Image of climber scaling remote ice arch wins major outdoor photography award. "Getting there was tough, the snow was deep, but we made it"
Former pro snowboarder turned photographer Thomas Klocker has won the Climb category at the Illume Awards with a dramatic shot of a climber on the wall of Iceland's imposing Katla Ice Arch
The photographer Thomas Klocker, a former professional snowboarder turned outdoor adventure photographer, has been awarded the Climb category at the 2026 Illume Awards. Klocker's winning image features fellow climber Mario Andexlinger scaling the remote Katla Ice Arch located on Iceland's Kötlujökull glacier. The arch collapsed in the summer of 2024, likely due to natural glacial warming cycles exacerbated by human-caused climate change.
To capture the perfect shot, Klocker and Andexlinger endured a three-hour ride in an off-roading truck followed by a half-hour hike through deep winter snow. Klocker explained that while the image may appear simple, there is a rich story behind it, including the challenging conditions faced during the shoot. The Illume Awards, a prestigious outdoor and adventure photography contest, recognized Klocker for his skill and perseverance, granting him prizes including a Leica D-Lux 8 camera and the honor of featuring his photograph in The Illume Photobook 2026.
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