Author: Ragnar Axelsson
Published by: Kehrer Verlag . 29 May 2025, 192 pages
I heard a lot about Ragnar Axelsson in the past and I always wanted to own one of his books. Recently I realized there is a newly published book of his. I did not think much about it and purchased it pretty much there and then..This in the latest addition to my Photographer’s library.
Behind Mountains by Ragnar Axelsson is a powerful photography book rather than a text-heavy read. It documents Iceland’s traditional sheep roundups, a centuries-old practice carried out in harsh, remote landscapes.
Every autumn, from early September, Iceland’s réttir takes place; the country’s annual sheep round-up. Ragnar Axelsson has returned to the mountains to capture the event nearly every year for the past four decades.
The real strength of the book lies in its striking black-and-white images. These images capture the raw relationship between people, animals, and nature. The photos feel gritty, emotional, and authentic—often taken in extreme weather and rugged terrain.
Conclusion
I am sure if you know Axelsson’s work you already know how awesome this book is . For sure ,I am so pleased to own a copy. This is the book I will be coming back to often. The pictures are truly amazing. The entire book gives you a sense of what it is like to be a sheep farmer in Iceland. Beautifully printed this book is thing of beauty.
I would definitely recommend the book to every photographer. Whether you are a landscape, portrait, or reportage photographer, you will find this book fascinating. Do not hesitate and buy a copy you will not regret it. Do you already own a book from Ragnar Axelsson? Which one ? Let me know in the comments below.