There are roughly 70,000 indigenous Sámi living in areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Russian Kola peninsula collectively known as the Sápmi region; 20,000 of which live in Sweden.
Three weeks ago, I was in Swedish Lapland covering the now 406 year old Sámi market, meeting and interviewing lots of intriguing people like Greta Huuva, Ylva-Marie Paval, and Lennart Pittja, and tirelessly chasing down stories and potential ideas, with the result being hundreds of photos that needed to be sorted, tons of really cool stories I’ll be sharing, and plans to go back up north to work on a few projects within the Sápmi region.
Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing some photo galleries and background snippets.
Comments (11)
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Christine Gilbert and Lola Akinmade, Peggy Llewellyn. Peggy Llewellyn said: RT @LolaAkinmade: New post: Photo Gallery: Sami Portraits from Jokkmokk http://lolaakinmade.com/?p=4351 #Travel #Lapland #Sami #Sweden [...]
Amazing work Lola. Stunning portraits all around.
On my next trip to Sweden, I’d really like to go to Lapland. Love the photos; can’t wait to see more.
@Jeff & Theresa – Thanks! More coming up shortly.
Wonderful photo, he looks so serious! Do you know what kind of fur that is?
@Joshy – That’s white reindeer fur!
Holy WOW, Lola, these are beautiful.
You have a pic of a young woman with a cell phone. I always wonder why I stop and laugh at those — I have one of a Venice gondolier in his stripes texting. It’s that class of traditional clothes and modern tools that makes me giggle, I think. Once, in Austria, I saw a bearded old guy pull a cell phone from an ancient pair of lederhosen and I just burst out laughing.
What amazing faces! Though I’ve never been to Lapland, I did have a bit of a taste of what I imagine it to be like when I was in Svalbard two years ago, and I would love to make it up there someday. I probably need to buy a heavier coat before I go if these photos are any indication!
@Pam – Thanks so much. I totally hear you. It’s those life practicalities that “break up” a travel moment
@Kristin (Camels & Chocolate) – Thanks! Definitely -20 to -40 weather up here during the winter but you’ll love it. Svalbard has been calling me for a long time now.
Stunning photos, Lola! I’ve spent time in the Arctic and you’ve captured the spirit of the fascinating people there.
you have captured our people well. thank you. blessings, gust