Illuminated by a lunar crescent, the snow-covered landscape of Semnoz above Annecy looks like a Christmas card. During the 45-minute photographic pose, which gives the stars their apparent movement in the sky, the reflection of the Moon in the myriad of snow crystals makes the landscape sparkle. Beyond the sea of clouds that invades Lake Annecy, Tournette and Mont-Blanc ranges have now taken their winter glory.