In Norway, you travel along fjords, islands, mountains, and cities like Oslo and Bergen. But this is not just an ordinary photo book. The images are combined with stories, background information, and a calm layout. As a result, it feels as if you are traveling yourself – page by page.
The photos are very different, but they fit well together. You see rugged nature, quiet valleys, and impressive coastlines. In between, you learn about the history of Norway, such as the Vikings, the Northern Lights, and the famous coastal route of the Hurtigruten.
What can you learn from this as a beginner photographer?
An important lesson from this book is how to build a series of photos. The creators show how to arrange images in a logical order so that they tell a story together. This is called sequencing – and it can make your photos much stronger.
You also see how important patience is. Photographer Stephanie waits for the right moment: a morning mist over a fjord, or the soft light on an empty coastal road. These are not random snapshots, but thoughtful images with feeling.
Tip: do you want to photograph landscapes yourself? Then try waiting for the right light. For example, during the golden hour – just after sunrise or just before sunset. You will notice that your photos will have much more atmosphere then.
Words and images: a strong team
Rik and Stephanie have been working together for a while under the name Book & Image. Rik writes the texts and oversees the entire process, from idea to printed book. Stephanie takes the photos and determines the visual style.
What makes this book special is that collaboration. The text provides background and rhythm to the images, while the photos truly immerse you in the landscape. You not only see beautiful pictures but also feel the journey itself.
How is such a book made?
In addition to Rik's words and Stephanie's photos, the two also worked a lot with guest photographers. For Norway , they collaborated with a drone photographer and a wildlife expert, for example.
They take their time for each project. Quality takes precedence over speed. Everything – from the cover to the placement of the photos – must be right. You can see this in the images: every moment is carefully chosen. And in the text: every paragraph is written with care.
What do you gain from it as a beginner?
The book Norway is not only a source of inspiration but also a kind of textbook – without feeling like one. You learn:
- how to create a series from individual images;
- how to look at light and atmosphere;
- how text and image together tell a story.
Additionally, the design helps: maps and a clear layout ensure that you always know where you are, visually as well.
Practical tip:
If you are making a photo series yourself, try to choose a theme. For example: 'the sea in all seasons' or 'my neighborhood in the morning light'. Then think about the order in which you would show the photos to tell a story.
Norway: a book that inspires and teaches
Norway is a beautiful example of how photography can be more than just beautiful images. For everyone who photographs landscapes, it is inspiring to see how you can also give meaning to those images. And for beginners, it is a great way to learn to look – and think – like a photographer.
The book is sturdily bound, in Dutch, and made to be opened frequently. Whether you dream of a trip to the north or simply want to learn more about photographing with attention: Norway gives you all the space for that.
