Interview Photographer Erik Kunddahl (Denmark)

Can you tell us a little about you?

In May I will be 66 years old - living in the countryside in the middle of a forest.

In my wonderful little world with my wife, our German Shepards, our cat, and horses. A little world that inspires my visual world - which is all about creating images and making dreams come true through Images.

How and when did you get into photography?

It started in school back in the 70s when I got an SLR camera as a birthday present - A Russian Zenith camera and a darkroom set - I then took a basic graphic design course where photography was a big part of the teaching. I started as a student at an advertising agency where I worked a lot in the darkroom. Later I became co-owner of an advertising agency where I was the art director - For some of the commercials I had to make it required images, but it was often difficult to find exactly what I needed as a stock photo, so I started to create them myself. I started creating them based on my visions for the advertisement. At the same time, I started teaching photography at night school and teaching schoolteachers the subject of photography with all that it entails regarding technique, composition, and darkroom work.

What does photography mean to you?

I practically live and breathe for photography - it's a passion for me. I could work on it 24/7 all year around - but unfortunately, I don't have enough work yet to be financially independent. An exciting part of photography is the social opportunities it provides. I get to meet people with different backgrounds and needs. My horses inspired me to work for many years in equestrian sports and the industry that goes with it.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I work with editorial, fashion, portrait, and fine art. I want a single image or series to tell a story that inspires the viewer - I spend a lot of the time post-production to get exactly what I feel the image should contain.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I see images everywhere when I'm in the city or in nature and from people who inspire me - also from other media like photo sites, magazines, TV, and movies which all feed my ideas.

Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?

I work best when I can do a thorough preproduction. I am very theme-oriented in my work. When I'm working on a project I do a lot of research. For me, the details are important in the image as well as the mood that the model should express. I like to work with some of the same people - it means a lot for the result to have good teamwork. I have a collaboration with one model, Kimmie Kjær Tvergaard, who is an incredibly talented model. She is a strong person who knows exactly what she wants and is fantastic sparring at a shoot! We have worked together since 2018 and have been on international assignments together. Our collaboration has meant that we have each become more skilled in our respective areas.

Studio, on location or both?

I work mostly on location but also occasionally in a studio - I don't have a studio myself, but I rent from colleagues. It's 2 different ways of working, and that’s why I like the combination.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I did a fashion project with the theme of a historical character, Karen Blixen - a Danish author. The idea was to create a fashion shoot that seemed like it was on the savannah in Africa. The styling and clothing should be slightly historical – and include a beautiful horse. It all took place in a large park just outside Copenhagen on a beautiful sunny day - a great team - The model was Kimmie Kjær Tvergaard who is also a talented rider - a a super talented makeup artist from DM Styling and a horse owner who has a beautiful horse. The Swedish company that supplied the clothing was thrilled.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Both. I do paid jobs, but I also like to collaborate to extend my portfolio and challenge myself in new ways.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Nikon and my hardworking objective 24-70 mm, 2.8

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Find your style and your own signature. And most important of all to believe in yourself, be critical, and never be 100 percent satisfied - because you can always do better the next time. So, keep pushing yourself to become the best possible version.

What do you think of our new magazine?

An inspiring magazine with a wide selection of styles and a variety of personalities that cultivate the visual world.

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