Photography by Tom Benjamin
Each reindeer herder has their own ear mark that is used to identify their reindeer. Each year the herders will collect their reindeer into the counting fences where they will mark the reindeer that have been born that year. The mark is made by making cuts out of the ear and you can see this in the photograph above.
Recently I have been out hunting for reindeer, hoping for the rare chance of getting the perfect shot with my camera but it has been harder than I first thought. One day you will see a field with a hundred reindeer, the next they will be gone without a trace. Finding reindeer in the woods is near impossible, the dense trees make it hard to see them and they hear you before it’s possible to get close enough.
I found a large herd and at first took my photographs from the car. Surprisingly, reindeer won’t move when they see a car but as soon as you get out they are off. After a moment I slowly got out and stood between trees, even though many of the animals had already spotted me and begun to move away.
As I stood on the outskirts of the field, trying not to move, I thought about what I was doing. The reindeer are essentially livestock and I couldn’t imagine myself chasing cows or sheep around a field but there is something different about these animals that I will always admire. This week I will be posting a new reindeer photograph everyday.
Winter driving is back.
Snow on the road means you have to take a little more care while driving. When a large truck passes by on the other side it kicks up a small snow storm that leaves you temporary blinded for a few seconds. At this time of year the sun is low in the sky and the glare can be difficult to see reindeer in the road.
A church is always a fine example of beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship. They are often built many years ago and stand the test of time. This church in Inari dates back to 1646.
You can read more about Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church in my post 5 Things to do in Finnish Lapland in Summer and this photograph is in response to the challenge Made From Wood.
The Bankside Power Station in London is now home to the Tate Modern. At first there had been a coal fired power station in this location from 1891 but the area was developed and construction of the current building was fully completed in 1963. Between 1952-1981 the power station generated electricity for the city.
The building sits on the bank of the Thames and is seen as a historical icon of the city. Its unique chimney was restricted at a height of 99m as it had be lower St. Paul’s Cathedral on the opposite bank. In recent years the building went through a £134 million conversion project and opened in 2000 as the Tate Modern
These photographs were taken at a time when the Tate Modern was hosting a Damien Hirst exhibit and the statue outside was part of his work, other famous work of Hirst is the 50 million diamond encrusted platinum skull and the shark in a tank, both were featured in the exhibit.
After the 1940 Olympics was cancelled due to World War II Helsinki would hold the 1952 Olympics instead, this was the second Olympics to take place since the end of the war. Today in the city you can visit several of the stadiums that held events during the Olympics. In the gallery below you can see Helsinki Olympic Stadium with its viewing tower that is open to the public.
Our Shadows Will Remain