Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel - Vitznau & Basel 2026
In 2026, Peter and I visited Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel at his home in Vitznau and later accompanied him during a performance with the Swiss Medical Orchestra (SMOMS) at Stadtcasino Basel.
Known to many as one of Switzerland’s most renowned cardiac surgeons, we encountered a different side of Thierry Carrel beyond the operating room one shaped by warmth, humility, and a deep sense of dedication. Whether at home or through music, what stood out was not status, but presence and genuine humanity.
What stayed with us was the quiet balance between precision and emotion, between a life devoted to medicine and a strong commitment to serving others.
Black & white portrait of Prof. Thierry Carrel during our conversation about the challenges he faces as a renowned heart surgeon, his passion for music, and his upcoming trip to Mongolia to help others. Portrait of Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel. Photography by Carmine Castelli, Vitznau
At his home in Vitznau, Prof. Thierry Carrel signed his book "Von Herzen II ". His hands carry the experience of more than 13'000 heart operations a quiet detail within a life devoted to the human heart. Photography by Carmine Castelli
A close-up of pianist SMOMS’s hands at the Stadtcasino Basel, capturing the quiet concentration and energy behind the music. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Black & white Portrait of Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel with his trombone at SMOMS at Stadtcasino Basel. What we encountered was warmth, humility, and a deep sense of dedication. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
A blurred, dynamic moment capturing the movement of the conductor and the SMOMS orchestra at Stadtcasino Basel. The motion reflects the energy and rhythm of the performance. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Black & white Portrait of Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel with his trombone at SMOMS at Stadtcasino Basel, driven by a deep desire to help others. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel Photography by Carmine Castelli Stadtcasino Basel SMOMS
A blurred, dynamic moment capturing the movement of the violists and the SMOMS orchestra at Stadtcasino Basel. The motion reflects the energy and rhythm of the performance. by Carmine Castelli
Here is Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel giving his speech during the SMOMS concert at Stadtcasino Basel. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
A view from the balcony towards Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel and the SMOMS Orchestra at Stadtcasino Basel, capturing a special moment of music, presence, and shared attention. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel Photography by Carmine Castelli Stadtcasino Basel SMOMS
Portrait of Prof. Dr. Thierry Carrel with his trombone at SMOMS at Stadtcasino Basel. Photography by Carmine Castelli
A view of SMOMS visitors enjoying the intermission at Stadtcasino Basel, sharing conversations and impressions before the music continues. Photography by Carmine Castelli
A view from above through the grand chandelier at Stadtcasino Basel, offering a different perspective on the elegant concert hall and the atmosphere below. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Wisi Zgraggen - Erstfeld 2019 & 2026
In 2019, I visited Wisi Zgraggen at his family farm in Erstfeld, together with my friend Peter. After a tragic accident changed his life forever, he chose not to give up, but to continue the path of his family and take over the farm a story of resilience, dignity, and quiet strength.
In 2026, we returned for a second visit. Seven years later, the same quiet strength remained, now carried forward by the next generation as his children gradually take on more responsibility on the farm
Portrait of Wisi Zgraggen, Erstfeld, 2019 & 2026. Wisi reminds me that resilience leaves marks. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Wisi Zgraggen Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Wisi Zgraggen at his farm in Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Wisi Zgraggen, Erstfeld, 2019 & 2026. When I photographed him, one word came immediately to mind, and that was "resilience." Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Wisi Zgraggen Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Wisi Zgraggen, Erstfeld, 2019 & 2026, after a tragic farming accident. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Wisi Zgraggen Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Wisi Zgraggen Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Wisi Zgraggen Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Wisi Zgraggen Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Wisi Zgraggen Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Farm of Wisi Zgraggen in Erstfeld 2019 & 2026 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Karl Egloff - 2025
In 2025, we visited Karl Egloff at his home. Known for his speed ascents, he is driven by a personal mission: to climb the Seven Summits as the fastest person without the use of oxygen. Yet, beyond this ambition, what emerged was a life shaped by discipline, focus, and quiet determination. At home, surrounded by his equipment, training routines, and family life, a different perspective appeared one that balances extreme performance with everyday reality.
It was this contrast that stayed with me: the coexistence of altitude and intimacy, of pushing limits while remaining grounded.
Home of Karl Egloff 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Karl Egloff visiting his home in 2025. The word I felt with Karl was discipline. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Karl Egloff 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Karl Egloff always carries this photo of his family with him as he climbs his 7 Summits. They always give him strength and hope, and they are his biggest fans. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Karl Egloff during a walk near his home 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Karl Egloff 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Memories in Karl Egloff home 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Karl Egloff 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Tools that Karl Egloff needs to prepare for his climb of the 7 Summits by Carmine Castelli
A reminder of his homeland in Karl Egloff home in 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait Karl Egloff 2025 while we enjoyed coffee together and talked about him and his athletic projects to climb the 7 Summits Photography by Carmine Castelli
The Leu Art Family - Bullet 2025
In 2021, I visited “Leu Art Family” exhibition at the Museum Tinguely. Even then, I felt a quiet desire to one day meet the people behind this story. In 2025, I visited Filip Leu and his family in their home and studio in Bullet. What began as curiosity quickly became something more personal a world where art, family, and daily life merge naturally. Filip stands between traditions of Swiss art history and the international tattoo scene, carrying a legacy that continues to evolve rather than remain fixed.
What stayed with me was not only what I saw, but the atmosphere open, grounded, and shaped by a deep sense of independence.
A warm welcome. Visiting Filip Leu's home in 2025. Photography by Carmine Castelli
A conversation between Titine Leu and Peter in 2025. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Portrait of Titine Leu & Loretta Leu 2025 Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Filip Leu, 2025. Then I met him and thought of one word, and that was "legacy." Filip Leu carries history, tradition, craft, and generations. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Looking at Filip Leu's book at his home in Bullet, 2025. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Tattoo tools disinfected in preparation for Filip Leu's next tattoo session. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Filip Leu's hand-drawn sketches and designs for his clients. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Here, he is consulting with a client about her next tattoo session alongside his mother, Loretta Leu, to find out what ideas and wishes she has. Portrait of Filip Leu & Loretta Leu, 2025. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Here are some tattoo supplies and tools that have already been disinfected and prepared for Filip Leu's next tattoo session, 2025. Photography by Carmine Castelli
The last family photo before we left, taking with us wonderful memories, great conversations, and warm, heartfelt hospitality. Portrait of Filip Leu, Loretta Leu, and Titine Leu, 2025. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Mario Botta - Mendrisio 2023
In 2023, we visited Mario Botta in his studio in Mendrisio on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Driven by my interest in architecture, I was curious to meet someone whose work has shaped spaces far beyond Switzerland. The studio felt calm and precise a place where ideas are developed with clarity and time.
What remained was a sense that architecture, for him, is less about form and more about creating lasting relationships between people, space, and memory.
Portrait of Mario Botta on his 80th birthday, featuring his unmistakable pencil and glasses in Mendrisio. On visit him the words was immediate creation. Because creators transform the invisible into the visible. Creation is not only about building. It is about seeing what does not exist. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Here is a portrait of Mario Botta on his 80th birthday as he signs his book for us. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Abbot Christian — Engelberg, 2023
In 2023, we visited Abbot Christian at the Engelberg Abbey, where he welcomed us into the daily life of the monastery. Over a shared lunch, I experienced a world shaped by rhythm, repetition, and quiet reflection a life moving at its own pace.
Between tradition and presence, the monastery revealed itself not as a retreat from the world, but as a different way of engaging with it.
Here is the view from above looking down into the courtyard of Engelberg Abbey during the tour with Abbot Christian. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Abt Christian Kloster Engelberg Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Abbot Christian, Engelberg Abbey. Here I am with him, having lunch together and talking about the challenges faced by an abbot in a monastery. But he hasn't lost his sense of humor. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Here is a photo of details captured during an interesting tour with Abbot Christian at Engelberg Abbey. Photography by Carmine Castelli
Portrait of Abbot Christian during a tour of Engelberg Abbey. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Here is a photo of details captured during an interesting tour with Abbot Christian at Engelberg Abbey. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
Here is a photo of details captured during an interesting tour with Abbot Christian at Engelberg Abbey. Photography by Carmine Castelli.
