This photograph was taken in a woodland outside Stavanger, Norway, where I live. It was taken in February 2019.

I work mostly in black and white. I work both digital and analog.

I have my own gallery workshop where I edit, print and frame my pictures and where I organise small exhibitions and meetings whit other photographers. The gallery workshop is located at my home. 

This photograph is a part of a big project that I am currently working on. It will last for about 3 years (it might get longer to finish the project though, due to the situation we are in right now).

The plan is to have an exhibition at the end of this project. The project has no name at the moment but it will come to me as we go along.

It is all about humans in a dark connections with the nature and some pictures in old ruins and infrastructure. 

I work on my project together with the three girls you see in this picture. They help me out when I get new ideas and find new locations. Before we go out on a photoshoot, I check the area, looking for suitable locations and light at different times of the day and during different seasons.

This particular picture was taken after a storm, which caused a lot of trees to overturn. I like to go out in low light and challenge myself.

This picture tells about how deeply we are connected to the roots of nature and how easily a “storm” can hide some of us, and the nature can change our path on this Earth.

Next winter we are planing photo trips up into the high mountains and deep forest. This summer I will have to locate spots where the photoshoots will take place.

I consider this picture to be one of the strongest in my project so far and therefore it means a lot on my way ahead. 

The process and cooperation with the models in a project is what I enjoy the most.

What do you think are the TWO most impactful features that make your image a good photograph? Don’t be shy!

The main feature, I would say, is the expression on their faces. When I look at them, I get the feeling that they are somehow lost.

The second thing I like about it is the way the tree stems lead towards the places the girls are standing at.

If you would be able to make this photo once again, what would be the ONE thing you would like to do better or different?

The only thing I regret here is that I should have try creating some shots whit the girl in the middle standing nearer to the camera.

Øystein Von Ely shared his photograph in the FRAMES Facebook Group.

Photographer

Øystein Von Ely, Norway

Equipment and Settings

Nikon D800 + Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 FL ED VR
1/160 sec., f/4.5, 130mm