Bright winter days and sledge rides kicks off the production of the books!

Text and photo Laila Duran ©

Winter is my favorite time for taking photos. The light and the contrast makes the colors sparkle and even though it easily gets too bright, the charm of the garments and the detailing makes me want to stay out doors all day. Two years ago I made my first photo shoot for Scandinavian Folklore volume 1. The site was Skansen Open Air Museum in Stockholm, and with family, friends and colleagues, we had a great day including a sledge ride and a visit to the Seglora Church. Here are some of the photos that I did not use in the book.

The lady to the left is wearing a winter costume from Delsbo in Hälsingland and her lady friend, sitting at the front, is dressed in a costume from Dala Floda in Dalecarlia. To the right, the man is wearing a costume from Rättvik and, like the coachman, he is dressed to travel.

Anne Kristin Moe, who is a curator at Norsk Folkemuseum in Oslo, is a co-writer in the series of books: Scandinavian Folklore vol 1, 2, 3. Here she is wearing an old costume from Dala Floda, from the collection of Klädkammaren at Skansen.

The skirt of the Dala Floda costume is made of goat fur and trimmed with red and green broadcloth.

This is a newly made winter costume from Delsbo. The characteristic red headdress, a frame cap, is made of printed cotton.

It was a beautiful day, cold crisp air and blue sky. The sledge ride ended at the picturesque Seglora Church. For more information please visit: www.skansen.se

This week I am travelling through central Norway where there are plenty of my favorite prop; snow. A steady snowfall and a strong wind, makes the photos both dramatic and cheerful. Next week I will show you!

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