They say that Norway is the place of fjords, trolls and vikings. A Scandinavian country with high, snow covered peaks and deep, floral valleys. Community member Ole Henrik, also known as olehenrikskjelstad on ViewBug, is lucky enough to be living in this magnificent country alongside the vivid nature. His landscape photos are dramatic, using strong colors and light to create a powerful mood. Ole Henrik hopes, with his vivid but still calming images, to give his viewers a moment of rest from an often hectic day. Ole Henrik, you totally got us more relaxed with your images... Thank you!
What inspired you to be a photographer?
I am actually not sure. I began capturing images on my cell phone around four years ago and found the activity very captivating, and that is basically how it all started.
What was your first camera and what do you shoot with today?
My first camera was a Canon EOS 650D which I received as a birthday present in January 2013. Today I have a Canon 6D, which I primarily use for night shooting, and I have a Sony a7r which I use for landscapes.
When someone looks at your photos, what do you want them to take away from it, what are you trying to communicate?
I chiefly produce images which I myself find captivating, that is, images that I find beautiful and which also have a visual impact both in terms of colors and light. I hope my images can give people a moment of rest from an often hectic day with its many challenges.
What is it that you love about photography?
It offers me moments which transcends time and space, as it were. I love the fact that I can enhance reality and give it my own twist using colors and light. Photography further allows me a creative outlet. It has also opened my eyes to all the beauty in the creation and I see my world with new eyes - feels almost like a some sort of reformation.
What has photography done for you?
It has given me many âwowâ moments - moments where I disappear into the now forgetting all things. Photography has also opened my eyes to the fact that I perhaps have a few creative genes after all. And it has given me a host of new friends all across the globe.
Do you try to be conceptual or do you prefer to show the feeling behind a photo?
I honestly havenât given that much thought. I am not very good at analysing what I do or having a particular agenda with what I do behind the camera. I kinda just do it. I guess I am more feeling oriented than anything else.
How do you describe your style?
I am often leaning towards the surreal in my processing and I like to use strong colors and light to create drama and mood. I notice I often process my images pretty dark.
If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?
Since I chiefly shoot wide angle that would have to be my Tamron 15-30. It does a terrific job at night just like it does during daytime. It is super sharp, also wide open, with great micro contrast and it produces a very pleasing and distinct sunstar.
What are your 3 tips for others who want to become better photographers?
Practice, practice and practice. Study otherâs work. Watch and read as many tutorials as possible on PP work, and again practice, practice and practice. Finally, learn to use the histogram both when shooting and editing.
Have you received negative feedback from your work? What did you do about it?
That has happened, yes. Even to the degree that it has sounded like pure hatred. Sometimes I reply to mails or comments like that but never in order to make some sort of revenge.
Where did you learn to take photos?
I would think it is accurate to say that I am self-taught. Havenât attended any classes, courses or studied photography. Just learned as I have walked.
Raw vs jpg and why?
I always shoot raw simply because a raw file contains all the info from a scene and due to that it allows for far more freedom in the PP work. A jpg is basically a compressed file or image edited for you by the camera manufacturer.
What do you carry in your camera bag?
Both my cameras, my Nisi filters (V5 filter holder, cpl and ND 64 (6 stops) and ND 1000 (10 stops)), remotes to both cameras, spare batteries, lens cloths, Canon 16-35 f/4, Tamron 15-30, Canon 24-105 and Samyang 14mm.
If you could have the gift of a great photographer who would it be and why?
That would have to be Max Rive or Marc Adamus because they know exactly what it takes to create something with a huge visual impact, and because they are both very creative in terms of compositions and PP work.
What is the most common mistake you see people making when shooting these days?
Not good enough dynamic range - I see a lot of images out there with either no shadow detail (clipped blacks) or blown out highlights (clipped highlights). Learn to use the histogram when shooting, and make sure you have files that contain all the light in a scene and learn to blend multiple exposures.
What is your dream location to shoot?
I hope it will possible one day to go the north western states of USA. Oregon for instance.
How do you decide on where to shoot a photo?
Since I work full time as a math teacher and also have family obligations widespread traveling is outside my reach, so I try to use the locations in my close vicinity. If the forecast predicts nice conditions I let the car decide where to go or I may follow a sudden impulse. Quite often when I go with car I have no idea where I am going. At other times I have a specific location in mind. It varies.
What is next for you? Any planned adventures with your camera?
As of yet nothing planned but like many other photographers out there I have many dreams.
What is your goal with your photography?
Have fun.
For more amazing photos taken by Ole Henrik visit his profile and  Instagram.
