Interesting stuff, yes.
My assumption was that nominated finalist for the Hasselblad master award meant he used a Hassy MF. Pardon for incorrect posting in thus subforum. Per 'photo info' under gallery on his website it appears the photos were captured using a Canon 5D MkII and a Panasonic DMC-FZ50.
Regardless, what I do find inspitational is not only his processing of the images, but that his eye in doing so enabled to render the light and appearance of the light and light rays in many images as believable. His technique seems that of a painter in that aspect. Thus I believe in part this is why many images come across as paintery.
What seem evident per looking through his gallery is that his focus is using certain technique to create the appearance of light (rays), and that is what makes it appear as an effect because it is repeated in many images and thus not seem like could be made through natural light. It is also in many images rather exaggerated, thus making it dubvious that it would enable to capture in so many repeat images in forest etc.
Very impressive work. However I believe much of it is on processing side.
Regards
Anders