THE ICE
THE ICE – St. Moritz
The ICE St. Moritz is not only an event. It is a winter pilgrimage. A frozen lake becomes a stage, the mountains become a backdrop, and some of the world’s most precious cars are driven as they were meant to be, in motion.
For the photographer, it is one of the highlights of the year, not just for the machines, but for the journey, the people, and the atmosphere that makes St. Moritz feel like nowhere else.
“The ICE is a fixed point in my calendar year after year. The atmosphere is a big part of why I keep coming back. Seeing some of the most iconic cars in the world racing on a frozen lake, high in the Swiss Alps, is the perfect setting for truly memorable photography. But it is not only about the cars. It is the entire experience: the road trip to reach St. Moritz, the people you meet along the way, the stay, the food, everything around it. It is genuinely magical.”
Bilal Zagaoui
What are you looking for when you arrive on the ice?
I often start with people, their style, their dogs, and their excitement. I am looking for real interactions: drivers and visitors, small gestures, expressions, and moments of shared passion. Then I move to details. Wheels, skis, butterfly doors, and anything that makes a car feel special and specific.
How does shooting on a frozen lake change the way you see and compose images?
It is challenging, mostly because of the cold. You cannot keep your hands exposed for long, so you have to work efficiently and commit quickly. It has also taught me to be more deliberate with equipment. Because the event runs over two days, I simplify.
Reflections are a constant consideration, especially on bright days in St. Moritz. I use a polarizer on the Q3 and a UV filter on the Q3 43. I enjoy motion blur and the feeling of speed, but that look has been done a lot, so this year I focused on cleaner, sharper imagery that feels reliable and timeless. I also used flash frequently, because when the sun is out, the light can be extremely harsh.
You worked with the Leica Q3 and the Leica Q3 43 at the event. How do they differ for you in practice?
28mm is energetic and engaging. You are closer to the action and portraits feel intimate. 43mm is more forgiving. It is like taking one step back and catching moments without being noticed. It is also excellent for portraits, with a flattering perspective.
I would always recommend starting with 28mm because it teaches you how to move, how to commit, and how to get the picture you truly want.
Leica Q3
Leica Q3 43
„It is the dream setup. You can move freely from one scene to the next without carrying a bag or changing lenses. That simplicity makes the workflow quicker and the experience more enjoyable.“
Bilal Zagaoui
The Products Bilal Used
About Bilal
Bilal Zagaoui is an international photographer and creative consultant whose work centers on cinematic event coverage. Specialising in automotive, red carpet, celebrity portraiture, and a wide range of sports events, he captures decisive, emotionally resonant moments with clarity and style. Raised in Mulhouse, France, Bilal is now based in Germany after assignments across South Africa, Spain and the Middle East. He began his photographic journey four years ago while working a 9-to-5, building a network of partners that opened doors to prestigious global events. Bilal favors a compact setup, the Leica Q3 and Q3 43 with a small flash to produce authentic and candid imagery.
