Interviews / Stories
Winner of the month Photographer Magnus Brynestam (Sweden)
Tell us something about yourself
I live in Karlskrona in southern Sweden. In the same small town as I grew up in. Im 39 years old and have a great passion for photography, music and travelling.
How and when did you get into photography?
I have been doing portraits for about 1 year now. Before that I did some landscape photography just for fun and had my camera with me when I was travelling. I saw some amazing landscape pictures from the mountains in southern China, bought a camera and a flight ticket and made it my goal to take the very same picture. It was an amazing adventure. Since then my photography has developed a lot and I have been fortunate to have amazing teachers and mentors that have taught me a lot about photography.
What does photography mean to you?
It gives me a chance to be creative in so many ways. To express feelings, to challenge myself to create and capture. To meet fantastic people, I never would have met otherwise. And it also allows me to combine my passion for travelling the world.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
I shoot both fashion and beauty. My personal favourite is cinematic or dark beauty style where the images expresses some sort of mood and emotions. I like to create drama or action when I take photos. To create a story or a mood and try to capture that.
Where do you get inspiration from?
Mainly from movies and music. But also other photographers. Especially my mentors Jean Noir and the late Nicholas Javed. They are both true sources of inspiration.
Think you in advance what you want in the picture?
I start with one idea and try to develop it together with the model. It’s a teamwork. The greatest thing about this is to co-create. I often use music on set – so both the model an myself are in the same mood and try to create something out of that.
Studio, on location or both?
I prefer on location. If I shoot indoors it have to be in a room with atmosphere or great mood.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
Currently I only shoot with models I want to shoot with for creative reasons. I don’t shoot for money – I shoot for passion. Guess that makes me a professional hobbyist.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Has to be my week together with Nicholas Javed in Hamburg April 2016. We were shooting in Hafencity all week long. From morning until late. Lots of models. We had so much fun. It was amazing to see him work and do his magic. Those sessions has inspired me the most. To create strong expressive photographs that tell a story.
What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?
Movie soundtracks and dramatic sad movies. There are an tremendous amount of dramatic movies filled with mood. Sometimes I miss the option to include music to my pictures – that would make them complete. Also the great work of other photographers of course.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
I use Canon 5D mIII with Canon 85mm f/1.2 – thats my favourite.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
To take focus away from the tech stuff. Be awesome working with the model instead and create mood. Today it is very easy to adjust your style to get the most likes in social media. Don’t. I think its important to do what you love in spite of what other people think.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I think it’s a beautiful magazine filled with passion for photography. Look forward to the upcoming issues.