Jonathan Ducrest, an award-winning photographer whose work bridges the natural and urban worlds, was born and raised amid the striking mountain vistas of Switzerland. His passion for photography was first ignited with a simple point-and-shoot camera gifted by his parents, capturing the dramatic scenery and atmospheric conditions of the Swiss Alps. These early encounters with nature’s grandeur laid the foundation for a lifelong artistic journey.
In 1998, Ducrest relocated to the vibrant heart of New York City, where the towering skyscrapers and architectural wonders of the metropolis broadened his visual horizons. Drawing parallels between the awe-inspiring forces of nature and the bold lines of urban landscapes, he honed a style that seamlessly integrates natural beauty with human ingenuity.
Ducrest’s creative evolution continued with his move to Los Angeles in 2013. The West Coast’s diverse topography—spanning arid deserts, sweeping ocean horizons, and eclectic architectural styles—provided fresh inspiration and artistic challenges. His cinematic sensibilities and masterful compositions quickly established him as a leading figure in landscape, travel, and urban photography.
After 23 years in the United States, Ducrest embarked on a journey back to Switzerland in early 2021, seeking to reconnect with the landscapes that initially ignited his passion for art. As a self-taught artist, he meticulously oversees every aspect of his work, from the composition of his photographs to the intricate technical and editing processes that are crucial in contemporary digital photography.
Ducrest’s work has garnered widespread acclaim, finding homes in private collections and prominent institutions, including Netflix. His evocative images have appeared in productions for Disney-ABC, Warner Media, and Apple, resonating with audiences worldwide. Notably, in 2020, he was honored with a citation award from the American Institute of Architects for his piece Petrol Station 2018 during the AIA/Architectural Photography Awards.
His poignant series Lockdown L.A., a photographic essay capturing the surreal emptiness of Los Angeles during the early days of the pandemic, was published to critical acclaim in 2020, with a second edition released in 2021. That same year, Saatchi Art recognized Ducrest as one of "21 Artists to Watch," cementing his status as an influential voice in contemporary photography.
Ducrest’s accolades continued with two prestigious awards from the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles in 2022 for Woman on a Bridge and Wrap de Triomphe. His work Out of Gas was featured in the Royal Academy of London’s summer exhibition, focused on climate themes, where the edition sold out within a month. In August 2023, the reFocus Awards named him Photographer of the Year in the Architecture category for his captivating series celebrating the 50th anniversary of Ricardo Bofill’s iconic La Muralla Roja.
Jonathan Ducrest has collaborated extensively with Switzerland Tourism, offering a fresh perspective on his homeland through his striking imagery. With features in Vogue, Monocle and Condé Nast Traveler to name a few, his body of work stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication to visual storytelling, capturing the profound beauty and complexity of both natural and built environments.
Awards
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American Institute of Architecture
Los Angeles
Photography Award
“Petrol Station - 2018” -
Saatchi Art “21 Artists to Watch in 2021”
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Royal Academy of Arts
Summer Exhibition
Shortlisted -
American Institute of Architecture
Los Angeles
Two Awards -
Belfast Photo Festival
Photo Book Category
Winner
“Lockdown L.A.” -
reFocus Awards
Architecture Photographer of the Year
“La Muralla Roja 50th Anniversary”Bronze
Fine Art Category
“La Muralla Roja 50th Anniversary”Honnorable Mention
Architecture Category
“Concrete Cathedral”Travel Category
“In-n-Out of L.A.”
“Bellevue des Alpes” -
PX3 Prix de la Photographie de Paris
Honorable Mention -
Belfast Photo Festival
Highly Commended
“La Muralla Roja 50th Anniversary” -
reFocus Awards World Photo Annual
Honorable Mention - Architecture - Walden 7
reFocus Awards Color Photography Contest
Honorable Mention - Architecture
Honorable Mention - Aerial
Honorable Mention - Travel
Exhibitions
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LA Art Share
Los Angeles -
SuperFine Art Fair
Los Angeles, CA -
JAG Gallery
Pool Exhibit
Key West, FL -
Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibit
“Out of Gas” artwork
40 by 60” Edition 10
Sold Out -
Sculpted Spaces - Solo Show
Palm Springs, CA
My Approach
As a photographer deeply passionate about mid-century architecture, my approach to capturing the iconic essence of Palm Springs revolves around honoring the clean lines, bold geometric forms, and sun-soaked palettes that define the city’s aesthetic. I strive to highlight the interplay of light and shadow, emphasizing the crisp silhouettes and vibrant hues that tell the story of a bygone era thriving in the desert landscape. Through careful composition and attention to architectural details, I aim to create images that not only showcase the structural beauty of Palm Springs’ landmarks but also evoke a sense of timelessness, reflecting the enduring charm of mid-century modern design.
FROM CAPTURE
Capturing images in Palm Springs is a spontaneous journey, often sparked by simply wandering through its eclectic neighborhoods without a fixed plan. I let intuition guide me, allowing the vibrant mid-century architecture and desert landscapes to catch my eye unexpectedly. The perfect shot often reveals itself in unplanned moments—a burst of sunlight casting dramatic shadows, a hidden architectural gem framed against the mountains—transforming an ordinary stroll into an inspired photographic discovery.
TO YOUR WALL
There’s an indescribable joy in witnessing a photograph I captured transition from the glowing screen of my Mac to proudly hanging on the wall of a collector, beautifully printed by one of the world’s leading photo labs. The transformation adds a new dimension, where every detail, texture, and nuance of light comes alive in a tangible form. Seeing my work appreciated in such a curated space not only validates the spontaneous moments of inspiration behind each shot but also deepens the connection between the image and its new environment, making the artistic journey feel complete.