Isac Nyroos: Reclaimed

Reclaimed explores the dynamic relationship between us and the natural world, where nature gradually reasserts itself over spaces shaped by humans. This series captures moments where nature finds a way back, reclaiming and transforming what was once solely ours, highlighting the quiet power and resilience that defines the balance between us and the environment.

As you journey through this curated series of photographs, you are invited to explore the tension and harmony that exists within these intersections. Each image, captured in the diverse landscapes of Umeå, Holmön, and Stockholm in Sweden, offers a glimpse into this ongoing dialogue between humans and nature. The arrangement of these images is intentional; I encourage you to follow the visual sequence, allowing the narrative to gradually unfold and reveal the deeper connections between each scene.

These moments were captured using a Cosina CT1G, a Japanese analog camera from the 1970s that belonged to my late grandfather. This project is not only a creative endeavor but also a tribute to him, as I continue to use his camera in the way he did—to preserve the essence of nature and the beauty of fleeting moments. Each photograph captures a moment I wanted to preserve, a scene that called for closer attention, inviting you to pause and appreciate the world in its intricate detail, rather than letting it pass by unnoticed.

The series features photographs taken with three distinct film stocks, each chosen for its unique qualities. The “Vandal Daylight” film in 200 ISO, known for its warm, old-school tones, brings a nostalgic feel to the scenes. Recommended to me by the owner of my go-to shop because he thought that I looked like a graffiti artist, which I found fitting. The “Lomography Potsdam” film in 100 ISO, used for the black-and-white photographs, adds a timeless, melancholic aesthetic with a more prominent grain. Finally, the “Santa Color” film in 100 ISO, seen in the last four images, introduces vibrant colours that contrast with the earlier, more muted tones. All of these are in the standard format of 35mm.

The film rolls were developed in a small, trusted shop in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. This shop has been a cornerstone of my photographic process, where countless conversations about film types and lighting conditions in combination with the subtleties of locations have shaped the final outcome of these images.

I’d like to take a moment to thank Tuomas Koskialho, the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Docu Magazine, for providing the platform to share this work. As a Finnish citizen, I find it meaningful that this series is featured in an independent Finnish publication. My diverse experiences around the world have undoubtedly shaped my vision, which finds its expression in the interplay between nature and human influence explored in this publication.