Interview: Photographer Albert Södgård (Sweden)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Albert Södgård and I live in the north of Sweden in Arctic Circle land. I´m working as a photographer, love to travel and discover new places, opportunities and meet new people.
How and when did you get into photography?
I was interested in photography since I can remember. It was a lot landscape, nature and close up pictures. It was so till 2014 when I opened my photography business and working as a pro photographer as my full time job since then.
What does photography mean to you?
It´s a magical world with emotions, stories and details you can see on your own way. The world of endless possibilities with your mind as the only one limitation.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I love black and white photography. "Black and white are the colors of photography" as Robert Frank said and it´s true. Black and white pictures are timeless, every detail and line counts. I always try to get my photos a deeper perspective, emotions or a story. I never say what kind of story a pictures have. It´s upp to you to read it off on your own way. People who know me kidding that I have a tendency to place beautiful modells in old, messy and abandoned location - here I am!
Where do you get inspiration from?
I don´t have just a one source. I love work of photographer Helmut Newton or painter Zdzislaw Beksinski. But often it´s a mix of places I have seen or read about, people I would like to work with and my imagination about how I would like to make my pictures look like.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture ?
Yes, I do. I always prepare my projects carefully. I do research about place, modells, weather and everything which counts. But my experience says that no matter how good preparation I did cause picture from my shooting don´t look as I thought they will. This is the best in photography : suprise!
Studio, on location or both?
Location absolutely! The process to find a new location for a new project making me excited. I can already then imagine and plan session.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I´m a full time pro photographer
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Each session is unforgettable. There are special feelings and memories connected to every session I did.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Canon. No favorite lens. I work with standard 24-70mm and 70-200mm. For me much more important is what I see through the lens than what´s the number on it.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
Listen much more critics then people glorifying your work.
What do you think of our new magazine?
Great chance to show my work and get in touch with other photographers, modells and make up artists. Well done!
