Wise Giants, the memory of life :, Norway. Wildlife photograph by Sofia STEEG, finalist in the Shoot The Frame Wildlife photography award, January 2025

Finalist Wildlife · January 2025

Wise Giants, the memory of life :

In the dark waters of Arctic Norway, a herring ball was slowly taking shape, surrounded by hunting orcas. As the light faded, the depths grew darker and the herring ball vanished from view. In the growing gloom, I turned and, as if emerging from the very depths, she appeared, this giant. Only four meters from me, it was clear she had just fed on the herring, a silent, graceful presence amidst the darkening waters. After three months spent in the Arctic Circle of Norway, waiting for a chance to witness these colossal creatures of the deep, I left with a deep sense of peace. The gaze she offered, the momentary stillness of time, and the pure connection to this otherworldly being, left an imprint of serenity in my body that I will carry with me forever.