Sandro Baebler: A Vision Through Grace
Our vision statement creation process involves digging deep into our artists' upbringing, their path to photography, and their current inspirations. Sitting down to learn more about Sandro Baebler felt like an exploration across the continents, as he described his upbringing in Switzerland and travels around the world in search of the best wave to surf. Fueled by his love of sports, Sandro began photographing as a way to experience the sport from a different angle. This catapulted him into a hobby that turned into a career as he became more and more fascinated by the technicalities and processes.
His vision through Grace is a story of growth, experimentation, minimalism and meaning. Read Sandro's full vision statement below.
I create as I live — balancing the grandeur of the Alps and the serenity of my small Swiss village roots with the vibrant chaos of big cities. Guided by the energy of the scene rather than imposing on it, I specialize in portrait and sports photography and directing, bringing a refined aesthetic to every project and a deep commitment to beauty and elegance in composition. To me, every moment is an opportunity to explore, experiment, and grow. My work is about capturing the world with grace and crafting visuals that gently transcend the ordinary.
Growing up in the quiet village of Mollis, nestled in the canton of Glarus, Switzerland, I was surrounded by mountains, forests, and alpine landscapes. It was a place where nature was both a peaceful refuge and a powerful teacher, instilling in me an awareness of its risks — extreme weather, wildlife, avalanches, and floods. These surroundings shaped my childhood and continue to influence my life today. After years away, I returned with my wife and daughter, drawn back by the tranquility and connection to family that Mollis offers. Here, I’m raising my daughter with the same values my parents instilled in me: fairness, organization, a love of learning, respect for the environment, and an appreciation for simplicity.
As one of four siblings, I grew up quietly excelling in school and sports, flying under the radar. Without TV, I wasn’t immersed in media culture. Instead, I shaped my focus on genuine relationships over media-driven perceptions. This perspective now carries into my work as a portrait photographer, where human faces and the personalities behind them remain my most inspiring subjects to photograph.
I’ve always been drawn to hands-on activities over desk jobs — I like picking up practical skills I can actually use in the real world. It took me a while to figure that out, though. I started out studying architecture but eventually decided to leave school for a graphic design apprenticeship. It wasn’t an easy choice — giving up a degree and stepping into the unknown was risky — but getting real-world experience felt like the right move.
During this time, I picked up a camera and started exploring photography, guided by curiosity and a knack for figuring things out as I went. While on a surfing trip in Brazil, I realized how much I wanted to capture the beauty of the ocean — the waves, the weather, the entire atmosphere. I loved surfing, but I often found myself wishing I had my camera to capture the incredible scenes I was witnessing. Eventually, I started swapping my surfboard for my camera, heading back out to document the action instead of riding the waves. It was a strange shift, especially with friends who were out surfing together, but stepping back to observe and focus on getting the perfect shot gave me a new perspective. That’s where my journey into sports photography really began.
What began as a love for capturing moments turned into a sharp eye for detail and a focus on being present. I juggled graphic design during the day with photography on nights and weekends, and my boss, noticing my passion and talent, began recommending me to her clients for paid jobs. Her kindness was crucial in helping me grow, and that apprenticeship ultimately became the stepping stone that led me to pursue photography full-time. Each step along the way shaped the path to where I am now.
Over time, I developed a natural understanding of lighting — watching how it interacts with faces and surfaces and adapting instinctively on set. I enjoy experimenting with scale, perspective, dynamic compositions, and monochromatic palettes, always focusing on what’s in front of me to create impactful visuals.
Guided by simplicity and minimalism, I prioritize visual beauty and design, always thinking in complete concepts. My background in graphic design sharpened my skills in composition, color theory, and brand consistency while also nurturing my creative problem-solving and attention to detail. This foundation allows me to stay versatile across mediums, crafting images with intention and clarity. I love combining studio photography with outdoor settings, like using studio lighting to capture athletes in action. Photographing a mountain climber, in particular, felt especially meaningful — it was like bringing the comfort of my studio to the mountains, a place that feels like home to me.
Maintaining harmony in my everyday life will always be a priority. Nature will remain my sanctuary, a constant source of peace and inspiration amid the chaos of celebrity shoots or big cities. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue embracing activities like skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and hiking — not just to clear my mind and break free from monotony but to fuel my creativity and keep me grounded for whatever comes next.
I’m energized by every upcoming shoot and the incredible people I’ll collaborate with to create something magical. I welcome the challenge of being thrown in at the deep end, knowing it will push me to grow and develop. Through it all, I aim to create with grace — approaching each project with humility, respect, and a focus on crafting work that feels meaningful and impactful.