Stunning Moments

In a rapidly-changing world, nature too remains a place full of surprises. Within its immense power, it reminds us that we human beings are only one part of a larger whole. Taken from our LFI Gallery, the impressions we are presenting here speak of unexpected rainbows that instil confidence, of glaciers and Northern Lights that inspire awe, of storms that have us holding our breath, and of cosmic events that make us suddenly feel very small. Each image represents an invitation to approach the world with wonder and to feel, for a moment, how perspectives shift. 

1. Natalie Arber
“It was my daughter’s birthday and we had travelled to Kauai, Hawaii. We were about to go and get pizzas when the sky changed. The island is known for its rainbows, but this one appeared unusually late and pierced through the blanket of clouds with unexpected intensity. In Hawaiian culture, rainbows are associated with harmony, protection and hope. Back then I felt an strong need for change, and it was as though in that moment heaven opened a door and sent me a feeling of reassurance.”

2. Marco Huber
“In January I found myself at Diamond Beach in Iceland, at the blue hour. You could hardly feel any wind, the air was clear and still. In front of me lay chunks of ice on the black sand, looking like diamonds shaped by the sea. When I’m abroad, I always need a bit of time to find my inner quiet. It’s only when that moment arrives that I’m really able to begin to see. Then pictures emerge that are less about documenting and more about reflecting what I feel.”

3. Karine Nowak
“This picture has special meaning for me, as it represents a sort of portrait of our fragile planet: a battered and tired planet, yet still so beautiful and alive. The wind and the tides draw patterns on the sand, like relief sculptures. Water and sand – these precious resources... With this picture I was immediately able to feel the complex connection that is there between our existence and our environment.” 

4. Jibao Jiang 
“We were standing on the balcony of our apartment, observing how Shanghai was holding its breath. A powerful cyclone was approaching on the horizon, and its clouds were advancing over the city like a slowly rolling flood. The light above the skyline was weird and beautiful – with part warm, part violet hues. Just a few moments after taking the picture, the light disappeared and the storm arrived. Torrential rain and hail drummed against the windows and transformed the streets into silver lanes.”

5. Owen Fiene
“The Fagradalsfjall volcano on Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula erupted when I was out of the country for professional reasons. When I got home, the lava on the surface had already begun to harden, while underneath it was still red-hot. The image of the underground lava flow reminds me that there’s always something new to discover in the world, and how nature was like an anchor for me during the Covid pandemic.”

6. Thomas Bethge
“This picture was take on the Rhine dike in Düsseldorf. On a clear day, I can look over the Rhine from there and see the bank on the other side. This was not the case on that morning. The wall of mist turned the natural backdrop into a white space. The pruned-back trees looked like abstract structures. Through my viewfinder, I noticed two walkers moving into the frame. I waited for the right position and hit the shutter release.” 

7. Fan Li
“On September 8, 2025, between 1:31 and 2:53 Beijing time, the moon was to be completely eclipsed by the Earth’s umbra and glow red – this phenomenon is known as a blood moon. I placed myself with my Leica on my balcony, which gave me a clear view of the sky. The rare and spectacular astronomical event took place and I hit the shutter release.”

8. Andreas Schweiger
“This picture was taken at Nordvest Spitsbergen National Park. By lucky chance, my animal-loving, twelve-year-old son was able to accompany me on a photo expedition aboard a former research vessel. We had some things to organise before the trip – after all, Jonas had school and it was even a question if such a trip was appropriate for a twelve-year-old. In the end, the expedition grounded us incredibly. We saw polar bears, seals and bright blue glaciers. Despite all the challenges, this picture will always remind us of that special father-son experience.”

9. Joshua Lepik 
“My wife and I have been forever fascinated by the Northern Lights. As we live in Colorado, USA, we rarely have the pleasure to seeing them – and if we do, it is rarely with the naked eye. That’s how that particular evening also started out. Even so, Kristan and I decided to take our Leica cameras and drive to the reservoir. When we reached one of our favourite spots, the sky lit up and we were able to see the Northern Lights dancing in the firmament. 

10. Ted Williamson 
“We travelled to Arches National Park in Utah, USA, as part of an astrophotography workshop run by the Leica Store Miami. Our goal was to photograph the mist within the Milky Way. With the help of an app, we were able to determine the precise timing and position of the Milky Way. The breathtaking landscape, the time of year and the clear skies offered the best conditions. We were particularly lucky when the headlights of a car passing by, briefly lit up the Balanced Rock – which made it stand out well in the picture.” 

11. Julius Grienberger 
“Despite snowstorm, knee-deep snow and darkness, we headed up towards the peak. When we reached it at 1053 metres above sea-level, we had to use a pickaxe and shovel to clear the entrance and interior of the hut. It was only after that that we were able to enter the shelter and warm ourselves at a fire. The photograph was taken the next morning, after the snowstorm had subsided. The first rays of sunshine made the cold landscape magical.”