Growing up in a family of architects made me appreciate details—the well-crafted details made with care and compassion for how a house is its own story—a story of everyday tasks and life, a kitchen story, a story of food making, a story of fire and fireplaces, of home offices, sleep, and play.

This home in Trosterudstiebn, Oslo, was created by my grandfather, Jens Selmer, and his wife, Wenche Selmer. The house will now pass on to new owners. Still, I have been photographing and honoring all the small and more significant details of hidden walls, secret storage, and beautifully designed rooms, doors, drawers, and wooden furniture for the last week. As a friend said when joining our last gathering, "Everything in this house is thought of; there are no coincidences." And it's true. They offered so much time and thoughtfulness in every situation, in all the details of their home, and showed us how sustainable quality is because you don't want to change a thing.

I was also reminded of how good it is to be in a house made of unpainted wood and how important it is to fill a house with laughter, food, and love for it to shine brightly.

Community Sauna Hot Spot

The neighborhood community on Nesodden peninsula, a short ferry ride from the Norwegian capital, Oslo, wanted to increase their already growing number of common saunas.

They wanted an eco-friendly and social sauna with a breathtaking view. In this case Oslo Works has designed a Hotspot that really takes care of that.

Ylajali was a renowned restaurant located at St. Olavs Plass in Oslo, established in 2002 and sadly closed its doors in 2015. Led by head chef Even Ramsvik, the restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2014, a testament to its exceptional cuisine and innovative Nordic flavors. Despite its success, in February 2015, it was announced that Ylajali would be closing permanently that December.

The name "Ylajali" was inspired by a character from the works of Norwegian author Knut Hamsun

The restaurant Jor wanted to build the longest Instagram table in the world, being an incredible funny job with shoots starting where the last ended. Check out here.

In the warm, flour-dusted corners of Godt Brød bakery, I found beauty in the simplest of details — the hands of the baker, skilled and weathered from years of crafting bread with care. As the dough was kneaded and shaped, each movement told a story of tradition and dedication. I captured the rhythm of those hands, knowing their imprint would grace the walls of the bakery and live on in a book about ecological baking. The photographs became more than just images; they were a tribute to the artistry of sustainable baking, where every gesture held the essence of nature’s finest ingredients.

Cabin at Imingfjell made by Arkitektværelset. More about the project at www.innholdsbyraet.no and https://arkitektvaerelset.no

Grønn Gourmet by Bente Westergaard is a culinary exploration that celebrates the art of plant-based cooking. Set in the scenic surroundings of Hellviktangen, the book brings together recipes that highlight the beauty and flavors of vegetables, grains, and natural ingredients. Westergaard’s approach is both innovative and accessible, encouraging readers to embrace healthy, sustainable eating habits without compromising on taste. The book blends her love for nature with her culinary expertise, offering a variety of dishes that are as nourishing as they are delicious. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, Grønn Gourmet invites you to explore the vibrant world of plant-based cuisine.

Rørosmeieriet is an ecological diary chain that wanted to make a cookbook with some of the best kitchens in Norway. We traveled to the most fantastic places, took pictures, and gathered recipes. In Harmony with Nature is a cookbook that focuses on Norwegian ingredients, tradition, and quality. In this book, 20 of Norway's top chefs invite us into their restaurants to share their best recipes, along with kitchen tips and tricks.

You can buy the book at their shop in Røros.

Working with the renowned architectural firm Snøhetta on an exhibition was an inspiring experience. The exhibition showcased the intricate processes behind their visionary designs, focusing on the blend of craftsmanship and innovation that defines their work. I had the privilege of capturing the models and handcrafted elements that reveal the careful thought and precision behind each project. Through photography, I aimed to highlight the tactile beauty of these creations, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Snøhetta's groundbreaking architecture comes to life — from concept to detailed execution.

I took these pictures in Spain for Rema 1000’s ecological campaign in 2017. Every shot was designed to showcase the essence of healthy, eco-friendly living, highlighting the importance of choosing organic and locally sourced produce.

I had the opportunity to capture a striking moment for the National Theatre's production of Lille Eyolf by Henrik Ibsen, featuring the talented Pia Tjelta and Kåre Conradi. After an intense photoshoot, the actors ran out into the rain and I was there, camera in hand, ready to capture the authenticity of the moment as they stood drenched. The rawness of the rain-soaked scene mirrored the emotions of the play, and in that fleeting moment, I was able to freeze an image that captured both the vulnerability and strength of the characters.

Innholdsbyrået got a perfect customer: An ecological bakery chain, Godt Brød, who makes healthy bread and sweet cinnamonrolls, french loaf and seedy sourdough. And they wanted to make a book. Oh heaven, we love to make books. So in 2015 we met a lot of handy bakers with strong hands. We travelled around in Norway, and learned how to roll the perfect french baguettes, how to use oatmeal in the buns, to use two days on the perfect dough, the perfect brown bread.

In 2009, I had the opportunity to photograph Michelle Obama in the Prime Minister's apartment in Oslo, with Ingrid Schulerud by her side. The occasion was the Nobel Peace Prize. I captured a moment of both women in this intimate setting, documenting the quiet significance of the event as they prepared for the ceremony.

Product pictures for Godt Brød, to use in commercial marketing in their stores

I had the pleasure of collaborating with Monica Hellmann on The Gluten-Free Bakery, a book that delves into the art of creating delicious gluten-free Christmas cookies. Together, we explored recipes that are not only free from gluten but full of flavor, bringing joy to those with dietary restrictions during the holiday season. Through crafted recipes and photography, we captured the warmth and festive spirit of baking — from the mixing of ingredients to the final, delicate touches on each cookie. This book is a celebration of tradition with a twist, offering a new way to enjoy beloved holiday treats without compromising on taste or texture.

We need to hug more and share food made with love. Food Studios' primary emphasis is to share knowledge about Food Empathy. During the winter of 2022, Cecilie Dawies, the founder, initiated a Community Brunch once a month at Factory Tøyen, where I helped take photos and make food and herbal teas. Chef Elizabeth Gilman made a menu based on locally harvested and grown vegetables, and many volunteers joined before and after, helping out and making the gatherings possible. Food Studio emphasizes how we gather, forage, and make food that holds the story of possible ways of living sustainably in all meanings. Through these gatherings, we wanted to give the participants a taste of the wisdom Food Studio has collected through years of initiating tables where people can meet over well-cooked meals in kitchens, halls, lawns, and fields. See more at Foodstudio.no

Before the old Devold factory outside of Ålesund was renovated, it stood as a time capsule of forgotten industry, its raw beauty captured in every corner. The old repair workshops, filled with the scent of aged wood and oil, seemed to hold the stories of past craftsmanship. In the storage rooms, rows upon rows of dusty ribbons and buttons lay scattered across worn wooden shelves, frozen in time. The unpainted walls, cracked and weathered, stood as a testament to years of use and history. The air was thick with nostalgia, dust motes dancing in the sunlight that filtered through the grime-covered windows. It was a place where every inch whispered of its industrial past, waiting to be reborn, yet still proud of the legacy it carried within its walls.