive birds can sometimes be encountered in their summer plumage during the warmer months. With luck, we may have opportunities to photograph them in their alpine habitat.
Mountain Birds
The Swiss Alps are home to a variety of mountain bird species. We will keep an eye out for photographic opportunities throughout our time in the field.
Black Grouse & Mountain Hare
These are less predictable encounters, but particularly lucky days may bring opportunities to photograph either black grouse or mountain hare in their natural alpine environment.
The Experience
This workshop is built around making the most of our time in the field. Each day is shaped by light, weather, and wildlife activity, allowing us to adapt while still maintaining a strong shooting rhythm.
Small group focus
A small group allows us to move at a comfortable pace, spend more time observing wildlife and adapt the day according to conditions and opportunities in the field.
Photographing Newborn Ibex
Spend time observing ibex families and, when conditions allow, photographing very young newborns alongside their mothers and within the herd.
Sunrise in the Alps
Begin the day in the field during the quietest hours, when the first light reaches the mountains and wildlife is often at its most active. The planned schedule includes a break during the middle of the day before returning to the mountains in the afternoon, but this may change depending on weather and wildlife activity.
Golden Hour & Sunset
Return to the field in the afternoon for softer light, longer shadows and the warm tones of golden hour. When weather and conditions allow, we may continue through sunset.
Wildlife in Its Environment
The mountains are as important as the animals. We will look for opportunities to create images that show wildlife within the dramatic alpine landscape.
Guidance
Support is provided throughout the workshop, from working in the field to refining composition, light, and behaviour-based photography.
Ethical wildlife photography
Wildlife always comes first. We photograph animals in their natural environment using a patient, respectful approach that prioritises their welfare above all else.
Outline Itinerary
day 1
5 July – Arrival & First Field Session
Arrival in the Swiss Alps and welcome to the workshop. After settling in, we will have an introduction to the programme and photography approach before heading out for our first field session.
day 2
6 July – Field Sessions
An early start for a sunrise photography session, with our main focus on Alpine ibex and their newborn young. After the morning session, we will return for breakfast before continuing with the day according to weather and wildlife activity, with a planned afternoon field session leading into golden hour and sunset.
day 3
7 July – Field Sessions
Another full day in the field, adapting our route and schedule to the weather, light and wildlife activity. Alpine ibex will remain our main focus, while we will also keep an eye out for chamois, marmots, ptarmigans and other alpine wildlife. We will have another opportunity to photograph during the afternoon golden hour and sunset.
day 4
8 July – Last Field Session & Departure
Our final morning will include a sunrise field session, giving us one last opportunity to photograph ibex and other wildlife in the early light. After breakfast, the workshop concludes and participants depart.
The schedule remains flexible and may be adjusted to maximise photographic opportunities.
What’s included in the workshop
Included
- Accommodation in a mountain lodge (shared twin rooms, shared bathroom)
- Breakfast at the accommodation
- Cable car transportation to the accommodation
- Photography guidance throughout the workshop
- Guided wildlife photography sessions
- Small group experience (max 6 participants)
- Guidance available in English and Polish, with additional support in German
- Customer payment protection through FAIR REISEGARANT
Workshop Payments Protected
When you book a package workshop with me, your payments are protected through Fair Reisegarant, a Swiss customer protection scheme. This provides additional financial security and peace of mind when booking your workshop. After your booking is confirmed, you will receive an official customer protection certificate.
Not included
- Travel to and from Switzerland
- Transportation to and from the meeting point
- Meals and drinks other than breakfast
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Practical Information
Fitness Level
This workshop requires a moderate level of fitness. We will be hiking in alpine terrain, with daily distances of approximately 7 km and elevation gain of up to around 400 m.
Flexible Hiking
The exact routes will depend on weather, wildlife activity and the fitness level of the group. If all participants are particularly fit and would like to explore further, we can increase the daily distance and elevation gain where practical.
Alpine Terrain
Expect uneven and sometimes steep mountain terrain. Good hiking footwear and appropriate outdoor clothing are essential.
Weather
Mountain weather can change quickly, and wildlife activity is unpredictable. The schedule may be adapted accordingly to make the most of the available conditions and photographic opportunities.
about the tour leader
Magda Swiecka is a wildlife photographer and filmmaker with a background in Fine Arts, based in Switzerland and passionate about wildlife and natural environments. Her work combines an artistic approach to composition and light with a strong focus on authentic wildlife behaviour and storytelling in the field.
With extensive experience photographing wildlife in the Swiss Alps and the Arctic, as well as professional training in expedition guiding, she takes a careful and responsible approach to wildlife photography and fieldwork.
This workshop brings together her passion for alpine wildlife and photography, combining small groups, flexible fieldwork, and a strong focus on developing your photography through real wildlife encounters.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the workshop, I’d be happy to help.
Use the contact form here or email me directly at: