The photographers featured in the second edition of the Norwegian Journal of Photography gathered on the weekend of 9 to 12 January to edit their projects, discuss their progress and draw inspiration from Norwegian and international guests.
Thursday evening was kicked off with a talk by Kari Hesthamar from the Radio Documentary section of the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. She spoke about how to structure stories, interview techniques and how the reporter on her editorial board work to get as close as possible to the people they meet.
“A conflict is significant in a major story”, Hesthamar pointed out to the NJP group.
Presented projects
On Friday, the photographers presented their projects; everyone had made good headway on the photography part. Knut Egil Wang switched projects due to logistical problems. Now he is travelling along the San Andreas fault, a geological fault that extends for 1 300 kilometres through California. He is taking pictures of people and the landscape on and near the fault.
Terje Abusdal pitched his tent on the Long Islands last summer. From this point of departure, he depicts the community that summers on the island, consisting of individuals who live their lives outside the box to a large extent. “Many fascinating personalities move out to the Long Islands in the summer. Everyone from the cashier in the convenience store to junkies enjoy the freedom out there”, recounted Abusdal.
Time magazine
Time Magazine was represented by Associate Photo Editor Myles Little. He explained how they work with projects at the magazine and talked about editorial work, in addition to telling the NJP photographers what the magazine looks for in a photographer. “We look for the ones with a distinctive form of expression. Those who dare to follow their own mind and develop their own special photographic style”, said Myles. Along with Josh Lustig of Panos Pictures, he attended the entire workshop. They joined the three editors Rune Eraker, Laara Matsen and Espen Rasmussen in cooperating closely with the photographers during the editing process.
Tomm W. Christiansen’s project addresses “The Bloodlands”. He showed pictures from places such as Ukraine, and he will soon be returning to continue his work there. He will start out in a particular village, before eventually moving on to other corners of Ukraine.
Home territory
Most of the photographers work with projects on their home territory. Margaret M. de Lange takes pictures of what is close to her, including people she knows and family. During picture editing, she had a vast amount of material, paring it down as a result of numerous discussions. Mathilde Helene Pettersen is also working on a topic of personal interest to her, after having to give up her original idea. Pregnancy, family relationships and children are close to her heart, not least when she has camera in hand, and she is working this project now as she carries her third child.
Ivar Kvaal has spent a lot of time in Hessdalen Valley, a place well-known for UFO observations. He has met people who have experienced UFOs and people who hunt UFOs. Combined with landscape pictures, he tells the story of this valley which, for decades, was the focal point of extra-terrestrial activities.
What kind of differences exist between young people’s groups on the east side and the west side of Oslo? Anne-Stine Johnsbråten has been exploring that issue since last summer. She has shadowed a group of girls on the east side and a group of boys on the west side. “I spend as much time with them as possible. I try to describe differences and similarities alike”, she stated at the seminar at Holmsbu.
Panos Pictures
Panos Pictures of London was represented by Josh Lustig. He was also a guest at the first NJP session at Holmsbu. During his talk, he identified numerous opportunities associated with the publication of photographs. “These days, there are an incredible number of opportunities to show your work. You can print up a newspaper or make small copies that fit inside a matchbox. Remember that it is important for you as a photographer to show your work in as many arenas as possible. Take part in competitions and get to know the people who are important to know in this industry”, Lustig said to the photographers.
Jonas Bendiksen, who was on a journey, works with a project in Lofoten. Here, he works at a local newspaper, doing routine jobs for the editorial board. This results in stories of everyday life and a glimpse into how local newspapers cover their local areas.
The NJP photographers will now continue to work on their projects until the next session. After the summer, they will work on editing, then the process of compiling the NJP book will commence.
