Portraits of nature

I want to share the beauty of nature through my art. Even though the ornaments of civilization are all around us, there are still some parts of the globe where human influence is relatively small. I try hard to find and photograph these spots for you to enjoy.

Koh Rong Samloem is a paradise-like island at the Cambodian coast. The amount of plastic pollution is worrisome. At high tide mess from Thailand floats in, during low tide plastic from Vietnam is washing ashore. I had to do my very best not to have any plastic debris visible on this picture. You can help to reduce plastic soup: bring your own shopping bag and refuse plastic bags. Get a refillable water bottle and drink (filtered) tap water instead.

Old-growth forest is rare nowadays because of logging. That’s why it is so great that near the Angkor ruins of Roulos, there are still some old trees left. Visiting national parks and paying admission is a manner to show your appreciation for conservation efforts.

To cross this beautiful island, you have to walk a jungle trail. Nearby, a large cement road to newly built resorts is in the making, leaving a trail of destruction. Eco-tourism is an alternative to reduce our impact and save the jungle.

Trees of 100 years old or more are rare in Sweden. Most forests are so-called production forests without diversity. Now you know where your Ikea furniture comes from. Buying used or vintage furniture is an easy and fun to way to save trees and reduce your environmental impact.

Starlings associate in flocks of varying sizes throughout the year. You can find them in not only in the wild but also in human-modified habitat, including farmland, plantations and urban areas. Pesticides are a problem because these birds feed on insects, fruits and seeds. Buying organic food lowers the chemical input thus saves bird lives.

Park for domestic vegetation in Amstelveen (the Netherlands). Cultivating endangered plants in public space is a great method to educate the young and old about or natural world.

There used to be more snow and ice in Iceland, climate change is real. Reducing your carbon footprint helps. Use public transport or a bike and eat less or no meat.

The forest was set on fire by an arsonist some years ago. Despite a big protest, the surviving part is cut for reasons of corporate greed and idiocy.

Stepantsiminda (also known as Kazbegi) is famous for its scenic location in the Greater Caucasus mountains. (Georgian: სტეფანწმინდა; Kazbegi, ყაზბეგი).