What does it take to create a photograph in a place that feels like a "black hole", a glacier moulin in the ice with no visible bottom? And what happens when the image exists in your mind before you even arrive?
In Episode 8 of Vallerret’s Creative Outsiders, Lukas Riedl and Carl van den Boom sit down with Virgil Reglioni — polar landscape photographer and relentless aurora chaser — to explore the mindset and craft behind images made in the coldest, quietest, most breathtaking places on Earth.
Virgil shares the story of being lowered into a glacier moulin — a surreal “monster hole” in the ice — and how that moment connects to a bigger truth: the strongest photos aren’t always found by chance. They’re built, layer by layer, through preparation, intention, and commitment.
We talk about pre-visualization, designing an image before stepping into the landscape, and why adding a human silhouette can transform scale and emotion in vast scenes. The conversation also dives into simplifying gear, staying focused when conditions turn brutal, and how creative decision-making changes when the environment offers zero margin for error.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt that pull to chase a frame that might not be comfortable — but feels necessary. Virgil reminds us that vision often comes first… and the world catches up later.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why Virgil believes images are built, not found
- The “monster hole” glacier moulin story — and what it taught him
- Pre-visualizing the photograph before arriving on location
- Layering light, landscape, and scale for stronger compositions
- Adding a human element to create emotion and perspective
- Simplifying gear to stay focused in harsh environments
- Problem-solving under pressure when conditions get extreme
- Committing to the mission when the shot feels “impossible”
🎙️ Listen to the episode here:
Explore more of Virgil’s work through the links below:
Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥
