I have always asserted that the life of a photographer is turning the pages of an illustrated adventure book. Some are great and highly desired, some are in the middle of the road, and some leave you with the wry review, “Wow, I won’t do that again!”
Powerful and positive adventures come late. I spent some time in Norway, all too short, and have always admired the country immensely. Last February, Annie, Nikon’s friend and Ambassador Tamara Lackey and I brought a group of incredibly talented, intrepid adventure photographers there for a long vacation. We “chase”, in no particular order, ballet dancers, Vikings, sea eagles, auroras and Icelandic ponies.
Hop on, hop off the bus in Oslo! Could have used a few more numbers on the thermometer but hey, it’s winter… in Norway. Great people to work with at tumor–always wanted to own a bus like this to run around. Stopped at Oslo Opera House, it’s an architectural and cubic wonder and a convenient place to host ballet dancers. (By the way, everyone was amazing. We wore parkas, they wore flared skirts!)
Another stop at the historic site Framm Museum, a great place showcasing Norway’s prestigious maritime history with projects, exhibitions, you name it. Here I show the Amundsen statues my work. They showed a more enthusiastic response than many of the editors I worked with.
Drinks to start our stay in the small town of Svolvaer at magic ice! Always wanted to know what it was like in the Ice Bar. Fun and cold!
The weather was inclement to take off to Lofoten… but well worth the water. I tell you, those North Country pilots have nerves of steel and know what they’re doing at the helm.
Out on the waves and into the ocean breeze with XXLofoten! The high-powered RIB boats allowed us a chance to literally understand prehistoric times, as we watched the magnificent sea eagles, a predator from all time, soar high on their wings. can be up to 9 feet long.
Equally beautiful but a little less ferocious are Iceland’s ponies Hov Gard. Thanks to the great racers, out there in the waves and snow.
We took another trip back in time at Lofotr Viking Museum.
The Vikings actors were great to work with on our portrait sessions, and then the sumptuous Nordic feast by the fire. We also have a small group of young photo students with us to capture and help. Talk about energy!
We tried for Northern Lights with Geir Notnes And Frank Olsen and glimpse. Need to go back to try again! Steve Lackey has been relentless in his efforts out there, shooting BTS and helping the group. Hats off to him for all these wonderful recorded memories.
The Northern Lights teased us like dancers in a humorous performance, appearing briefly, then disappearing behind the clouds. Thing is, I don’t remember any measure of disappointment. I clung to the adventure, the wind in my face, the crunch of ice in my boots and the overwhelming, tense feeling of holding the camera in hand and facing the elements. There is nothing better, in my book.
The nights are stormy and cold, but surprisingly beautiful. All the cold weather gear we bought will come in handy for our next Antarctic ice adventure 
Excited for the amazingly talented Tamara Lackey and I will be teaming up again at the end of the year for another adventure. This time in the tropics where you can actually get into the water. Costa Rica this fall!
A few seats left for a workshop called Cloud Coast in Costa Rica. The wonderful thing is, both on the beach and in the cloud forest, we all have our own hotels, something that is not easy to do but just a dream. Move freely with the device and without disturbing anyone, leave it set up in the room. No other guests. Take over a lobby. Command the stores. My type of travel. Alma del Pacifico is a small, delightful beachfront hotel and the perfect spot for us to shoot models on the beach. Carara National Park was on the list, so we were able to plunge into the woods and do long-lens and AF strategies for the rich wildlife.
When it comes to seeing the beauty in Costa Rica, there’s nothing wrong. Both shores are lovely. But the Forest in the Clouds, with all its serene majesty, beckons. So we designed the workshop to see both. After the sunlight, the colors, the forests by the sea, we go into the mountains.
Eco Hostel El Silencio Simply one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever taken my hat off. Hidden in the fog, there we were, nestled in the greenery for five days. This place is ours – no other guests. The food is amazing, and the bar has a beauty of its own. (Looking for a nice quiet bar to finally write the novel you’ve been cherishing? Here it is!) Big deal? What you can do on the property without leaving. Trails, hummingbird gardens, waterfalls, experienced guides and adventure parks that you can walk to. I’ve never been on a rope swing through a forest canopy. That is about to change. Video coming soon!
And spring has come to NY! Working with dear friends and great things Liza Politi And Ari Espay at the island of Ellis May 12 And September 29. Few precious spots are left of these historic days in the NY waterfront. We are allowed to go places mostly impossible, on tripods, and let history whisper to us from the ancient walls and corridors where so much hope, despair, and spirit once flowed. God.
More tk….
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