“Sometimes I plan something for months and sometime it just pops up in the moment.”

Geir Tönnessen

Geir Tönnessen (born in 1976) is a contemporary photographer currently based in Oslo, Norway. He studied photography by himself with some guidance from friends and the Internet. Some of his works have been exhibited in the following galleries: Cyan Studio (Oslo, Norway), Galleri MAP (Oslo, Norway), and Preus Museum (Horten, Norway). Pictures from Geir Tönnessen are for sale on ArtRebels.com.

Artist statement

“Photography is to have fun and being smart at the same time, which for me is the perfect combination. With my creative fun shots I want to get other people to laugh and inspire them to shoot for them self. With my nature and city shots I want to create a special feeling that makes my viewers think and make them look at my shots for a long quiet time.”

Interview with Geir Tönnessen

Geir, what was your most memorable moment shooting pictures?

The first time I went out shooting with my new Hasselblad I bought on the net, the camera showed me a new dimension and gave new drive for shooting interesting pictures. The analog film kind of tells you to show more respect to each shot.

Why did you become a photographer?

To release my creative ideas.

What does photography mean to you and what do you want to say with your pictures?

Photography is to have fun and being smart at the same time, which for me is the perfect combination. With my creative fun shots I want to get other people to laugh and inspire them to shoot for them self. With my nature and city shots I want to create a special feeling that makes my viewers think and make them look at my shots for a long quiet time.

Which photographer has inspired you most?

Martin Parr. Because of his perfect eye. He sees what I want to see. He also got just my sense of humor.

What’s your favorite photography quote?

Photos tend to organize chaos, to define what we’re doing here. It is essential that individuals’ voices depict the world around us, as we are increasingly controlled by large institutions, large companies and large systems.

Martin Parr

How would you describe your photographic voice and creative process?

It is very varying. Sometimes I plan something for months and sometime it just pops up in the moment.

What’s important in order to develop an own photographic voice?

To work very hard and look at a lot of art.

What do you consider to be the axis of your work – technically and conceptually?

I like to work with crunchy colors and a clean framing. My humorous and creative work is not about technique but more about the idea.

What qualities and characteristics does a good photographer need?

To be original and shot stuff that people think they never have seen before.

What does a photo need to be a great photo in your eyes? Especially keeping in mind the over abundance of photographic imagery in today’s society.

It’s hard, but you have to create your own style. Something in your shots that make people understand that you are the creator.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your photographic projects?

From art exhibitions, art and photography books and other people’s wild ideas.

What kind of photography equipment and photographic supplies do you use?

For digital shooting: Nikon D800, Nikon Nikkor 85mm 1:1.4G Lens.

What’s your favorite website about photography?

I especially like Flickr.com.

What photography book would you recommend?

“Martin Parr” by Sandra S. Phillips (Phaidon) and Lars Tunbjork: “I Love Boras” (Steidl).

Which advice would you give someone who wants to become a (professional) photographer?

Work hard and ask for forgiveness after you shoot!

geirt03
© Geir Tönnessen
Geir Tönnessen (Norway) - Contemporary Photographer - www.geirt.com
© Geir Tönnessen

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