© 2020 Nomadict. All rights reserved.
Creating fantasy worlds!
With Fredrik Strømme (@fredrik_stroemme)
Living in Norway, surrounded by fjords and tall mountains, had me interested in nature since an early age.
Already in my childhood my parents took me on hiking trips and as I grew older, my interest for the wild shaped my lifestyle.
However, I discovered photography much later. I have always been a fantasy nerd, I love both movies and books. While I was reading all these fantasy books, I used to create mental images in my head and I also imagined how all those stories and scenes I was reading would look like in real life.
"Eventually I decided that I wanted to recreate all those scenes."
Having some Photoshop experience, I suddenly had a new hobby I was really passionate about. So, for many years I created fantasy images using different kinds of stock photos. But even though I made completely different images out of those photos, the final product still did not feel 100% mine…Somebody else had captured the photos I was using for my edits. When that thought stuck in my head, I bought my first DSLR so I could take my own photos and create something from the scratch.
"At the same time I began to travel more."
Traveling was an eye-opener for me since I realized how beautiful nature actually can be. Then I asked to myself: “why would I ever create manipulated images, when nature is already amazing?”
So I left the fantasy worlds behind and instead put my energy on learning photography. Yet, I still have the fantasy worlds in my mind when I am out there shooting. I look for a specific type of light, mist, creeks, waterfalls and forests so they can give my photography a “fairytale touch.”
"One of the best parts about photography is that the camera takes me to beautiful places. A country I often return to is Iceland."
I remember perfectly the first time I visited this gorgeous country. I was so surprised that such a magical place actually existed! There is something otherworldly about this island. For me, it is a photographer’s paradise and it has the perfect nature for my photographic style.
"Nature in Iceland is rough, but colorful as well."
You can find amazing mountains and a new waterfall around every corner. Even if I go back to the spots I have visited, they never look the same due to the ever changing weather. It does not matter wether you are witnessing a beautiful sunset or a heavy rain.
"In Iceland you will always end up with amazing photos."
People ask me why I like nature photography so much. I tell them that for me it is like a “Kinder Surprise Egg.” I hope you are familiar with this candy! 🙂
You get fresh air, exercise and great nature experiences. Being in the wild is also my way of stressing down from my daily routine. When I am in the wild I tend to forget everything else. I only focus my energy and thoughts on finding the best light and locations.
"Even if I plan a short trip, time usually flies by and I often get back home late at night with empty batteries but a charged body and mind!"
5/5
