Friday Photo #544 – Måstad Shadows

Photo: Mountain shadows surround the village of Måstad, Værøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway. June 26, 2022. 16:28

Formerly home to up to 150 people at the beginning of the 1900’s, the isolated village of Måstad slowly became depopulated after WW2 as the located proved to be too isolated for the upcoming modern world. Now, only a few houses remain, mostly used as summer holiday homes, in the roadless village, reached only by foot or boat.

In the old days, Puffins were a source of food, and the villagers would hike over the steep mountains to the nesting cliffs of the far side. This picture is taken from one of those old trails, as I was on the way to Måhornet – hiking guide here, the southern most peak on Værøy.

Normally, I would like a little more dramatic weather, as mid-day blue sky is pretty boring and harsh. In this case though, I like the jagged shadows of the mountain ridge as it almost frames the village. On my way back down from the mountain the sun had already fallen too low and the entire area was now in the shadow, and the scene had lost all impact.

Head over to my Instagram account for (almost) daily postings of the local conditions here on Lofoten: @distant.north

Camera Info:
Nikon Z7 II
Nikon 14-30mm f/4
19mm
ISO 100
f 8
1/320 Second
WB Daylight