About jean heintz

I am an engineer, geologist, photographer and skier-alpinist.

Mineralogy

I spent most of my teenage years collecting minerals, in the Black Forest and in the Mont Blanc massif. This passion for mineralogy led me to scientific studies and the Ecole des Mines de Saint Etienne, where I graduated in 1996.

Today, 30 years after, the material is back from the basement, as I am reviving this activity along with my son.

I am in the process of documenting my collection through macro photography.

Ski - Alpinism

Ski alpinism is, in my view, one of the finest combinations of outdoor, exploration and sport. It requires preparation, risk assessment, orientation skills, and rewards with stunning views and memorable ski descents.

I had the privilege to climb many exotic snowy mountains in Morocco, Lebanon, Iran, Nepal, USA... Today, environmental awareness is a new factor in deciding where and how to travel.

I also do trekking and alpinism, occasionally. Not all places in the world are treated with snow ! 

To date I summited over 500 peaks in the Alps, as well as several 6000-meter peaks in the Andes and the Himalayas. 

Photography

I discovered photography at the same time as mountaineering : I felt the necessity to capture on film the beauty of the mountain light.

In the 2000's I worked on assignment for a French trekking company, hiking in Europe from Ireland to Croatia, climbing Kilimanjaro and crossing China from West to East : www.huwans.com

I then founded "Paris Photo Sessions" workshops, delivering photography courses in the streets of the French capital.

I am a long-time contributor to Hemis stock agency : www.hemis.fr

More recently, I wrote several articles for "Les Alpes" / "Le Alpi" / "Die Alpen", the official magazine of the Swiss Alpine Club : https://www.sac-cas.ch/fr/les-alpes/

Engineering & Energy Transition

I have spent much of my professional career in the energy supply and energy transition business. Natural resources are scarce and finite : it is our duty to use them for sound purposes, to reduce our direct and indirect consumption, to reuse and recycle products, and to seek more sustainable ways of living.

LinkedIn profile : www.linkedin.com/in/jean-christian-heintz