Virgil Reglioni: Images Are Built, Not Found

Virgil Reglioni, polar landscape photographer and relentless Aurora chaser, joins hosts Lukas Riedl & Carl van den Boom for a deep dive into what it really takes to create images in the coldest, most breathtaking places on Earth. From pre-visualizing the shot to working with risk, logistics, and pure uncertainty, this episode is a masterclass in making “impossible” photos happen.Virgil shares the story of being lowered into a glacier moulin — a “monster hole” that felt like a black hole with no visible bottom — and how that moment ties directly into his wider creative process: building the image in your head first, then doing the work (and taking the hits) to bring it to life. We talk about layering: layering light, landscape, scale, story, and intention. And why simplifying gear, trusting your vision, and committing to the mission can unlock a whole new level of creative output.Key TakeawaysPre-visualization matters: Virgil often “draws” the image in his mind before arriving on locationSome of the strongest photos come from layering: light, landscape, scale, and story working togetherExtreme environments force better composition — sometimes you have no choice but to improveSimplifying gear can reduce decision fatigue and increase creative focus in harsh conditionsAdding a human element (a silhouette) can create scale and emotional impact in vast landscapesCreative mission ideas may sound crazy — committing to them is often the pointTeamwork and trust matter when working in technical terrainTime is limited — choosing what you still go out to shoot defines your workThe moulin story shows some frames are earned, not foundCuriosity and persistence sit behind breakthrough imagesChapters00:00 The “Monster Hole” (Glacier Moulin) Hook00:58 Welcome to Creative Outsiders01:40 Virgil’s Work: Aurora & Polar Landscapes11:19 Entering Iceland’s Glaciers for the Frame12:08 The Project Origin Story14:24 Reaching the Ice Surface: Timing & Constraints16:01 Seeing the Composition From Inside the Scene19:53 Pre-Visualizing the Image24:59 Moving Through a Frozen World27:28 Problem Solving the Shot29:26 Reading Terrain & Background Layers30:45 Layering Light & Landscape37:40 Gear Philosophy: Keeping It Simple38:54 Creativity Mindset44:09 Layering as a Creative Principle46:28 Drawing the Image Before Going There48:22 Committing to “Crazy” Ideas50:19 Learning Because You Have No Choice55:55 Creating While Life Happens61:13 OutroFollow Virgil ReglioniInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/virgilreglioniphotography/Website: https://www.virgilreglioni.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virgil.reglioni/Secret Atlas Feature: https://www.secretatlas.com/blog/stories/virgil-reglioniVallerret Ambassador Profile: https://photographygloves.com/blogs/vallerret-ambassadors/virgil-reglioniMuench Workshops: https://muenchworkshops.com/our-team/virgil-reglioni/Vallerret | Gloves & Apparel for Creators Behind the LensWebsite: https://www.photographygloves.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vallerretFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/vallerretYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vallerretTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vallerretX: https://twitter.com/vallerretPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/vallerretNewsletter: https://www.photographygloves.comCelebrating the creatives who chase the shot when comfort says “stay home.” If this episode sparked something in you, share it with someone building a vision and needing that final push to commit.Stay sharp. Stay curious. Stay out longer. 🧤🔥