Short film and images of an expedition to Norway to photograph the Musk Oxen in negative degree weather.
MUSK OX PRINT | MOTHER NATURE
Norway, late afternoon; it was about an hour after I had climbed up the mountain. As I got closer to these giants, the storm grew stronger. Originally, I had been shooting from the lower side of the mountain but due to the winds direction, and speed, all the Musk Oxen turned their backs to me. I climbed over the mountain to get to the right position, when I reached the other side I found myself 15 to 20 feet away from these gargantuan beasts. If one of them had charged at me I would have fallen the whole way down, for I was at the edge of the mountain and it was a 1000 foot drop at the very minimum.
After talking myself out of the fear of being next to them I started to inch in closer. Not one of them moved. Every so often they would open their frozen eyelids and look at me; I was extremely surprised that they allowed me to get in their space.
I would have never been able to get so close if not for Mother Nature. It's true that Mother Nature takes care of us all.
I would have never been able to get so close if not for Mother Nature. It's true that Mother Nature takes care of us all.
MUSK OX PRINT | STANDING TOGETHER
Norway, early evening. My wish was granted. The storm has hit us hard. There were winds up to 55 miles an hour and snow felt like needles peircing my face. I was thrilled, I got the opportunity to show how wildlife survive under extreme conditions. In this case Musk Oxen.
One of the amazing things I noticed was that just before the storm, the oxen were fighting; ramming into each other. However, as soon as the storm hit they huddled together as a unit. And together they shielded one another from the storm. It was amazing to see how animals know the value of a team.
Sometimes, even animals can teach us a valuable lesson. I certainly learned mine.
MUSK OX PRINT | SHIELD
Norway, early evening. The Storm wouldn't let up. All of the Musk Oxen just stood, still facing the storm; they were on top of the mountain and had no where to go. The Musk Ox you see in this photograph was the biggest, I believe he was the leader. He moved himself to the right (winds were blowing from right to left). Once he was the last one on the right, he sat down. Soon they all sat down after him in a row. Within 15 minutes he was covered in snow and had become a shield for the others, taking on the winds and snow so they didn't have to as much. He didn't move an inch; soon, I nearly lost sight of him as he got covered with snow. He was doing his responsibility of protecting his herd, with no care of the harm that could come to him. A true leader worries about himself last.
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