The icefall is not far from where my home in central Switzerland is, and I noticed it a while ago when passing nearby. It is such a bold line. pretty exposed with several sections of freestanding ice columns, but it takes the reference of a climber to show its whole majesty. The problem was that good, safe conditions, with a thin ice line from top to bottom are rare. After a period of cold weather I decided to check out the condition of the icefall. It looked good and I had a quick talk to Walter Hungerbühler who lives right next to the icefall’s exit.
As luck would have it, Walter told me he was going to climb the icefall the next day. I decided to take the chance and get some ‘wide’ shots from the opposite side of the valley. So, when I went back, fresh snow had covered the landscape – breathtaking! I did not have to do much more than wait for the climbers to get in the right position. later, they told me that during their ascent, the whole icefall ‘settled’ (released tension) with a ‘whoom’ sound. Scary if you are climbing, but I did not even notice. Walter and Stefan Suhner, who is belaying in the photo, topped out without any problem.
I have shots that required a lot more effort from my side, both physically and mentally, but in the end, that’s not what makes a great photo. Sometimes, all it takes is being at the right place and not missing the ‘magic’ moment!
Rainer Eder

About the shot

Biography
Being at the right place at the right time – and then doing the right thing in the right moment, that’s the name of the game for every photographer! A native Austrian living in Switzerland for the past two decades, I became a photo professional about six years ago.
I am a climbing enthusiast and natural networker, knowing literally everyone in the climbing scene, which has given me the chance to shoot the world’s best rock and ice climbers. However, I apply the same kind of passion to shooting other extreme sports such as BASE jumping, freeriding, speed flying or whitewater kayaking.
Originally, I started out as a painter, but even before my time as a professional, I regularly shot assignments for popular outdoor brands such as ODLO, Mammut, Black Diamond and Red Bull, to name a few. When doing shoots for them, I always try to put less spectacular activities such as hiking, running or golfing into perfect focus. One of my skiing shots was awarded “Best Mountain Adventure Photo” at the Banff Mountain Photography Competition and I was a finalist of the 2010 Red Bull Illume contest.
What I like most about my job is being outside, as well as the variety, traveling and being in contact with many extraordinary people. My road to success as a professional photographer was long and difficult and in the past I didn’t even think I would ever be able to make a living from photography. But obviously I was at the right place at the right time – and did the right thing often enough!