Photography has always had an unusual relationship with reality. In an age where artificial intelligence can generate landscapes that never existed, skies that were never seen, and moments that never happened, the question seems more relevant than ever: what is still real? At first glance, this photograph may not help much in answering that question.

For the entire trip, we had hoped for an encounter with wild reindeer. We knew the chances were slim. The hunting season had already started, and most animals were staying high in the mountains. Still, every morning we set out with hope.

For many years I have been photographing roe deer at this location. Anyone familiar with my work knows that I am often looking for images that place wildlife within the landscape rather than isolating the animal completely from its surroundings. A sense of place is just as important to me as the subject itself.