【Traveler’s Story】Time-lapse Master FrancosO – A Golden Triangle Sunrise Encounter in Switzerland

Text by Ding

"I love photography and traveling because they allow me to relax while also enjoying the freshness of shooting in unfamiliar places."

Many photography enthusiasts are probably like Francis, who also enjoy traveling. As photography lovers, when we visit other places, we always hope to find beautiful or unique spots to capture distinctive travel photos. This time, Fever Travel’s Personality Profile features Francis So, a famous time-lapse photography artist and travel photographer from Hong Kong, who will share his diverse travel photography experiences.

"Actually, I’ve loved photography since my middle school days. Back then, I carried a simple camera and took photos everywhere, especially enjoying night scenes and documentary-style imagery."

Because of this interest in photography, Francis later studied digital media design and pursued a career in design after graduation. Over time, Francis became well-known for his time-lapse landscape photography. His works have been widely featured and shared by media globally, earning multiple international awards. He has also collaborated with various institutions, tourism boards, and magazines to share and discuss time-lapse and travel photography techniques.

"I think photography is a joyful thing. The most important part is enjoying the process. Of course, it’s great to witness spectacular scenes, but even if you don’t, the journey itself is still fulfilling."

Early 2014Switzerlanddeeply captivated him with its natural beauty. The photo above was taken this year as he enteredSwitzerlandfrom Austria, capturing the view while boating on the lake. Gazing quietly at the town of Hallstatt from the water offered a more unique perspective than the typical vantage points. On his second trip toSwitzerland, Francis stayed for 16 days, keeping some of his usual hiking routes while also spending three nights in the mountains, where he took many moving photos.

"The happiest moment was witnessing the golden sunrise over the peaks, as it really takes a bit of luck. Golden mountain sunrises can be seen in many places, but spots to see the ‘golden triangle sunrise’ are truly rare!"

Besides luck, persistence is key—waking up early and staying committed to photography is what makes the shots truly captivating. Seeing the reflection of the Matterhorn in the lake was also a thoughtful composition.

With his dedication and passion for photography, Francis last year entered a time-lapse film documenting Hong Kong’s four-season scenery into the “Finisterra Arrábida Film Art & Tourism Festival” held in Portugal, winning four awards.

Francis recently held aSwitzerlandtravel photography lecture for us at Fever Travel, which sold out instantly and was incredibly popular.

Currently, besides collaborating with various organizations, tourism boards, and publications, Francis also travels to different places to share time-lapse and travel photography techniques. Sometimes, he even leads photography tours himself. For travel, destinations range from nearby Shirakawa-go in Japan to far-off places like the Sky Mirror in South America. Among his wishes is hiking in Chile’s Patagonia to photograph the natural landscapes he loves. Of course,Switzerlandis a place he hopes to revisit again and again.

FranSo’s Recommendations:Top Photography Spots inSwitzerland

1) Bachalpsee Lake

Bachalpsee Lake(Bachalpsee), facing magnificent mountain scenery, is especially stunning in spring and summer when melting ice leaves the turquoise waters set against snow-capped peaks—a perfect spot to admire natural beauty.

Franso particularly pointed out that by Lake Bachalpsee (Bachalpsee), you can see the reflections of two mountain peaks—Schreckhorn (4078m) and Finsteraarhorn (4273m)—and it’s also an excellent spot for a picnic.

Related reading:Introduction to the Bachalpsee Scenic Spot

2) Riffelsee — The Golden Triangle of Sunlight

As FranSo just mentioned, the golden sunlight on the snow-capped mountains can be seen in many places, but there are really not many spots where you can see the “Golden Triangle of Sunlight.”AtRiffelsee,

you can see the reflection of the Matterhorn in the lake, and it’s especially spectacular at sunrise.FranSo reminds everyone that when you encounter such beautiful scenery, don’t just busy yourself with taking photos—try to immerse yourself in the moment and enjoy the unique

pleasure.Related reading:

Introduction to the Riffelsee Scenic Spot

3) Gornergrat — The Milky Way Over the Snow MountainsWhen FranSo first came toSwitzerland

in early 2014, he chose to stay overnight at Gornergrat. Although the hotel room was a bit pricey, he felt it was totally worth it. This time he stayed in a room with a view of the Monte Rosa massif, and unexpectedly, the window faced due south. When you open the window, besides seeing the snow mountains and glaciers, you can also enjoy a beautiful starry sky at night. Even though it was only for a short while, it was already very satisfying.Related reading: