Can you tell us a little about yourself?
48 years old. Born in Bergen on the west coast of Norway. Grew up on the countryside on an island 5 miles North of Bergen. And I still live her with my wife Janicke and the dog Frodo. I have 2 kids, Iselin and Elisabeth, 20 and 23 years old. And the have already moved out.
How did you get interested in photography?
When I was studying in the USA in 1986, I bought my first camera in Hollywood. But it was not before the cameras became digital, I really started to get serious. I have never been any interested in darkroom work, but now when I can upload the images to my mac, and instantly start to process the stuff, then a different world was opening up to me, and I loved it.
Have any artist/photographer inspired your art?
Yes, Micael Kenna, Ansel Adams and Sebastio Salgado. And my Norwegian mentor Morten Krogvold.
Could you please tell us anything about your technique and creating process?
Hmm.. Try to make it simple and clean, less clutter the better. Lines and repetition is also important. I use mainly Lightroom, light, contrast and curves. I rarely use Photoshop.
Describe your ideal photographic situation
When everything falls into place. Light, the object and impact of the image.
How much preparation do you put into taking a photography?
When I travel, there is of course a lot of preparation. But when I shoot, it all happens on intuition. Sometimes when I plan to much, I rarely get the image that I hope for.
What’s your useable-to-unusable ratio when you review images from a shoot?
If I take 100 shots, there are maybe 2 to 5 images that is ok. And maybe 1 that is more than ok
What quick advice do you have for someone who wants to improve his or her photography skills?
SHOOT!!! Practice and do not give up. Do not use to much time looking at all the great pictures on the net. Try to find your own style.
From time to time many photographers find themselves in a creative rut or uninspired to shoot. Does this ever happen to you and if so how do you overcome these phases?
Yes, it happens to me to. Try not let it stress you. Take some time off from your shooting. To me it helps to spend time alone in the nature, and let your mind wonder off.
What future plans do you have? What projects would you like to accomplish?
To get better at what I do, and hopefully get more publicity from my work.
I have several other project going on. I will complete my project “Precious ice” and that includes another trip to Antarctica in November this year. And hopefully have a separate exhibition in 2015. [Official Website]
