In terms of wildlife photography, this year 2013 has been on of the busiest and most exciting years of my life. It all started in march when I got informed by the Swedish World Wildlife Fund WWF that my upcoming book ‘Northern Nights – animal life between dusk and dawn’ would receive the prestigious litterature and photography price ‘Panda Book of the Year 2014’.
At that stage, the book was still ‘work in progress’ and I had time until the end of august to complete the book. Together with my friend and editor Magnus Stenmark, we spent every single minute of the summer working on it. It was a long and rewarding journey and very hard work and lots of joy and excitement. I hardly saw the sun during this wonderfully warm summer because I was out at nights for photography and spent daytime in front of the computer, writing and editing.
In the end of August, I finally handed over the finished book to the Swedish printing house Elanders. During the whole production process I tried to supervise and monitor every single step in the production process. Therefore, Magnus Stenmark and me, we did every single step ourselves: the layout, the negotiations with the printing house, the editing, the photography, the digital darkroom work and all minor and major controls. I even accompanied my book to the print house and followed the printing process at close range, which was very exciting to see. Thanks to the guys at the huge printing machines. You were absolutely great and competent.
On 21st October, the award ceremony took place in combination with some other awards at Ulriksdals Castle in Stockholm. And the award was handed out by H. M. The King of Sweden Carl XVI Gustaf who was accompanied by his daughter Victoria, the Crown Princess of Sweden. This was of course one of the most exciting days of my life.
Many thanks to the WWF of Sweden who made this possible and who do great conservation work!.
Some photographs from the award ceremony and the lunch at Ulriksdals Castle. The photographs were taken by the editor of the book, my friend Magnus Stenmark. He added a lot of quality to the book and I am very grateful to him for that.
WWFs general secretary Håkan Wirtén, H. M. King Carl XVI Gustaf and myself.
My presentation of my book ‘Northern Nights – Animal Life betwen Dusk and Dawn’.
H. M. King Carl XVI Gustaf looking at my book while I am talking to the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
Getting interviewed by the Swedish Radio.
Excellent vegetarian food.
Lunch. My placement at the table was next to H. M. King Carl XVI Gustaf.