The divine peak of the Matterhorn soars skyward in the heart of the Swiss Valais. A sublime moment when the mountain reveals its grandeur to the world. The captivating depth of a scene where the ridges change from shadow to light as one sings the praises of dazzling nature. It's rare to see the lord of the Alps from this angle, but his legendary silhouette is unmistakable. On the left, the Lion ridge leads up to Tyndall peak, while on the right, the Hörnli ridge winds its way up to summit.

This was one of my first photographs of the Matterhorn. In 2013, I was still getting to know it. I had only one goal: to explore the Alps and discover them more and more. That day, a friend and I went to the newly renovated Monte Rosa hut. It was the first time I'd ever crossed a glacier, the first time I'd ever worn crampons. I'll always remember my steps on this eternal snow with wonder. It's a new adventure and I'm feverishly anticipating this expedition. From being an unattainable dream, the mountains are slipping into the heart of my life, becoming, I feel, essential to my equilibrium.

We take a passage that no longer exists. The retreat of the glacier forced the men to move the access route to the refuge onto a more stable glacier. We're approaching the Monte Rosa hut when my friend drops his camera cover. He climbs down onto the rock to retrieve it, and I wait for him, taking advantage of the pause to admire the scenery. That's when I saw him. With his regal stature, he caressed the heavens. The Matterhorn even grander than I could have imagined. In front of it, the clouds parted, letting the sun's rays illuminate the still-smoldering mountain from its summit to its feet. Instinct guides me and I immortalize it with a swift, sure movement. For the image is as fleeting as it is stunning. So fleeting that when my friend returns, the magic is already gone.

Thanks to this work, I won first prize in the Memorial Maria Luisa competition in 2014. It's as if the Matterhorn had given me my first grand prize to inspire me with all its strength and fervor. As if it were encouraging me to pursue my quest and fulfill my dreams. A mountain photographer sublimating the heritage of exceptional nature.