Interview: Photographer Rune Sorensen (Norway)

Can you tell us a little about you?

I am a 42 year old photographer and film producer. I have a very creative mind, and I love photographing people.

How and when did you get into photography?

I started in still photography 15 years ago, self taught, mainly with commercial work. Some local brands, but also bigger brands like Nespresso. Then after 4 years I entered the movie industry, and have now filmed and produced several TV documentaries and shorts in Norway. I never let still photography go, even though my main occupation now is film - it is still my passion.

What does photography mean to you?

My creative mind needs photography. It is my passion to work with models, lighting and finding interesting concepts or locations. I try to avoid studio work. I love retouching and editing images – the whole process. Working with a professional model, MUA and other crew is so fulfilling.

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I mainly work with female models (sometimes also male models), and I often tend to focus on beauty/fashion style, or cinematic themes/concepts. I like to use the model as a character in a “scene” sometimes, ie. my concepts “Alien warrior princess”. I find basic posing in a studio boring. I usually go for strong/tough and/or sensual mood in my images.

Where do you get inspiration from?

I am not sure – most of my work I have an idea in my head before starting. I don’t read a lot of magazines, but I guess I must be influenced by other people’s work in one way or another, without knowing exactly what or who.

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

Yes. I never improvise.

Studio, on location or both?

Location! Only studio if bad weather.

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Professional – even though some of my fantasy art photography are TFP projects because they where my idea and done just for fun.

What has been your most memorable session and why?

The “Cyborg Viking” and “Alien princess” sessions on my Instagram are my favorites, they where really fun and turned out just they way I wanted them.

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I use Sony, but if I had to choose one of the above, I would go for Canon. Sigma art 85mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.2 are my favorites.

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer?

Assuming you know how to use a camera, running a business is a different art. It is easier to start by offering your services to the corporate world – make sure all the design/brand agencies and modelling agencies in your area know who you are. They always have many business clients that needs headshots of employees, pictures for websites, portfolio pictures for models, products and so on. You only need a few agencies to have lot of work. Then slowly try going other directions if that is what you want, like weddings, baby etc. If the corporate stuff is boring, slowly try to get your main passion take over once you have a steady income.

What do you think of our new magazine?

I never heard about it until you reach out to me. But I am so glad you did! I love this magazine and will continue to read it. Already looking forward to the next issue.

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