I first learned about the Lofoten Islands while searching online for photographs of the aurora. More than the aurora itself, it was the landscape — the jagged shapes of the islands rising from the sea — that captured my imagination., and before long I found myself wanting to go there.

In my mind, I pictured a snow-covered landscape, but not deep winter snow. I wanted a subdued, overcast landscape. January and February would probably be too deep in snow, so perhaps late November or December. The weather would likely be unsettled, with few clear days. In December I might even experience polar night, when the sun never rises above the horizon. And if the aurora appeared too, that would be perfect.

With those thoughts in mind, I booked lodging near the fishing village of Reine. It was an old fisherman's cabin, a rorbu, converted for guests. I stayed there for three nights and spent three days photographing the surrounding landscape..