This black-and-white work opens the doors to a new realm. Born of our imagination or from the bowels of an elusive land. The Aiguilles de Chamonix rise out of the mist to conquer the sky. Uncompromising and vigorous, they proclaim the grandeur of the thousand-year-old Alps. And I love their power, brilliance and grace.

The furious winds sweep away to more distant lands when a stream of clouds slips into the Alps. Seizing the valleys, engulfing the coombs. Threatening to overwhelm the mountains. But the Aiguilles de Chamonix resist the onslaught. Whatever the cost, they stand tall, helping each other and resisting the invading shadow. The Aiguille du Grépon bursts into the light, urging its fellows to do the same. Its frosted armour shines in the sky like a torch in the heart of the night. Suddenly, out of the darkness, the Aiguille de Blaitière and the Aiguille du Roc come into view. One by one, summits gaze at the horizon, searching for a refuge, a haven of peace. Until they discern the tapering ridges of Dent de Requin. Like an echo of their will. Like a distant echo of their hopes.

The centerpiece of my work, this photograph offers a remarkable setting for the high mountains. Carried by the black and white waves of the mist, the Aiguilles de Chamonix sing a moving hymn to the most beautiful of journeys.