It was early November 2016, and while the outside temperature in Queensland danced around the 30 degree mark, Alex was busy cushioning all of his usual gear (camera, lenses, lighting & lots of other techy gadgets) with thermals, jackets and other clothes designed for extreme warmth.
His latest destination was a far cry from the Queensland sun.
Long-time friends of Puremotion Studio – Maggie and James – had invited Alex and his wife Stella to accompany them exploring some of the most remote and untouched parts of the Arctic Circle.
This trip of a lifetime would not just be an adventure with friends – it would be an opportunity to capture pockets of precious memories, stories and laughs as they unfolded, in real time, in a place that seems to stand still from time itself.
The first stop for this awesome foursome was the sub zero climate and snow-laden landscapes of Finlands’ northernmost region; Lapland. Here, glass domed igloos with thick black window panels were the only identifiable human framework in the unending expanse snow and light.
Alex relished the opportunity to capture the tender embraces of Maggie & James underneath dramatic skies lit up by the neon brights’ of the northern lights – a romantic backdrop like no other.
The next stop was a quaint little log cabin. Nestled in amongst snowy peaks it sat proudly with its red oak window frames and decorative mustard awnings. Warm and cosy, Maggie and James snuggled up together and Alex worked his magic behind the lens yet again.
This trip was by no means all posed and proper photographs, however. Rides atop sleighs pulled along by traditional Finnish Reindeer, strolls across icy lakes, and the constant battle to navigate impenetrable clouds of snow all brought a sense of adventure to Maggie and James during this pre-wedding trip over a lifetime.
And that was just Finland.
Iceland, with its glacier scattered landscape and imposingly vast, sharp terrain was next.
Aside from the fun had exploring the wonders and eccentricities of this unique country, Alex relished the opportunity to experiment with full creative licence when it came to capturing the deep and unwavering bond between Maggie and James in such an unforgiving environment.
Despite ruthlessly cold climates and harsh surroundings, long & unremitting drives, hikes across rough and rugged territory, and the constant battle to remain warm and protected from the arctic elements, this was the place where some of Alex’s finest work emerged.
The contrasts between human love and fragility and nature’s beautiful unwavering strength were crystallised in images that James and Maggie will treasure forever.
This trip will go down in Puremotion history as one of unprecedented adventure that Alex will hold dear in his ‘black book of travels’ – his ever growing collection of breathtaking love stories from across the globe.
