THE LADY OF THE LAKE
Eresfjord, Norway – 2025
The grey frame of this 1948 Porsche 356 complements the snowy and misty backdrop of this winter’s day. There is a calm tonal balance to the photograph which would not have been possible if the sun had been out. There may not be 50 shades of grey, but there is a good dozen.
This is a coveted and highly valuable car and its shape is lauded by car enthusiasts. I knew that I had to capture it in profile on at least one shoot in Norway. This was the location in which to do so.
When we were planning this shoot, we had no idea that the west coast of Norway would be hit by a material early winter snowstorm. We considered this to be a fortunate break so long as we could get the car to the location, which was in an isolated fjord northeast of Molde.
Snow normally allows the photographer a little more light to play with and importantly it adds another layer to the story with no extra charge. We are big fans of working in the snow, especially in soft or low light. But it does also offer logistical challenges in terms of access and consequently, in Norway, we work with seasoned professionals.
The Austrian model Nadine Leopold does an excellent job as the lady of the lake. There is a sovereignty to her pose and I think the cigarette adds a bad ass nonchalance to her character. She seems very much in control of the situation - whatever that situation might indeed be.
The Lady of The Lake was an influential narrative poem written by Sir Walter Scott in the early part of the 19th Century. Scott was from central Scotland ( just like myself) and hence I thought it as good a name for this photograph as any.
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