When discussing outstanding nature photography in Austria, the work of Verena and Georg Popp-Hackner is unavoidable. Since 1998, the couple has dedicated themselves to professional landscape photography – a lifelong project that began with their first shared adventures in Canada and Alaska and ultimately led to the founding of popp-hackner photography OG . Their visual language is unmistakable: powerful, serene, precise, and imbued with a deep connection to nature. For decades, they worked with large-format plate cameras, developing long-term photographic projects around the world and uniquely combining craftsmanship, vision, and a thirst for adventure.
© Photos Michael Hochfellner
The exhibition “Wild Places” in the Gesäuse
In autumn and winter 2025/26, the FOKUS Gallery in the Gesäuse National Park presents the new exhibition "Wild Places" by Verena and Georg Popp-Hackner . From November 3, 2025 to January 9, 2026, visitors to Admont can immerse themselves in the impressive world of their nature motifs.
For us at ARTStudio , it is a particular pleasure to be able to support this exhibition – especially since we have printed several of the featured images on ChromaLuxe . This high-quality process is perfectly suited to the Popp-Hackners' visual language: brilliant colors, tremendous depth, and impressive durability make the prints almost come alive. ChromaLuxe truly shines in landscape photography, where the essence lies in the interplay of light, texture, and atmosphere.
The exhibition itself is dedicated to places that can rightly be described as "wild." These are landscapes that defy easy observation: rugged coastlines, silent forests, mist-shrouded mountains, expansive river landscapes, or pristine coastlines on the other side of the world. Many of these works were created over years – some even under conditions more commonly associated with extreme sports enthusiasts than photographers.
What makes Wild Places so special is the combination of meticulous craftsmanship and emotional depth. The photographs tell stories not only of places, but also of choices: patience, waiting, returning, surrendering to the weather and light, accepting nature as it is. The Gesäuse region – one of Austria's most pristine areas – provides the perfect backdrop for this.
© Photos Martin Hartmann
A look behind the life journey of the artists
What seems like a natural success story today began with a bold decision: Verena and Georg wanted to take the pictures they themselves had never found in the existing photographic landscape. So they began to create them – with a large-format camera, a great deal of adventurous spirit, and the will to make a living solely through nature photography.
In the years that followed, numerous books, magazine articles, and up to 1,000 calendar images were produced annually – yet the focus always remained the same: long-term projects, original ideas, and uncompromising image quality. Her daughter often accompanied her on trips, digital cameras became part of her photography repertoire, and with the VIENNA WILDLIFE project (whose fifth volume will also be published in November 2025), they expanded their portfolio to include urban natural worlds.
Despite all the developments, Verena and Georg still prefer working together, outdoors, far away from the daily grind of office life or photo trips. Their exhibitions – like the one in the Gesäuse region – are welcome opportunities for them to connect with like-minded people and those interested in photography.
© Photos Martin Hartmann
Exhibition information
Wild Places – Verena and Georg Popp-Hackner
FOKUS Gallery, Gesäuse National Park
Address: Hauptstraße 32, 8911 Admont
Period: November 3, 2025 – January 9, 2026
Opening hours: daily 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission free
More about the artists:
🔗 www.popphackner.com
📸 Facebook: Popp-Hackner Photography
📸 Instagram: @popphackner_photography