Behind the lens: Shooting the first images of Graciosa

I’ve been based in the Alps for over a decade now, after spending years traveling and shooting in places like Canada, New Zealand, and Japan. Even after all that time, these mountains still feel special.

Most of my work focuses on chalets, architecture, and lifestyle in the snow. Every project is different, but what I enjoy most is finding the right atmosphere, the balance between light, texture, and the feeling of being there.

I’ve worked with VIP SKI before, photographing the Bellevarde Lodge chalets in Val d’Isère. So when I was asked to capture Graciosa in La Plagne, it felt like a natural continuation of that story, just a new part of the Alps to explore through my lens.

We shot in early December, with fresh snow and soft winter light - perfect conditions. Graciosa sits high above the resort at around 2100 m, surrounded by silence and big mountain views.

Inside, I focused on the atmosphere: how the light moves through the rooms, how the materials feel, and how the design connects with the mountain outside. It’s less about showing every corner, more about making people feel what it’s like to be there.

I shoot with my Canon EOS-1D X Mark III and a mix of L-series lenses. I always try to keep things as natural as possible, clean light, true colours, and minimal staging.

For me, good images aren’t about perfection; they’re about mood and authenticity. If a photo makes you stop for a second because it feels real, that’s what matters.

What I liked most about Graciosa is how calm it feels. It’s modern but warm, open but intimate - exactly what you want after a day on the mountain.

My goal with every shoot is simple: to make people feel a place before they even get there. Hopefully, these photos do just that.

If you’d like to see more of Christophe’s work, from alpine architecture to lifestyle and travel photography, you can explore his portfolio on his website.

And if these images have sparked your curiosity, explore more about the Graciosa, its suites, setting and catered chalet experience, and imagine what it might feel like to stay here yourself.