Patrick shares his journey of how photography became his liberator from depression and his newfound obsession. Patrick emphasizes the significance of capturing fleeting moments that happen during the valuable and limited time we have and offers lessons he has learned along the way. He gives his perspective on his home country Norway and explains how he plans to professionalize his passion.
Since my early days, there has always been a small part of me that felt a deep affection and fascination for photographs of vast landscapes and snow-covered mountains—images that evoke powerful emotions. However, I never gave this interest much thought or energy as I was fully absorbed in my primary passion, bodybuilding. Everything changed in 2020 when I turned 24. The onset of COVID-19 led to the closure of gyms and facilities, and I found myself in a profound psychological slump. Severe anxiety episodes became a regular occurrence, eventually plunging me into a state of depression. It wasn’t solely the inability to go to the gym; these emotions were rooted in a variety of life experiences and circumstances. I desperately needed to redirect my energy towards something new—a domain I had never truly explored. That’s when photography entered the picture.
On the very day I decided to give photography a try, I impulsively purchased my first camera. Without any prior knowledge or understanding of cameras, capturing images, editing, or videography, I was essentially starting from scratch. Little did I know that this newfound interest would become my liberator from the long-standing pain I had endured. It marked the beginning of the most significant obsession in my life.
I vividly recall the day I acquired a Canon Powershot SX740. I immediately headed to a nearby mountain and began capturing photographs of everything that caught my eye. There was no editing involved, no urge to share on social media—just the pure act of capturing images. The obsession had taken hold.
Photography brought forth an intertwined relationship with travel and the desire to explore. The more I ventured out to take photos, the stronger my yearning became to discover new locations—whether they were close to my hometown or on the far side of the globe. I always sought to explore unfamiliar places, immerse myself in unique environments, and connect with new individuals along the way.
During my initial year of exploring photography, my commitment to it was sporadic. Whether I engaged in it depended on my mood, location, company, and energy levels. It wasn’t until later in 2021 that I truly delved into this world. It was during this time that I began delving into the teachings of stoicism, and one quote, in particular, turned my perspective upside down: “It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live.” Marcus Aurelius.
Throughout my life, I’ve used the time I’ve been given for everything and nothing. I had been caught up in toxic relationships, negative friendships, and unfavorable environments. Until that point, I hadn’t cared much about time, assuming I had an abundance of it at my disposal.
Everything changed from that moment on. I made the decision to sever ties with harmful relationships, leave my unfavorable environment behind, and truly appreciate and value the time I had been granted. It was then that I chose to devote myself entirely to my dream of becoming a photographer. Even though I haven’t yet reached the point where I can sustain myself solely through photography, I have never felt more motivated than I do now. I yearn to capture fleeting moments in time and inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and the pursuit of their dreams. Because, ultimately, the time we possess is the most precious aspect of our lives. Thus, capturing images and preserving memories holds immense value, as these images allow us to relive the emotions we experienced during those moments.
In the 26 years I have spent on this earth, I have had various activities I dedicated time to. I played football for over a decade, dedicated years to bodybuilding, served in the military, became a personal trainer, and held different jobs. However, nothing has come close to the fulfillment photography provides me. It brings me joy, energy, peace of mind, and mental clarity.
That is precisely why I have chosen to pursue photography wholeheartedly.
In that regard, I have vivid memories of the summer of 2022. It was a remarkable vacation when my girlfriend and I embarked on a journey through the southern and western regions of Norway, using my parents’ motorhome. This trip truly inspired me to engage in photography and enhance my skills. Surprisingly, within just one day or eight hours of driving, we had already surpassed our initial expectations for the entire trip. The remaining days became an added bonus, allowing us to further indulge in the experience. While I had always recognized Norway’s natural beauty and had explored the country before, it was during this particular trip that I truly grasped the extent of its magnificence, as well as the splendor the world has to offer.
Photography serves as a medium for me to capture these remarkable moments in a single snap, enabling me to revisit them years later and relive the same emotions. This journey became a turning point for me as I realized the need to shift to professional gear if I wanted to consistently experience such enriching moments and pursue photography as a profession.
During that same summer, I captured a photograph of the Drammensfjord, but not during our trip. It was taken near my house as I am conveniently located between two fjords: the Drammensfjord and the Oslofjord. Knowing that the sun always sets behind the mountains of the Drammensfjord on late summer days, I decided it was the perfect spot for my evening excursion. Prior to capturing the photo, careful planning and scouting for the ideal location were essential.
I delved deeper into the specifics, determining the precise position where the sun would set and the optimal spot for capturing the image with the closest mountains in the distance, gradually receding as they reached the far end while ensuring the sun centered on the last mountain. Once the location and composition were set, the next step was to find the right exposure. Fortunately, with ample time available due to my meticulous planning, experimenting with different exposures was effortless, allowing me to choose the one that appealed to me the most.
After the photo was taken, the editing process began. I had a rough idea of how I wanted the final image to appear. Given that orange was the dominant color in the scene, I aimed to preserve its prominence. I increased the saturation and added a touch of glow to enhance the image further. I also focused on achieving a seamless transition from the vibrant orange portion to the serene blue hues at the top of the frame. Finally, I applied a vignette and a mask to draw attention to the center of the image, emphasizing its focal point.
When I sit down to edit an image, my primary objective is to portray a raw reality with a touch of dreaminess, creating an image that captivates the viewer’s imagination while still being grounded in the experience of travel. To achieve this, I often utilize two main complementary colors, such as orange and blue or green and red. However, there are instances where a single dominant color, like blue, can be particularly effective. This approach works exceptionally well during winter when the surroundings are covered in snow, evoking a chilly atmosphere. Take, for example, this image.
The initial step in editing this image, as with any other, is to determine the focal point and align the composition accordingly. After this crucial step, I move on to the fundamental adjustments, meticulously working through each slider to achieve a basic version of the desired image. I then slightly reduced the clarity to establish a visual guide for further adjustments.
Next, I delve into the tone curve, where I typically introduce a subtle fade in the shadows. This is where I experiment with different starting points, refining the image until I reach the most critical aspect of the editing process: the colors.
Given the winter setting, I aimed to emphasize the dominant color of blue to convey a cold atmosphere. During the color grading phase, I carefully applied blue tones to both the shadows and highlights.
To enhance the composition, I employed two essential masking techniques. At the bottom of the image, I reduced the exposure, while at the top, I increased exposure and removed blur. These adjustments guide the viewer’s gaze toward the center of the image. Masking is undoubtedly my favorite tool in Lightroom, although it requires caution. Excessive alterations to these areas can result in a loss of focus and sharpness or an unnatural appearance. Striking the right balance is crucial in creating a dreamy ambiance without overdoing or underdoing it.
In my opinion, creating a good image involves considering the following aspects:
It is crucial to take into account the weather conditions, camera equipment, and temperature. Always be ready for weather changes, keep in mind that cold temperatures can drain battery power more quickly, and be aware that the temperature may fluctuate. Strive to be well-prepared in all aspects.
There is nothing more disappointing than arriving at a location only to witness the sun setting just moments before, missing the opportunity for a fantastic shot. Plan to arrive well in advance to ensure you have sufficient time to set up and capture the desired image.
The choice of location plays a significant role in landscape photography. Dedicate time beforehand to research and plan where you intend to shoot. Understanding the terrain and potential viewpoints can greatly enhance your chances of capturing compelling images.
Keep in mind that circumstances can change unexpectedly while you are out and about. The anticipated sun may become obscured by sudden gray clouds, or the intended destination may become inaccessible. Avoid becoming fixated on a single idea or location. It is beneficial to have alternative ideas or backup locations in mind, allowing you to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
By carefully planning the trip, considering the desired conditions, and being prepared for the desired outcome, you will find that there is minimal need for extensive editing once you begin post-processing.
Nevertheless, a good image is also any image that is close to your heart. And even if none of the typical theories were applied, it can be the best photo you’ve ever taken. For me, one of those photos was taken on a day we were staying at a cabin in Dokka for a weekend. We decided to go for a walk to a lake called Mjellvatnet, which is about 2-3 kilometers away from the cabin.
This picture is close to me because it contains all the ingredients I need for a good moment. Nature, fall colors, my girlfriend, photography, being outside; simply everything that makes me happy is captured in this moment. I also have to say that editing this image, considering what it contains, was a delight. I love the simplicity of the image – it does not need to be on the top of an impressive mountain to shoot an impactful and meaningful image.
That said, Norway does have many complex landscapes and great diversity, and it is in my eyes one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I am extremely grateful to have grown up here among these landscapes. One place in Norway where, unbelievably, I haven’t been to yet but has had a huge influence on my photography, is Lofoten. The landscape in northern Norway is something else. Endless days in the summer, early evenings in the winter. High mountains with beautiful scenery, and the northern lights that you can never get enough of. Lofoten has everything a landscape photographer needs and more. It is a place that I recommend everyone to visit at some point, whether it’s in winter or summer.
If not Lofoten, every other corner is worth visiting too. There is so much to see. I would for example recommend Tromsø, Narvik, Senja, and Svalbard. All are located in Northern Norway. You could almost call Svalbard a mini version of Iceland, offering unique surroundings and experiences you can have.
But if there’s one important lesson I’ve learned, it’s that you can find the interesting in the uninteresting. So if you live in a city or a place where you think there’s nothing worthy of a photo, you have a golden opportunity because you can show people who follow you something they haven’t seen before. And that is really interesting and meaningful.
Apart from the aforementioned lessons, I have also learned several others that have contributed to my personal and professional growth:
1) Time is invaluable: The most significant lesson I have learned is to value and make the most of the time I have. This applies to all aspects of life, whether it’s personal time, moments spent with others, or encountering both positive and negative experiences. Even in the face of setbacks, big or small, I remind myself that time heals and teaches valuable lessons.
2) Embrace versatility in photography: In my photographic journey, I have intentionally explored various genres within the profession, such as landscapes, portraits, products, astrophotography, street photography, and more. While specializing in a niche has its merits, I have discovered that venturing into different areas allows for the cross-pollination of ideas and skills, ultimately enhancing the learning curve.
3+4) Adopt different perspectives and exercise patience: Two interrelated lessons that apply to both personal growth and photography are the ability to see things from diverse angles and to practice patience. There have been numerous occasions where I almost discarded some of my finest photographs simply because I couldn’t wait for the sun to set a bit lower or was unwilling to walk an extra five minutes to another location. Next time you find yourself in doubt about waiting or going the extra mile, I encourage you to take the leap. There’s nothing to lose, and it may turn out to be the best decision you make on your journey.
A bonus lesson I’d like to share is the importance of consistent practice. Whether it’s capturing images or refining editing techniques, improvement only comes with regular and dedicated practice. Challenge yourself to continually strive for growth and refinement of your skills.
I’ve been practicing by undertaking personal projects, which I believe is essential until I gain the ability to take on client projects. Building confidence and a strong portfolio will naturally lead to client work when you invest the necessary effort. Currently, I’m assisting a local gym, where I also train, in capturing new photos for their website. They are also opening a new gym this winter, and I will be responsible for photographing it as well. So far, it’s been a rewarding experience as exercise has always been a significant part of my life, and combining it with photography is truly enjoyable.
The most significant personal project I’ve undertaken to date is creating my own website, which is currently in progress. It will showcase various fields of photography, including landscapes, street photography, portraits, and nature. The website will primarily serve as a gallery and provide contact information and a brief introduction about myself. Through this process, I have learned a great deal and expanded my knowledge across different photography genres, not just focusing on landscapes and nature. It can be demanding at times, especially while juggling a full-time job, but it’s a process I wholeheartedly love.
For me, it’s about taking each day as it comes. We never know what tomorrow holds, or if it will even come, but we do have today, and we should make the most of it. However, it’s important to have goals and future plans to propel oneself forward and strive to achieve those life goals.
In the next 10 years, I envision myself working in a field I love, and having the opportunity to explore and experience the world. I also hope to have formed new and meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, where we can support and inspire each other to make the most of what the world has to offer.
To achieve this vision, I recognize the importance of a strong work ethic, discipline, and determination to navigate through challenges and setbacks. It’s crucial to find a balance and maintain control over both the highs and lows, as I believe that maintaining clarity of thought and emotions paves the way to long-term success and fulfillment.
While I cannot control what unfolds along the journey, I can control how I react and respond to it. I have implemented these strategies in various phases of my life thus far, and they have proven effective. I also aspire to inspire others to progress in their professional and personal lives. I firmly believe that those who are working towards their future plans and goals have a moral obligation to uplift and support one another, while those who have already achieved their goals should assist those who are striving to move forward.
It is important to remember that setbacks and plans that don’t materialize are still part of progress. As long as you continue moving forward, even with small steps, you are making progress. This is a mindset I need to embrace and remind myself of in order to achieve my goals within the next 10 years.
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