The fundamental principle of Threads of the Arctic is to do no harm. This project is intended to be an enjoyable and positive experience for all parties involved. It is not for monetary gain. My goal is never to speak on behalf of Indigenous Peoples, nor to portray them in a negative or stereotypical manner. Every aspect of this project — from the photography session to the publication of images and text — is guided by respect, co-creation, and the informed consent of each participant.

The backstory: through my work with the Arctic Council on biodiversity conservation, I meet and engage with many Arctic Indigenous Peoples at meetings and conferences across the Arctic. I have long been fascinated by Indigenous Peoples' traditional clothing — though "traditional" is not quite the right word. Like Arctic Indigenous cultures themselves, the clothing is rooted in tradition but is also living and evolving, varying between Peoples and regions.

Arctic Indigenous Peoples, residing within the eight Arctic States, share a history of colonization that has varied across regions and time. The first Arctic Peoples Conference, held in 1973 in Copenhagen, can be said to have marked the beginning of collective efforts by Arctic Indigenous Peoples to fight for their rights and regain pride in their unique and diverse cultures — reflected, among other things, in their clothing. While some have preserved their traditional clothing despite colonization, others are rediscovering it. The clothing continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic cultures of the Arctic.

My goal is to create portrait images that showcase the rich and diverse cultures of the Arctic through clothing — an expression of lifestyle and of a deep connection to the environment. In this work, I collaborate with Indigenous Peoples from across the Arctic, many of whom I consider friends. I am not an expert on Indigenous cultures, and I do not speak on their behalf.

Each set of images is co-developed in partnership with the subject, who retains full control over the process and the images. All use of the images is based on informed consent and mutual agreement. When we arrange a photoshoot, it's clear that if the subject does not like the images or does not want me to publish them, then I don't. If they like the images, I ask for their permission to publish them on my website and on social media. If any further opportunities would materialize, then I will reach out to them and request further permissions if it would ever come to that. If a subject changes their mind, they can request removal of the images at any time — no questions asked.

For me, portrait photography is more than creating an image I like; it is a conversation between photographer and subject. That dialogue fosters connection, understanding, and learning — and makes the process enjoyable for both of us.

Most of the text on these pages comes from interviews with the people I have photographed, supplemented by online research. While I provide context about clothing and its cultural significance, this page does not claim to be an authoritative source on Indigenous clothing or culture. Most of the people I have photographed don't claim to be experts either — they share their own knowledge, understanding, and connection to their clothing. For expertise, I defer to Indigenous Peoples themselves through the Permanent Participants of the Arctic Council.

With deep gratitude to the people who have shared their time, their stories, and their trust with me in front of the camera