It's been quite some time since my last post. The main reason is the fact that there's hardly been any time for photography or any kind of recreational activities this spring and summer. Still, I've managed to get my hands on a new camera. I am still learning... The new camera has a wide range of possibilities, and I've realized that I'm only beginning to understand photography... Not only the practical use of the camera as a tool, which is a task in itself. The real challenge is to see or anticipate and then capture the moments at the right time, and merge that little feat with technical skill that will produce a quality photo.

Finding interesting angles and captivating motives demand some concentration and awareness, but sometimes they are in abundance. My two summer hikes this year, to Aurlandsdalen and Jotunheimen respectively, provided many opportunities. So many in fact, and in such an overwhelming way, that it was allmost impossible to decide on how to frame the photo! There was just too much spectacularity to put in it!

These hikes has been a welcome breakaway from an intensely hectic year. Now, winter awaits... And with that, hopefully more escapes...

As allways on the west coast of Norway, snow quickly turn into rain. Still, the shifting weather displays a vast array of different colours and levels of light. An otherwise grey and uninspiring day or place may suddenly be lit up or set in a special shade that may change the way you look at that place... All it takes is to look for it. I had some time to do just that the other day.

It never ceases to puzzle me just how quickly we go from one season to another here in Norway. All of a sudden winter was upon us on Saturday, with temperatures dropping to a cool -8 celcius. But I'm never unhappy about seeing snow as the white carpet offers a welcome change from the rain. And not only that - there's something special about the way the snow cushions the various sounds made by man and machines. For instance, a walk in a snow covered forest may provide an opportunity to experience real silence. If you are at the right place you may be lucky enough to hear only your own breath and the sound of snow compressing under your feet. If you stop and stand still for a while and let your senses take in the surroundings, you may well want to stay at such a place forever...

A big thank you to all of you who have left a comment on my page. You help to inspire me.

This summer has been full of impressions. Photography makes them come alive again.

Having returned from Istanbul three days ago, I have not yet had time to post before now. Meanwhile, amid all the stress of decisionmaking for my future, the memories of Istanbul has hardly had an opportunity to mature.

To me Istanbul was an exotic and wonderful city that I only got to explore for five days. I sampled the sights, the sounds and the smells of the Grand Bazaar, the grand air of the Aya Sofia, the atmosphere during the prayers in the Blue Mosque, the frenzied streets around Taksim Square and the damp experience of the Gagaloglu Hamam... And still I have only scratched the surface of this metropol.

One day I will return.