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Northern Norway is well-known for being the best place to see the Northern Lights, but there is so much more to this gem of an area. Entwined by the rich Sámi culture and heritage, there is something magical around every corner in this part of the world. Scenic beauty and picturesque villages are enveloped by mist-shrouded waters and some of Scandinavia’s most impressive mountain formations.
On a recent editorial assignment, Oslo, Norway-based travel photographer Øivind Haug traveled to Troms og Finnmark, the nation’s most northerly and largest county, for Travel + Leisure (T+L for short) to capture images for a guide to Northern Norway’s Arctic Landscapes written by crime novelist Heine Bakkeid.
Having worked with Travel + Leisure in the past, they were drawn to his simple, natural, and quintessentially Scandinavian style, along with his storytelling tone that takes our minds on an enthralling journey.
I’m trying to preserve a sensation and atmosphere in order to tell a story. That’s how I am faithful to the truth I want to communicate.
For the project, Øivind made the 1400km journey from Oslo to the town of Harstad and, from there, a 35-minute ferry ride to the island of Andørja, both significant points in the county of Troms og Finnmark.
It was very remote, with access only by ferry and car. The island has virtually no tourists and a very alpine landscape. Really beautiful. I was shooting at the very end of the winter season, and the editor wanted this to be a writer’s story, so it was a challenge to make it look more wintery than it was.
Editorial photography is all about conveying a story or concept; Øivind accomplishes this on the assignment with sincere, clean, and captivating imagery that captures the essence of the dramatic Nordic surroundings and allows the viewer to immerse themselves in it.
The unpredictable weather in the far reaches of Northern Europe can be harsh and merciless, something Øivind knows all too well. During his five-day expedition, Øivind encountered a hefty storm, which meant no running ferries, and all the roads were closed. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it led to numerous powerful images.
The storm was fascinating and a bit scary at the same time. At one time, the wind was so strong that I did not dare leave my car for fear of not making my way back.
The wind during the storm gave the composition an intense misty effect like a long-time exposure, akin to a Turner painting, highlighting the power of nature and creating the emotional tension associated with the concept of the sublime.
On location, Øivind was on his own, a position he thrives in. This was possible due to the trust he has gained with T+L over time and his 25 years’ worth of experience in the industry.
Skye Senterfeit (Travel + Leisure’s deputy Photo Editor) is a pleasure to work with; she always gives me creative freedom and trusts me to do my thing. She gave me a shot list and the story to read, and I took care of all the production.
Øivind applied his vast knowledge of working in the outdoors to navigate the land and befittingly capture its untamed and rugged nature by utilizing a contrast of light, colors, and objects to strengthen the composition. He also regularly used a person or an object as a reference point to show the vastness of the landscape.
The nature in the region is wild and quite breathtaking. The biggest challenge was capturing it in a picture and giving the viewer a real sense of the place and its magnitude. It helped that I always stay curious and look at every photo opportunity with fresh eyes.
See more of Øivind‘s work on his website.
Credits
Deputy Photo Editor: Skye Senterfeit
Writer: Heine Bakkeid