The Old Forest
A journey into the spirit of the taiga
The Old Forest is my second project — a year-long journey into the quiet spirit of the taiga, the old-growth forests of northern Sweden. Like Moments in the Wilderness, it will grow slowly through the seasons, becoming both a documentary film and a handcrafted print portfolio.
This project is rooted in love for wild places — and it can only take shape with the support of kindred spirits like you. Pre-order below to help bring it to life.
Special Pre-Order Offer: Sapling Edition
Pre-order before May 27 to receive the special Sapling Edition — including exclusive secret artwork and free worldwide shipping.
You can also support the project by becoming a Monthly Supporter.
Introduction
For the past few years, my fascination with the old-growth forest has deepened. While working on Moments in the Wilderness, this connection grew even stronger — and now I want to devote an entire project to the northern taiga forests.
I want to create a film and a print portfolio that bring you into the heart and spirit of these forests — home to countless species, and once, our home too.
Why This Project Matters
When I began my journey as a photographer more than 20 years ago, it was the mountains that first drew me in. But as I’ve grown older, the taiga forest has become increasingly important to me — not only as an artist, but as a person. I find a deep sense of belonging there. It’s a place of endless discovery, and each time I return, it continues to fascinate and inspire me.
The forest invites me to a slower, more intimate way of photographing — a welcome challenge for me. The forest is not just about the trees; it’s equally about the animals and birds that live there, and I hope to bring them into the work too.
While northern Sweden is covered by vast forests, the majority are managed for modern timber production, leaving only a small fraction of true old-growth forests. This isn’t just the case in Sweden — it’s a global issue. The loss of these forests is not only an environmental crisis, but also a cultural one. We are losing more than trees — we’re losing the species that depend on these ecosystems, and our connection to the past, to our heritage, and to the wisdom found in the natural world.
With this project, I hope to reveal the quiet spirit of the taiga forest through a beautiful documentary film and a handcrafted print portfolio. I’ve always believed that lasting change begins from within, and with this body of work, I hope to ignite that spark.
A Solo Journey
The project will be created entirely by me — alone in the old forest. Over the course of a year, I will be there to witness the seasons change: from summer to autumn, and into the cold of midwinter. I’ll be there when the sun returns — and in spring, when life begins again.
There’s something powerful about working this way. It allows for a deeper connection with the landscape, and an honesty in the work that only solitude can bring. I’ll be hiking, paddling, skiing, photographing, filming, recording sound, and living with the rhythms of the forest — just as I did during Moments in the Wilderness.
No crew. No production team. Just me, my camera, and a deep commitment to telling the story of this place. Working alone means moving slowly, observing quietly, and letting the forest shape the work. In today’s fast-paced world, this kind of slow, intentional work feels increasingly rare — but it’s the only way I know.
What Your Support Makes Possible
The Old Forest is an independent, self-funded project — created entirely by me. But I can’t do it alone. Your support brings this work to life. Every pre-order and contribution makes a real difference, helping to fund:
- A full year of fieldwork (June 2025 to June 2026)
- Post-production and music licensing for the film
- Design, printing, and production of the handcrafted print portfolio
There are no outside sponsors — only a belief in slow, thoughtful art and the importance of staying connected to the natural world. This project exists thanks to people like you.
The Path Ahead
From experience, I know that meaningful work takes time. Like the forest itself, this project needs time to grow. Here’s the path ahead:
- June 2025: Fieldwork begins
- June 2026: Fieldwork completed
- June – November 2026: Post-production and printmaking
- November 2026: Film and print portfolio release
Delays can happen — especially when working closely with nature — but I bring the same care and commitment to this project as I did with Moments in the Wilderness. That journey taught me how to meet challenges and still deliver what I promised.
Final Words
This project is rooted in love and deep fascination — for the forest, for the quiet beauty of the land, for the shifting light of the seasons, and for the creatures that call this place home. At its heart, it’s a way for me to share my love for the taiga.
Like a forest, the project will grow slowly and patiently. It will be hard and honest work. I’ll be out there alone for a full year, and the experiences I carry home will take shape in a film and a handcrafted print portfolio.
This work can only happen with your support — thank you for walking with me into The Old Forest, and helping it come to life.
Magnus
