It may sound like an unimportant award, but for a country like Ukraine it can really make a difference. I was in Riga in 2002 the night Latvia won their first contest, and just two weeks ago, on May 1st, they became full members of the EU. I'm not saying winning the Eurovision Song Contest caused it, but winning the event and then automatically hosting the show the following year is free promotion worth millions.
I hope the Ukraine will get just as much benefit from this prestigious award. Now the country has the chance to show the world that the people can organize and arrange an international event without corruption and mafia involvement. There will be lots of opportunities to make quick money, but PLEASE do not fall into temptations dear Eurovision committee: do it fair and square and prove to the world that Ex-Soviet Ukraine is moving West.
Yesterday was my last day with Elisabeth from Poland. She left early this morning, satisfied to have spent a few days in Paris, but also happy to be going home to see her boyfriend. It can't be easy travelling abroad for the first time at the tender age of eighteen and ending up in the "claws" of photographer Petter Hegre in Paris :-)
Thanks to two Hegre-Archives members, I have been able to work at some fantastic locations lately. On Friday it was Lionel who took me to the dancing school, and yesterday I headed off with Carl De Canada to an impressive castle surrounded by parkland. Going deeper and deeper into the woods to avoid the Sunday walkers, we finally found a magic spot and captured some beautiful moments with Elisabeth dappled in sunlight and surrounded by greenery.
The first time I met Carl, I thought: wow, he reminds me of a Norwegian Troll – and with a naked angel in white knee socks running through the forest and an ogre with nothing better to do, I had all the elements for the perfect scenario: "Norwegian Troll Kidnapping Polish Girl". Who needs the Cannes Film Festival – check out the hilarious clips to the right.
Darkness was creeping over the horizon as we wrapped in Elisabeth's little hotel room. The blue tiles on the bathroom wall made the perfect background for some soft sunset lit nudes and we ended the session with some sleepy shots from her bed. Enjoy the sneak previews.
This is the last Paris diary for a week. Tomorrow, I am heading back to Portugal to spend some time with my family. I also have to start preparing and scheduling updates with my new Paris imagery. But stay tuned, on May 25 Luba and I are back in the City of Lights to take you into a hot June in Paris.
And to my Norwegian surfers, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Tomorrow on May 17th it is our Norwegian Independence day and the streets will be filled with parades, waving flags and kids eating ice cream. There will probably be a few Trolls as well, so take care and have fun!
Petter
See photos:














Its by accident i came acrooss your site. i m frm india.ur photographs and ur girls and their pose and ur shot is excellent.The one particular shot and the girl i really admire is Ivette Denim Hotpants.Mr.Hegre will u help me get her mail ID for me.please.Be very greatful.
Prashant
I am a great fan of the dark...not again a member, maybee soon.I just promot your site on many of mine.
I love what you are doing with your life, you travels all over the world, and shooting the most beautiful womens, have a good time...you have the life i have always dream to have.
I must say to you, that your website is really a perfect of the art, simple, class.
The people who works with you are gods in what they are doing, and i hope, they realized that they are lucky to share this aventure with your work.
To finish, continue to do what you are doing best, enjoy the life, size your dreams, and kiss
you both( you and Luba off course =) )
ZuckBin from Paris...