A Norwegian girl in traditional dress announces Norwegian Constitution Day across the valley of Ål, Hallingdal with her lur (ancient signal horn). The photo is inspired by the nostalgic Norwegian romantic nationalism painters of the mid 19th century.
Norwegian romantic nationalism emphasized the aesthetics of Norwegian nature and the uniqueness of the Norwegian national identity.

I grew up with these iconic paintings in our literature and galleries— they left a lifelong impression on me. Whenever I wandered in our dramatic nature I visualized how life had been back then. Over the years I've pursued a few ideas to re-create scenes from that time period that feel as authentic as possible about life in the mountains and in the fjords.
The final image was sent out as a self promotional mailer and a social media post on May 17, Norwegian Constitution Day

Authenticity is the key in an image like this. The clothing has to match the idea of traditional life in the mid 19th century Norway life. The whole outfit and the horn, look just like they did over a 150 years ago.
I grew up near this waterfall so I know it well. The water flow had to be just right to be able to access the rocks to shoot, too much water and the rocks are all covered in raging water and very dangerous to access. I have tried to get this scene just right for several years and finally got the right light and flow last year.

I got great feedback on the image