Norwegian photographer Sølve Sundsbø brings a hypnotic fusion of technology, natural forces, and emotional depth to the Pirelli Calendar 2026. His new edition transforms the elements into vivid, immersive portraits of 11 celebrated women, each embodying an instinct, a state of mind, or a raw human desire. Through LED-crafted landscapes and cinematic staging, Sundsbø offers one of the calendar’s most visually ambitious and conceptually intimate interpretations yet.
Sundsbø’s concept transcends traditional representations of earth, air, fire, and water. His approach captures what he describes as the emotions, instincts, and states of mind at the heart of human existence. “The calendar goes beyond the four traditional elements,” Sundsbø explains. “I didn’t want to be too literal. I wanted to capture the emotions, instincts, and states of mind at the core of human life: The desire for freedom, curiosity, and the thirst for knowledge. Mystery, imagination, passion, the desire for emancipation, connection with nature, and our relationship with time and space. It’s a way to reconnect with our origins.“
Where technology meets the power of nature
In April, the photographer began shooting on Holkham Beach in Norfolk and in the Essex countryside, capturing images of natural phenomena. Then, he moved to studios in London and New York. A technology enthusiast and experimenter at heart, Sundsbø used massive LED screens to recreate the natural scenes he had captured, sunsets, clouds, fire, and water, as backdrops for his project’s subjects.
This hybrid approach allowed for controlled environments in which each subject could participate in their portrait. “We used new technologies, including huge LED walls, to ‘harvest’ nature and recreate it in a controlled space,” notes Sundsbø. “We used real water and real wind, but certain sets and elements were brought in from outside.“
Practical considerations guided creative choices. For example, rather than placing actual flames behind the subjects, the team filmed fire in advance and projected it onto the walls behind them. This eliminated risks while maintaining visual impact.
Celebrating experience: eleven women, eleven worlds
Sundsbø’s casting philosophy focused on experience and depth. “I wanted to photograph mature women with experience and depth,” the photographer explains. “I deeply respect these women for what they represent. Some I had long wanted to photograph, while others are faces I had already captured and wanted to reinterpret.“
The 22 photographs feature 11 women from diverse fields: Scottish actress Tilda Swinton, British actress Gwendoline Christie, British singer-songwriter FKA Twigs, Italian-American actress and director Isabella Rossellini, American tennis champion Venus Williams, British fashion designer and model Susie Cave, Italian actress Luisa Ranieri, Russian-born model Irina Shayk, Chinese model and actress Du Juan, Czech model Eva Herzigová, and Puerto Rican-born actress Adria Arjona each bring their own interpretation to their elemental embodiment.
Cave previously appeared in Helmut Newton’s 1986 Pirelli calendar (presented in 2014) and Clive Arrowsmith’s 1991 edition. Herzigová was featured in Peter Lindbergh’s 1996 edition and Bruce Weber’s 1998 edition. Du Juan appeared in Patrick Demarchelier’s 2008 calendar.
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A creative dialogue behind every elemental portrait
Each woman interpreted an element while contributing to the creation of her portrait with Sundsbø, who captured their unique emotions and physical characteristics. The photographer describes a dialogue-driven process in which the subjects expressed their preferences. “With Eva [Herzigová] and Susie [Cave], we put them in water,” Sundsbø shares. With Tilda Swinton, we created a miniature world for her. With FKA Twigs, I had a long conversation because she wanted to be covered in sand and become one with the earth. So it’s all about dialogue.”
The photographer emphasized trust when assembling his team. Stylist Jerry Stafford brought more than excellent styling skills; he had the ability to inspire ideas through subtle suggestions that Sundsbø could develop further. Brilliant cinematographer Benoît Delhomme created the lighting for the film, which they then refined for the still images. Long-time collaborator Robbie Doig designed the sets.
Makeup artist Val Garland and hairstylist Syd Hayes contributed their expertise and personalities to the project. Designer Greger Ulf Nilson handled calendar design, bringing his incredible talent and friendship to the project. The New York team included Bob Recine for hair, James Kaliardos for makeup, and Tristan Sheridan as cinematographer. “Everyone around me are people I’ve been collaborating with for a very long time,” emphasizes Sundsbø. “It’s important to me that there’s a real element of trust, and that we’re all working toward the same goal of serving the image and creating something magical.“
Photography as a language of emotion and storytelling
Sundsbø traces his passion for photography to his storytelling impulses. Unable to write or draw effectively, he discovered visual communication through skiing photography with friends and then concert documentation. “For me, photography is, above all, about storytelling and communication,” he states.
When he was invited to create the 2026 Pirelli Calendar, the photographer was immediately happy to join a grand pantheon of photographers. “It’s a bit like winning a prize,” he reflects. “Usually, you receive recognition for something you’ve already accomplished. Here, it’s as if you win it in advance, and then you have to achieve it.“
A calendar that evolves with culture and time
The 2026 edition continues the tradition of “The Cal” of staying ahead of cultural and aesthetic shifts. Since 2016, the calendar has reflected changing sensibilities in successive editions. For example, Annie Leibovitz’s 2016 version featured 13 successful women from various backgrounds, including tennis champion Serena Williams, singer Patti Smith, and MoMA president emerita Agnes Gund.
Peter Lindbergh’s 2017 “Emotional” edition featured 14 international actresses, including Nicole Kidman, Helen Mirren, Penélope Cruz, and Uma Thurman. It proposed a beauty that, while not perfect, was more real and capable of evoking emotion. Tim Walker’s 2018 “Alice in Wonderland” interpretation featured 18 individuals, including Naomi Campbell, Whoopi Goldberg, and RuPaul.
Albert Watson’s 2019 “Dreaming” edition examined women and their visions with models Gigi Hadid and Misty Copeland, actress Julia Garner, and model Laetitia Casta. Paolo Roversi’s 2020 “Looking for Juliet” explored the complexities of the female universe through nine women, including Emma Watson, Claire Foy, Rosalía, Indya Moore, and Kristen Stewart.
Following a suspension due to the pandemic in 2021, Bryan Adams’s 2022 “On the Road” captured the lives of touring artists. Emma Summerton’s 2023 “Love Letters to the Muse” celebrated exceptional women as authors, photographers, poets, and directors. Prince Gyasi’s 2024 “Timeless” immortalized individuals who have left lasting impressions and inspired future generations. Ethan James Green’s 2025 “Refresh and Reveal” marked a contemporary return to sensuality and beauty revealed through the body.
Redefining beauty through instinct, depth, and curiosity
Sundsbø considers beauty an extremely difficult word to define. “It’s as if you wanted to highlight something that is difficult to perceive immediately but ends up touching us,” he observes. “I think beauty is very individual, and it’s such a loaded word. But one thing remains eternal: the slight doubt about whether or not one finds something interesting. What is beautiful must be interesting and somewhat stimulating.”
He views photography as a deep desire, a quest, and a passion, rather than as mere exploration. Creating interesting moments to share with the world drives his work. “Just as writers try to write about an experience, I try to understand the world by photographing it,” he explains.
His message to the next generation is straightforward: “Yes, go for it! Go outside and disconnect from your screens. Don’t look at me. Go out and do it yourself.”