The place
Vikten, a small yet captivating coastal village on Norway’s Lofoten Islands, offers a stunning combination of rugged mountains, dramatic seascapes, and ever-changing Arctic light. Located on the island of Flakstadøya, this hidden gem is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike; providing a quieter alternative to some of Lofoten’s more frequently visited locations.
What sets Vikten apart is the striking contrast between its towering peaks and the wild Norwegian Sea. The coastline is defined by smooth, weathered granite boulders, shaped by centuries of wind and waves. These unique rock formations create the perfect foreground for landscape photography, especially when combined with the vibrant hues of sunrise or sunset. Long-exposure techniques can beautifully capture the motion of the waves as they swirl around the stones; producing ethereal, dreamlike images.
One of Vikten’s key landmarks is the renowned glassblowing studio, Glasshytta Vikten, where artisans create intricate glasswork inspired by the surrounding landscape. This fusion of nature and craftsmanship adds a cultural dimension to the area; making a visit even more rewarding.
During the winter months, Vikten takes on an entirely different character. Snow blankets the mountains, and the Northern Lights often dance above the coastline; creating an unforgettable spectacle. In summer, the midnight sun casts an enchanting golden light across the landscape; extending the magic of the blue hour late into the night.
Whether seeking solitude, dramatic seascapes, or artistic inspiration, Vikten offers the perfect retreat into the raw beauty of the Lofoten Islands; a place where nature’s elements come together in remarkable harmony.
Symmetry and simplicity
I can only vaguely remember my first approach to landscape photography, as it was quite a long time ago. Memories fade, and details seem to slip beyond recollection. However, I still remember very vividly how passionate I felt about photography when I first began appreciating nature and the environment around us. Even today, I still get shivers down my spine when I witness a sunrise; the beginning of a new day.
I also have strong memories of searching for the best possible composition whenever I visited a location, only to be disappointed once I returned home and reviewed the results on my computer screen. At the time, I often blamed the equipment; wondering whether my camera had let me down, or whether I should upgrade to a better model.
Over time, I began studying the work of other photographers, listening to their advice, and critically evaluating my own images; I was determined to improve. I believe there were many others in exactly the same situation.
Many years have passed since then, and countless hours have been devoted to improving my photography. I have learned a great deal, not only from a technical perspective, but also in terms of inspiration and creative vision. However, the most valuable piece of advice I was ever given, and one that I have fully embraced, comes down to a single word: time.
Time is everything. Perfect timing is essential for capturing a remarkable wildlife moment; the same applies to sports photography. Being in the right place at the right time can work wonders in nature photography, while having plenty of time is invaluable in landscape photography. As I have said many times before, we must allow ourselves sufficient time to discover the best possible composition when arriving at a location; any location.
Once you reach that point and acquire the necessary skills, you can begin focusing on the things that matter most to you. For me, composition is certainly one of them. Sometimes a composition reveals itself immediately upon arrival. At other times, I need to explore the area before discovering what truly works. For this reason, once again, I allow myself plenty of time.
I have often been told that my images demonstrate strong lines and shapes; and I believe that observation is accurate. With the knowledge and experience I have accumulated over the years, I now spend much of my time on location searching for elements that allow those lines and shapes to emerge clearly within my images. I must also admit that I devote considerable attention to deciding which elements should be excluded from the composition. As the saying goes: “It is not what to include; it is what to leave out.”
The best advice I can offer is to allow plenty of time whenever you visit a location; plenty of time to discover the ideal composition, and plenty of time to decide what should remain and what should be left out. Try to make use of strong lines and shapes. I am confident that, by doing so, your images will begin to stand out from the crowd and reflect your own character. They may not appeal to everyone — they never will — but one thing is certain: the satisfaction will be entirely your own.
