Escaping the Circus: An Unscripted Path in Photography

What drives a photographer to keep pressing the shutter, year after year? For André, it’s not about trends or labels—it’s about the thrill of the unexpected and mental clarity.

Early Inspiration

André, a photographer from Norway, has been capturing the world through his lens since 1994, when his father gifted him a film camera. His passion grew in 2003 with his first digital camera, focusing primarily on black-and-white photography. Inspired by old news photos and classic films, André became captivated by the interaction of architecture and natural light in big Europeans cities, long before the Instagram era popularized high-contrast imagery.

From Hobby to Career

What started as a hobby quickly became a career, leading André to work full-time as a photojournalist and sports photographer. He adapted to color photography for his professional work, but his ability to work in both styles has shaped him into a versatile photographer—though black and white remains closest to his heart. 

Bringing a camera everywhere is like mental noise cancellation.

The Urban Connection

André, despite being Norwegian, has always preferred the energy of cities over nature. Bustling streets and the spontaneity of urban life fascinate him. His work, often categorized as street photography, is the result of his deep connection with cities and a passion for capturing unscripted moments. Yet, André resists being boxed into labels, describing himself simply as a guy taking pictures of random things that usually happen on the streets.

A Relaxed Approach

For André, photography is a way to relax and quiet his mind—or, as he describes it, a momentary escape from the circus. His approach is intentionally unstructured and spontaneous, with no defined direction, allowing him to embrace the unexpected. "Bringing a camera everywhere is like mental noise cancellation," he says, seeing photography as just as much about the personal journey as it is about the images themselves.

You can read and watch tutorials, but eventually, you have to put in the work.

A New Chapter in Stockholm

After many years in Oslo and Trondheim, André moved to Stockholm, a city that reinvigorated his creative energy. “Stockholm is full of things to see, places to walk, and interesting characters,” he notes. The change of scenery has inspired him to explore new aspects of his photography while still holding onto the same urban curiosity that drives his work.

Trust the Process

Photography, for André, is an ongoing learning process. He emphasizes that there are no shortcuts—improvement only comes through continuous shooting. “You can read and watch tutorials, but eventually, you have to put in the work,” he says. His mantra, "trust the process," reflects his belief that mastery comes with practice and perseverance.

Keep It Simple

For beginners, André’s advice is straightforward: keep it simple. He values a light, easy-to-use camera—even a phone—over expensive gear. He encourages photographers to “set it and forget it,” focusing more on the scene than the equipment. What happens in front of the lens and the person behind it are the only things that truly matter. The box in the middle is just a tool. 

Enjoying the Journey

Above all, André emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process. For him, photography is both a passion and a form of mental clarity. His journey through cities and photography continues, reminding us that the joy lies in the exploration, not just in the images captured.