When Pål discovered an abandoned scrapyard in southern Sweden, near to his home, he began to visit it regularly.
Abandoned for more than 60 years, the cars have succumbed to nature. Algae and moss cover the paintwork, plants grow up through the floorboards and tiny creatures nest in the seats. ‘One particular squirrel would cross the yard at almost the same time every morning,’ says Pål. ‘It would jump from car to car, and I got to know the sound of its little metallic footsteps so well that I could tell which car it was on. I’m fascinated by how wildlife slowly occupies what were once powerful human symbols of status. Plants and animals pay no attention to our icons. It is nature that rules, not wealth.’ Pål set up a hide and used nuts to tempt the squirrel to pause, resulting in a surprising, story-book picture.
Norway
A trained dentist and a homeopath, Pål has also written and illustrated more than 30 books. His pictures have been published and exhibited worldwide, and have garnered many prizes in major competitions such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year, World Press Photo and GDT (the Society of German Nature Photographers). His work has also been published in National Geographic, GEO and BBC Wildlife.
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