Norway is a land of dramatic contrasts, perfect for reflection photography, from its towering peaks to its glass-like fjords, where nature’s beauty is reflected with pristine clarity. On a recent trip, I had the chance to capture this breathtaking landscape in a series of eight black-and-white images. These photographs, all square crops, offer a unique perspective on the stillness and tranquility that exists in the midst of this rugged and raw environment. Each image focuses on the delicate balance between land and water, where the icy cold fjords act as a perfect mirror for the towering mountains above. The result is a powerful study in reflection photography, stillness, and contrast.
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The Art of Reflection Photography
There is something captivating about reflections in photography, especially in landscapes as dramatic as Norway’s fjords. The perfect symmetry between the land and its mirrored reflection creates a visual harmony that draws the viewer in. For these particular images, I chose a square crop to enhance that sense of balance, providing a frame that contains the reflective scene in a way that feels complete and cohesive.
The fjords in Norway have an almost mystical quality to them, especially when captured in black-and-white. Without the distraction of colour, the eye is drawn to the textures and forms of the landscape—the jagged edges of the mountains, the subtle ripples in the water, and the way light and shadow dance across the surface. The contrast between the solidity of the land and the fluidity of the water becomes even more pronounced in monochrome, where every detail stands out with striking clarity.
A Sense of Stillness
One of the most striking aspects of these images is the sense of stillness they convey. The waters of the fjords, particularly early in the morning or late in the day, are often so calm that they create a perfect mirror for the landscape. This stillness is not just physical; it feels almost meditative, a quiet pause in the midst of nature’s grandeur.
In capturing these reflections, I aimed to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. There is something deeply soothing about seeing the world reflected so perfectly in water. It reminds us of the quiet moments we often overlook, the beauty in stillness, and the harmony that exists in nature when it is left undisturbed.
The Challenge of Black-and-White Photography
Choosing to shoot these images in black-and-white presented its own challenges. Without the aid of colour to define the landscape, I had to rely entirely on light, contrast, and composition to bring the scene to life. This meant paying close attention to how the light interacted with the landscape, especially in terms of how it affected the reflections in the water.
The reflections themselves became the focal point of each photograph. In some images, the line between the real landscape and its reflection is so subtle that it is almost impossible to tell where one ends and the other begins. This blurring of the lines creates an almost surreal effect, where the landscape feels both grounded and dreamlike at the same time.
Capturing the Cold
Another key element of these photographs is the sense of cold that permeates each image. The fjords, with their icy waters and snow-capped peaks, convey a sense of isolation and stark beauty. Even in black-and-white, you can feel the chill in the air, the crispness of the water, and the quiet that comes with being in such an untouched environment.
In many ways, these images are not just about the landscape itself, but about the feeling of being in that landscape—the cold, the stillness, and the sense of awe that comes from standing in the presence of something so vast and timeless. It’s an experience that is difficult to put into words, but one that I hope these images convey in some small way.
Final Thoughts
My journey through Norway’s fjords was a reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world. These eight black-and-white images, with their square crops and focus on reflection, are my attempt to capture a small piece of that experience. In the stillness of the water and the starkness of the landscape, there is a quiet beauty that I hope resonates with those who view the photographs.
Norway’s fjords, with their icy cold waters and towering peaks, offer a unique landscape that is both harsh and serene. Through these images, I’ve tried to capture that delicate balance, and in doing so, create a visual reflection of the peacefulness and power that defines this incredible part of the world.