Fig. 1: Two mushrooms growing in the forest nearby Jona, St. Gallen. — Minolta X-700, October 2001Fig. 2: Two tiny twigs growing out of a fir trunk in the forest nearby Jona, St. Gallen. — Minolta X-700, October 2001Fig. 3: Mushrooms growing on a rotten tree trunk in the forest nearby Jona, St. Gallen. — Minolta X-700, October 2001Fig. 4: Leaves of a wine growing on a Wall in one of the harbours in Rapperswil. — Minolta X-700, 2.5/90mm macro lens, November 2001Fig. 5: The light of the setting sun is shining on Mount Gonzen nearby Sargans. — Minolta XD-7, November 2001Fig. 6: Trees growing on a mountain summit glowing in the light of the setting sun. White Fir Tree Valley (Weisstannental) nearby Sargans. — Minolta XD-7, November 2001Fig. 7: The setting sun is shining on a mountain ridge and lets it glowing gold orange. White Fir Tree Valley (Weisstannental) nearby Sargans. — Minolta XD-7, November 2001Fig. 8: View of the Churfirsten mountain ridge while leaving White Fir Tree Valley (Weisstannental) nearby Sargans. — Minolta XD-7, November 2001Fig. 9: A cross spider is sitting in the center of its net and waiting for bait. — Minolta X-700, October 2001Fig. 10: Cows walking on a meadow in the Lindth plains. — Minolta X-700, October 2001Fig. 11: The illuminated church tower at Busskirch nearby Rapperswil glows in the dusk. — Minolta X-700, October 2001Fig. 12: A bee is collecting pollen and nectar on a yellow flower. It's wings are reflecting the sunlight. — Minolta X-700, November 2001Fig. 13: A seagull has just landed on a pole in the harbour of Rapperswil. — Minolta X-700, 300mm f/4 Tele, Rapperswil, November 2001Fig. 14: A spider is climbing up the wall in my flat. With the flash from the side the wall gets a very threedimensional look. — Minolta X-700, Elicar 90mm Macro, November 2001Fig. 15: When I got back home one day in July 2002 I found this moth sleeping on the door of my flat. (Fujichrome Velvia, Minolta X-700, Elicar 2.5/90mm macro lens, Sunpak ring flash, Rapperswil/SG, August 2002)Fig. 16: A butterfly on my balcony (Fujichrome Velvia, Minolta X-700, Elicar 90mm macro lens, Rapperswil/SG, July 2003)Fig. 17: A spider on my balcony in the morning Sun (Fujichrome Astia, Minolta X-700, Elicar 90mm macro lens, Rapperswil, July 2003)Fig. 18: A hummingbird-like butterfly. It's fascinating to observe them drinking nectar from a blossom. Interesting that two totally different species (insect and bird) have the same eating behaviour. (Fujichrome Sensia 400, Nikon F100, AF Micro Nikkor 2.8/105mm, August 2003)Fig. 19: A butterfly drinking nectar from a blossom (Fujichrome Sensia 400, Nikon F100, AF Micro Nikkor 2.8/105mm, August 2003)Fig. 20: A bee is collecting some pollen from a blossom.Fig. 21: A small snail is creeping up a blade of grass. Unfortunately it didn't want to spread out it's tentacles again.Fig. 22: A dragonfly is resting on a leaf.Fig. 23: A dragonfly is resting on a leaf.Fig. 24: A moth is resting on a wall.Fig. 25: A duck is spreading its wings on the upper Lake Zurich near Schmerikon. — Nikon D70, Nikkor Micro 2.8/105mm, 6. April 2005Fig. 26: A swan is reflecting on the calm surface of Lake Zurich at Rapperswil. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14. April 2005Fig. 27: A coot is standing on a rock in the water and spreading its wings. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005Fig. 28: A duck couple is landing on the water and braking with their feet. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005Fig. 29: A seagull is flying low over the water surface. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005Fig. 30: A duck couple flying low over the water surface. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005Fig. 31: A doog is peeing on a lamp post and marking its territory in the harbour of Rapperswil. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005Fig. 32: Two swans in the light of the setting sun. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005Fig. 33: Two swans in the light of the setting sun. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005Fig. 34: A swan in the light of the setting sun. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 14 April 2005 Nikon D70; Δt=1/200 s; f=200 mm; f/8.0; ISO 200; 14 April 2005 18:52:24Fig. 35: Just one of the many ducks in the harbour of Rapperswil. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 21 April 2005Fig. 36: A flying seagull. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 21 April 2005Fig. 37: Two seagulls are fighting surrounded by coots and a duck. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 21 April 2005Fig. 38: A swan spreading its wings. They seem to do this usually after cleaning their feathers. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 2.8/80-200mm, Rapperswil, 21 April 2005Fig. 39: The castle and harbour of Rapperswil shot from the dam, circa 40 minutes after sunset. In the background one can see the hill Bachtel with the tower on the top. Nikon D70; Δt=15 s; f=65 mm; f/16.0; ISO 200; 24 May 2005 21:45:12Fig. 40: The small city Rapperswil with the dam in the dusk, circa 45 minutes after sunset. — Nikon D70, AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm 1:2.8, Nikon D70; Δt=20 s; f=17 mm; f/16.0; ISO 200; 24 May 2005 21:53:44Fig. 41: A moth sitting on the wall of the house where I was living. — Nikon D70, AF Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8, 1/250s, f/32, ISO 200, Rapperswil, 23 September 2005Fig. 42: The castle of Rapperswil with the Swiss Alps in the background. The most prominent mountain chain in the background is called Glärnisch. In the front is Lake Zurich. — Nikon D70, Af-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8, Kempraten, 24 September 2005Fig. 43: A dew drop on a blade of grass in the morning. — Nikon D70, AF Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8D, 24 September 2005Fig. 44: Portrait of a swan with water drops on the head. — Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 80-200mm 1:2.8, 2x Telekonverter, Rapperswil, 1 May 2006Fig. 45: A flying seagull approaching for landing. — Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 80-200mm 1:2.8, f=200mm, f/5.6, 1/1000s, ISO 200, Rapperswil, 1. May 2006Fig. 46: The water birds in the harbour of Rapperswil are well fed. Every few minutes someone comes with a bag full of old bread. Here a seagull has stolen a piece of bread and is followed by another. — Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 80-200mm 1:2.8, f=200mm, f/7.1, 1/1000s, ISO 200, Rapperswil, 1 May 2006Fig. 47: A swan spreading its wings. They seem to do this usually after cleaning their feathers. — Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 80-200mm 1:2.8, f=200mm, f/9, 1/1000s, ISO 200, Rapperswil, 1 May 2006Fig. 48: Just a moth sitting on a table. — Nikon D200, AF-S VR Micro Nikkor 105mm 1:2.8G ED, ISO 200, 1/250s, f/32, 15 September 2006Fig. 49: Just some kind of a bug. Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=105 mm; f/16.0; ISO 100; 19 May 2007 15:07:52Fig. 50: Dragonflies are creating a heart shape while having sex. Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=105 mm; f/16.0; ISO 250; 9 June 2007 14:07:43Fig. 51: The empty skin of a dragonfly larva. I missed the moment when it got out. Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=105 mm; f/7.1; ISO 200; 10 June 2007 09:34:19Fig. 52: A dragonfly sitting on a blade of grass. Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=105 mm; f/10.0; ISO 400; 10 June 2007 09:53:33Fig. 53: Portrait of a small jump spider sitting on my kitchen table. Nikon D200; Δt=1/200 s; f=210 mm; f/22.0; ISO 200; 18 June 2007 17:34:03Fig. 54: Snowshoe hiking through misty and stormy weather on Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/154 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 8 January 2012 12:14:51Fig. 55: A fir tree covered by snow. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/215 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 8 January 2012 12:20:47Fig. 56: The restaurant Chrüzegg during bad weather. It felt like reaching the Amundschen-Scott southern polar station. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/471 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 8 January 2012 12:23:25Fig. 57: The beautiful view of the snowy mountains is hidden behind the fog on that day. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/504 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 8 January 2012 14:06:05Fig. 58: The beautiful view of the snowy mountains is hidden behind the fog on that day. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/815 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 8 January 2012 14:06:17Fig. 59: A strong wind is blowing across the ridge while showshoe hicking to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/719 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 8 January 2012 14:06:20Fig. 60: Hiking through a snowy forest, expecting to meet a wizard, 13 dwarves and a hobbit around the next corner. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/331 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 8 January 2012 13:46:15Fig. 61: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/5027 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:02:56Fig. 62: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/3017 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:04:00Fig. 63: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/2155 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:19:25Fig. 64: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/2514 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:20:33Fig. 65: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/4309 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:20:46Fig. 66: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/1886 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:21:27Fig. 67: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/2743 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:21:53Fig. 68: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/2743 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:22:09Fig. 69: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/6033 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:55:54Fig. 70: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/6033 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:58:03Fig. 71: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/5027 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:59:04Fig. 72: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/6033 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 12:59:16Fig. 73: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/2321 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 15:16:45Fig. 74: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/7541 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 15:17:21Fig. 75: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/4309 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 15:17:34Fig. 76: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/2514 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 15:18:45Fig. 77: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/3017 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 15:50:01Fig. 78: Snow shoe hiking through fairy tale like winter landscape with deep snow on the Atzmännig to Chrüzegg. Apple iPhone 4; Δt=1/2155 s; f=3.85 mm; f/2.8; ISO 80; 12 February 2012 15:50:18