The Man Behind The Camera - An Interview With A Photographer

It was an average Tuesday morning, trying to find a parking space on a market day was proving to be more challenging than I thought it would be. Coffee was a ritual performed daily, once again I stood in line listening to a multitude of different languages waiting for my reward. As I was handed my first coffee of the day, life seemed to be more than balanced once again.

As pleasantries were exchanged, I managed to find a seat and sipped my coffee whilst browsing a local newspaper. There was no rush to open up the office as I had cleaned up and prepared for my morning meeting the previous day.

I used to interview people when I worked as a recruitment consultant in London albeit for employment purposes, but the principle is often the same. Today was just a little special as I had arranged to meet someone who I think has really contributed towards putting LA on the map.I followed his journey since early 2016 on Facebook and felt extremely privileged to finally meet the man behind the camera.

Some people know that I play with photography and videography from time to time, both personally and professionally so I knew that we would have a lot to talk about. As I had never met Oyvind before, formality filled the office as he entered with his trademark camera hanging around his neck. His smile helped to alleviate any trace of anxiety as we shook hands. There was a feeling of familiarity as I am an avid fan of his work, both on Facebook and now Instagram.

The interview took place outside my office in Calle San Antonio, the Bakery made a good venue. My objective was to find out more about his life which so many people both here and in Norway would be interested in.

A well travelled man, he has spent a lot of time overseas and his story began in the late 70's which is when he purchased his first camera in 1978. At that time he had a shared passion with water paintings, something he had to sacrifice as he returned home from the Middle East to Norway. This carved the way forward to a focus on his photography.

I pointed out that working with water colours could have had a profound affect on the way in which he takes photos, as the principle based around working with different types of filters relates to  so many variations of colours and shades. He may of never realised this connection until it was mentioned, the connection came as something of a discovery rather than fact. Oyvind's use of photo imaging software is extremely unique and the very reason that I became a fan.

I believe that working with filters makes all the difference to a photo but you need patience and an in depth knowledge of lighting. This art form, was something that both he and I had in common along with the fact that we are both self taught. These common denominators helped me to understand his want and need to capture photos making optimum use of working with shade variations.

I had to ask him the obvious question; which was whether he thought that mobile phones could ever replace DSLR cameras. He paused for a moment as if he had anticipated the question and prepared a standard answer but instead he commented that it was a good question and that it was something that was frequently discussed at his photography club in Norway. There will always be room for mobile phone technology he said sipping on his Americano, at this time I don't think that they can. I smiled and decided that it was time to let him know that I don't own a camera and that I have been taking photographs on a mobile for some 7 years. He sided that mobile phone technology does contribute very well in it's own unique way to this art form.

Impressed with the way in which I pronounced his name, something I was particularly proud of, his focus had been mainly landscape, seascape and a few portraits thrown in for good measure. I have tried to show a good cross reference from his portfolio some of which can be found at exhibitions in Norway.

One day in the future, he hopes to photograph all the street art in Los Alcázares and although many can be found online, I think his own individual take will offer a somewhat unique perspective. As a fan of his work I can say that he is currently considering the production of a photobook which would encompass all his work and make them available for sale in many formats to include canvas. I can imagine its appeal in that particular form, in rental properties and show homes, please contact him via Facebook Messenger, the link has been provided within the text.

Next up was asking an age old question; Canon or Nikon? that old chestnut, I wasn't going to pass up on an opportunity like this! Cannon he said confidently, for me I think it's more user friendly, it's familiar to me and a brand that I prefer over and above any other.

Our interview was drawing to a close and I was truly grateful to have the opportunity to meet someone who has contributed so much to Los Alcázares. A fascinating man, well travelled, talented with a keen eye for detail. He is willing to help any aspiring photographer within reason and the best way to contact him is through Facebook Messenger.

Some of Oyvind's most recognised work is shown below:

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, I hope you enjoyed reading it as I did writing it. If you would like to be featured simply leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Written By: Sanj Saigal