Inspiring a world beyond the ordinary.
I am a commercial photographer and filmmaker with a deep passion for the raw and untamed beauty of nature. Drawn to the rugged landscapes of the Nordic regions, my work revolves around outdoor adventure, capturing stories that inspire others to explore and connect with the natural world.
While the Nordic regions have been a major source of inspiration—both personally and creatively—my work takes me to remote and rugged landscapes all over the world, always in search of stories that capture the spirit of adventure and the connection between humans and nature.
Through my photography and films, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and a desire to break free from routine—to step outside, embrace the unknown, and experience the wild firsthand. We are fortunate to live in a world full of opportunities; it’s just about seizing them. Storytelling is at the heart of what I do, allowing people to live and feel these moments through my work.
Much of my journey is shared with my partner Tashi, who is not only my greatest supporter but also a fellow creative, and our dog Odin, who ensures that no adventure goes unexplored. Together, we seek out the untouched, the remote, and the extraordinary—always chasing the next story worth telling.
Over the years, I have worked on a diverse range of travel, lifestyle, and commercial projects, collaborating with brands such as Canon, Mercedes-Benz, DJI Global, Ponant, Lufthansa, Audi, The North Face, Destination Canada, Oppo, and American Express. For a more detailed look at my commercial work, click here.
I’m available for photography and film projects worldwide. For inquiries, feel free to reach out via email: hello@danielernstphoto.com.
For licensing requests, please visit my page at stills.com or contact licensing@stills.com
The Beginning of the Journey
I discovered my passion for photography—and for the outdoors—back in 2014 while living in New Zealand. Surrounded by the country’s dramatic landscapes and untouched wilderness, I quickly found myself drawn to spending as much time as possible outside. With that came a desire to capture these experiences—not just to remember them, but to share the beauty and emotion of those moments with others. I wanted to convey the feeling of standing in the middle of an untouched wilderness, the quiet hum of nature’s rhythms, and the sense of awe that comes from witnessing landscapes that seem almost otherworldly.
What began as a personal project soon evolved into a professional pursuit. Through the lens, I learned to connect more deeply with nature, to find stories in every scene, and to bring the untamed world into focus. New Zealand sparked this journey, and it’s that same sense of wonder and adventure that continues to drive my work today.
Approach and Vision
When I approach a project, my goal is to tell an authentic story through my images and videos. The best results come from blending preparation with spontaneity—mapping out the framework of a shoot, yet remaining open to the unexpected moments that often create the most memorable shots.I rely heavily on natural light and love working in remote environments where conditions may be challenging, but the rewards are always unmatched. Capturing the raw beauty of a scene—whether it’s a sweeping mountain vista, a fleeting cloud formation, or the quiet moments that reveal the character of a place—means more to me than heavily staged or overly polished imagery.
Ultimately, my aim is to create visuals that inspire a sense of adventure and connection. I want viewers to feel transported, to see the world from a different perspective, and to experience a spark of curiosity and wonder. Each project is a chance to show not just what a place looks like, but what it feels like—inviting others to explore it for themselves.
A Distinct Perspective
My work is inspired by the raw beauty of the natural world, with a particular focus on the interplay between light and landscape. I’m drawn to remote, untouched environments—places that feel alive in their stillness. From rugged mountain ranges and vast, open plains to dense forests and icy coastlines, my photography captures the quiet moments of wilderness that often go unnoticed.
What sets my style apart is a cinematic approach to composition, where each frame tells a story or is part of a story. I strive for authenticity, aiming to preserve the essence of a location rather than over-polishing or altering its character. Whether it’s the warm glow of the golden hour cutting through a dense fog, or the stark, cold blues of a snow-covered peak under a moody sky, my images seek to evoke emotion and inspire a connection to the natural world.