On The Edge Of A Swedish Canyon
"I wanted to create images that showed both vulnerability and calm, in a situation that would have caused a sense of panic in most people."
- Tomas Lissåker -
- Tomas Lissåker -
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Mountain Scene
"I was inspired by photographer Christopher James who has created some similar images in the US, and I thought that with the skills and experience I had from climbing I should be able to do somethings that looked really cool. I wanted to create images that showed both vulnerability and calm, in a situation that would have caused a sense of panic in most people. The contradiction between the two creates an interesting conflict in the images.
The planning started with the scouting of a suitable location, I chose National Park Söderåsen because it had a great view down the canyon as well as a bit of a protruding rock formation to place the model on. I knew this location would work really well because it offered both great aesthetic and good safety options. Safety was also one of the most important issues to consider. As I needed to be able to attach ropes both for the model, me and my assistant. Once I had the location, I drew up my idea for the rope rigging and double checked it with a rope access professionally. I also got the green light from the County Administrations Board." |
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Who did you choose to work with and why?
"This shoot really required a model that would be able to deliver on a different level. Posing in the street or in a studio is one thing, but delivering an emotion and being comfortable whilst leaning off a cliff is something different. I approached Maija for this shoot because I had a feeling she would be able to take this shoot to the level I knew it could be. Her background as a dancer really worked to her advantage as she has a whole different level of control of her body. We had done a couple of shoots before, so we knew each other and I felt comfortable with her being able to work within the safety restraints we had."
Why ZZ Loves It
I would like to thank Tomas for providing us with such wonderful and marvellous work. A great image does not necessarily need designer clothes or exciting make-up - sometimes, immersing ourselves into nature is enough. Let nature drop the colour and paint. Let go of all the stress that comes with these times, maybe caused by the pandemic. Breathe.
Let the emotions go, let nature heal us with the colors of green and blue, the wind and waves, the cliffs and the light. Enhanced by the dancing steps and the calm emotion. We put them into frames and give them life. There are voices in these works, what do you hear?
- Serene -
Let the emotions go, let nature heal us with the colors of green and blue, the wind and waves, the cliffs and the light. Enhanced by the dancing steps and the calm emotion. We put them into frames and give them life. There are voices in these works, what do you hear?
- Serene -
Behind the Scenes/Making Of
About Tomas
"Hej, I'm Tomas, I'm 32 and I currently call Malmö my home, but I grew up in the forests of Dalarna in a small village called Gesunda. I have a background as a mountain leader and guide so besides my photography I also work at Naturkompaniet which is a store focused on outdoor gear, in Malmö. I first got introduced to photography in 2004 because having realised that I couldn’t draw or paint to save my life, it was probably the only way I was going to pass the mandatory art class. For me, the camera is simply a recording device, it doesn't create anything that isn't there. What gets captured is a result of an interaction. The emotion in an image is what makes it work. You can have great light, a great model and all that but if there's no emotion in the image, it falls flat."
Artist Credits
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Editor Credits
Interview & Text Serene Chen
Online Design Annika Maug |
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Want to see more photos of Tomas and Maija?
Let Tomas take you from the Swedish mountains to the beach, and follow him and Maija on their shoot on a windy day out by the sea.
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