Today I’m continuing my 3 part series of travel photos from Norway in which I share images that have inspired me, my lighting style, and my love for experiencing life! If you are just joining us, click below to catch up on the series!

Part 1. Skol, Norway! {Landscape Photography}
Part 2. Skol, Norway! {Animal Portraits}

As our lives evolve, so too should our travel ambitions. We find new pockets of the globe to explore, thanks to stories from friends and travelogues in the NY Times. Or perhaps we see a gallery exhibition of Norway landscape images hanging in a coffee shop or photographer blogs like the one you are reading. Beyond Vegas, baby.

Krista and I travelled to Norway in August. I couldn’t imagine a better travel companion. In our mid-30s, we have life on our side. Our health balanced with finances and responsibilities. I call it the perfect second honeymoon.

It’s taken me over a month to blog these images, I’ll be honest. I care dearly about them. Perhaps too much. That’s the thing about personal work. When your finger clicks the shutter and results are images that hold the eye’s memory, it’s a responsibility I take seriously. And love. But anytime client work hits the queue, personal time to edit and complete goes to the back burner. Otherwise quick album turn-arounds wouldn’t be possible. Good things come to those who wait, I remind myself.

Nordic Genes

For me, I loved Norway before I stepped foot in Scandinavia. The natural landscape, the design aesthetic, and the climate place Norway #1 on my list of “Places To Experience Before You Die.”

Mountains, water. If Norway could be compared to a US state, I’d say it would be the perfect blend between Minnesota and Colorado. With Fjord horses which draw a distinct genetic similarity to the natives. In a good way.

Norway is a darn a happy country, I conclude in a non-statistical way. Twelve months maternity leave, health care and education for all. The statisticians will measure the happiness of Norway based on an income GNI per capita of US $47,500, 81.1 years average life expectancy. They will talk about the the balanced economy, gender equality, and sustainability. If this was The Happiness Olymics, the US wouldn’t stand on the medal podium.

The Gear

Schlepping a big fishing pole to the dock usually doesn’t improve chances for a big catch.

Yet schlepping a big camera on personal work through two weeks of Norway travels, well that’s a whole ‘nother story.

On this trip, I brought along dual Nikon D700s with gold standard 24mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.4, and 14-24mm f/2.8 lenses, the PhaseOne 645DF w/ an IQ 140 back paired with a 55m LS lens, and my iPhone. And some hefty 1600 W/S strobe equipment leaf shutter lenses love. And wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, the best camera is the one that is with you (no sense leaving it at home as long as it doesn’t hold you back).

Checking Out W/ My Bestie

Traveling with a partner isn’t always a rosy experience everyone, especially when you navigate narrow, survey roads in a foreign country. I’m amazingly, each evening after my head hit the pillow I would pinch myself. I found an amazingly wonderful woman to travel and experience life with. She’s been patient as I’ve stayed up late charing batteries, backing up images, or still shooting past dark. Or that time we got stuck in the mud knowing we’d laugh about it shortly thereafter (which we did).

Of course we couldn’t be more thankful for our friends Kristen & Audun for their amazing hospitality! And it was a hoot to meet up with friends along the way including Wei who I hosted for couch surfing in Denver.

Sit tight, this post is a duezy. These images are my perfect snap shot in time which will grow golden with age.

Landscape paintings look fake until you experience that inspired them!