Landscape nominee

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago in the North Atlantic and an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, are renowned for their rugged beauty, untouched nature, and unpredictable weather. The 18 islands are characterized by impressive fjords, steep cliffs, and verdant valleys.

The Faroe Islands’ landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity, resulting in dramatic coastlines and breathtaking mountain scenery. Towering cliffs provide nesting grounds for numerous bird species such as puffins and gannets. Lush valleys stretch between the mountains, creating a striking contrast.

The weather on the Faroe Islands is heavily influenced by the North Atlantic, leading to variable and often stormy conditions. Rain and fog are common, and the winds can be strong and unpredictable. Temperatures are moderate, with cool summers and relatively mild but damp winters.

The archipelago attracts me because of the remoteness and authenticity. The nature rules and not us humans.

My name is Thomas Zilch, I was born in 1968 and have been taking pictures for many years. Photography is not my profession, but my passion. It is for me, in addition to a hobby, also a means of relaxation. There is (almost) nothing more beautiful than roaming through nature with my camera and capturing it in a picture. I find it fascinating to observe how it changes through the influence of the weather, the time of day and season and the light and shows itself in ever new appearances.

My passion is traveling and landscape and nature photography. I love to be in Northern Europe, for example on the Faroe Islands or the Lofoten Islands, but also the Atlantic coasts of Normandy and Brittany have done it to me. Recently, the Corona pandemic has also "motivated" me to rediscover the areas around my hometown.

My inspiration comes, on the one hand, from the joy of being outdoors and feeling the weather. On the other hand, it comes from looking at many pictures of other photographers, reading photo books and especially from personal exchange with other photographers.