Motivated by the need to raise awareness about the country's natural wealth and its care in the context of climate change, forestry engineer and nature photographer Alex Strodthoff recently presented his second book, Chile: Land of Lights and Secrets. The publication offers a visual journey through the contrasts of the national territory, highlighting the diversity of its landscapes.
"The book was created as a way to raise awareness about our natural capital and the need to care for it and preserve it for future generations," explains Strodthoff. Through his images, the author also seeks to contribute to "making the beauty of our country known throughout the world," highlighting a heritage that he considers unique for its diversity and dynamism.
With 124 pages and published in three languages—German, English, and Spanish—Chile: Land of Light and Secrets brings together 90 photographs taken in extreme weather conditions, from the arid highlands on the border with Bolivia to the autumnal landscapes of Navarino Island in Tierra del Fuego. The foreword is by renowned nature photographers Guy Wenborne and Andel Paulmann.
For the author, one of Chile's greatest attributes is the concentration of contrasts in a narrow and diverse territory. "The abundance of landscapes in such a long and dynamic strip, which expresses itself differently in each season and at each moment of the day, makes Chile a particularly attractive place for nature photography at an international level," he says.
The author is also banking on the book's global reach. "Chile has a privileged natural environment: it is part of our image and our country brand. It often inspires more admiration outside our borders," says Strodthoff, recalling that his first publication, Chile: la magia al sur del mundo (Chile: Magic at the Bottom of the World, 2022), reached all five continents. "Showcasing and attracting visitors through our natural environment is very important for the international projection of a country like ours," he concludes.
