Day 1
Less than a year later, I found myself back in Dovre to photograph musk oxen. But this place is about so much more than the animals. The vast landscapes and biting cold are experiences in themselves.
This time, I was warmly welcomed by @Moskusguiden, Even and Jorunn, who generously opened their home to me. Full of anticipation for what lay ahead, I drove all the way from Gothenburg, around eight hours, stopping only briefly to refuel. After a wonderful dinner, it was time to sleep and recharge before the first day in the mountains.
Day one was spent in the company of two Danish photographers and a Norwegian journalist and author. The temperature had dropped to –26°C, giving me the perfect opportunity to test whether my clothing choices were sufficient. Thankfully, they were, boosting my confidence for future cold-weather adventures.
We spent the day with a group of three bulls, one of them known as Bob, named for his distinctive dreadlock-like fur. What makes Bob even more special, aside from his sheer size, is that he is blind in one eye. I decided to focus on him, trying to capture his presence and spirit. At sunset, the sun broke through and the setting light painted the distant mountain peaks in soft pink tones. exactly what I had hoped for. Unfortunately, the bulls chose that moment to rest, moving only slightly. I came close to the image I envisioned. Almost.
Day 2
After yet another delicious dinner and a good night’s sleep, it was time for the final day. Temperatures ranged between –10°C and –18°C, positively cozy by comparison. This time, only the two Danish photographers joined me. We began with the same group of three bulls, now positioned among the beautiful rocky scenery of Dovrefjell. The two younger bulls engaged in a brief fight, a powerful and unforgettable experience as the sound of their clash echoed across the landscape- like something from prehistory.
We were also fortunate when Bob slowly approached us. Calm and steady, he came close enough that we eventually chose to step back slightly, prioritizing both our safety and his peace.
Later, another group of photographers arrived, and we decided to leave the trio to explore two other bulls at a distance. They stood silhouetted on a ridge, offering an opportunity for clean, minimalistic compositions. However, they preferred to keep their distance and soon moved down the ridge. A pity, but the wellbeing of the musk oxen always comes first.
As sunset approached, we returned to the original group, only to find them resting or feeding. With the light fading, we decided to head back a bit earlier and prepare for the journey home to Sweden and Denmark.
Once again, it was a wonderful stay with Even, and this time also with his amazing wife, Jorunn. I’m already considering returning in autumn, perhaps next time together with my five-year-old son, for a new kind of adventure.
