I got my first camera when I was ten, a simple Fuji point-and-shoot, but t was enough to get me hooked. I haven’t received any formal training in photography, I’ve learned by mistakes and shooting a lot of film and digital. While I went to college in the US I worked as a photographer for the school, shooting various events, making portraits.
Anything from concerts and lectures by guest speakers, to group shots of organisations for the yearbook to sports (try shooting tennis with a fully manual Canon AE-1). But it was good training.
About ten years ago, I got into street photography. I found it easier to photograph what was in front of me, instead of searching out more or less special events and trying to get access. I fell in love with photography all over again. This happened at the same time as I bought by first digital DSLR, a Canon 20D. Being able to ‘develop’ my own shots again was fantastic. Of course, I got caught up in the entire gearfest, with huge lenses, grip and what not. I schlepped gear weighing 15-20 kgs. It was hopeless.
Then a few years ago, a photographer was selling is Leica M7, with a lens, flash and a few other things, so ended up getting that. Man, that was different! It was frustrating to having to relearn focusing and not being used to manual. But I managed to stick with it,. And that sound, or rather click, of the shutter. A year later, after much nagging from a friend of mine, I decided to sell my Cannon-gear. A day after all the gear had been sold, the same photographer was selling his M8. Which I bought, and I have not looked back since.
There are a lot of photographers that inspire and motivate me. There’s a huge stack of photo books and magazines at home. This is perhaps where I should try to be different and name drop some obscure photographers. But no. Of course Henri Cartier-Bresson is up there, but my main inspirations are Garry Winogrand, Walker Evans, Raghu Rai, Robert Frank and W. Eugene Smith. WES’ Dream Street is just a fantastic document of Pittsburgh. And Frank’s “The Americans” is an essential photo book.
I think every photographer should have that on the shelf. I’m also very inspired by Joel Myerowitz. Perhaps not as much in terms of his pictures, but seeing videos of him shooting street and his thoughts on photography really inspire me. Of more contemporary photographers,
I must name Chris Weeks and Boogie. The latter’s “It’s all good” is one of my favourite newer photo books. A fantastic mix of street and social documentary. The man has cajones! Norwegian photojournalist Paal Audestad is also a major source of inspiration. His documentary series from Chernobyl is just simply stunning. Paal also does some fantastic music photography, much revolved around the Norwegian band Kaizers Orchetra and the black metal scene here.
I love your work, Olav! There is something very dreamy about the way you capture real moments. Nostalgic, but not so much that it isn’t able to connect with. Your ability to communicate how you see what you see (and even clues about what you feel) is astounding!