Tell us something about yourself

My name is Jonas Nordqvist and I am a photographer from Malmö, Sweden. Just recently quit my day job as an engineer to be able to focus more on photography and move to Bali with my girlfriend. Don’t get me wrong, Sweden is a nice place to live, but sure is cold. Really looking forward to be in the sun, pick up my kitesurfing skills and be creative in a new country with beautiful surroundings.

How and when did you get into photography?

I bought my first DSLR in 2009 just to capture memories in my everyday life. I wasn’t paying much interest in the techniques at first but two years later I started experimenting with shooting more manually, and at that point I realized that my Nikon D40 wasn’t enough for me. So I bought a semipro Canon 7D which later brought me to 5D and so on.
I had a good job as an engineer to provide my newfound and expensive hobby. Later in 2013 I shot my first paid job on a wedding and kept on doing that ever since.
Early 2016 I started going to some workshops on portrait and fashion photography which led me to shooting with professional models from my model agency. 

What does photography mean to you?

I see myself as a person who has to opposing sides. One side of me is very logical; you might say the engineer part of me. But then you have the other, which is the playful, inventive side. Photography has been since the day I got hooked, served as an outlet for my creativity.

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

I have to be honest and say that i’m not sure exactly what my “style” is at the moment. I’m developing as a photographer every day and I hope to do so during my entire career.

 

Where do you get inspiration from?

This question feels quite limiting, since according to me, inspiration is something that can be found everywhere. It is also something that changes depending on your mood, trends and what not. But something that always inspires me is colors and light. I like it how, with the help of them, you can set the tone of what you’re trying to say or create with a picture. And that is very inspiring to me.

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Yes, I always have a plan or ideas before I start of how I want the result to be. But of course, things can change during a session and then you just have to go with it. 

 

Studio, on location or both?

Both, but i prefer location.

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

Sometimes I get paid but I also do alot of unpaid shoots to expand my portfolio and being creative. Photography has just been a side business for me a couple of years now and I just got started exploring new styles, like editorial and fashion photography.

 

What has been your most memorable session and why?

When I drove to a wedding in 2014 and left my pants back home. Yea I had shorts on but you know, theres a dresscode weddings. It all turned out great in the end though.

 

What has been the biggest source of inspiration in your work?

As I described in the previous question it comes from many things. Other photographers can inspire me a lot, and who that is can differ from week to week.

 

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

Canon and 85L/1,2 MK2

 

What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?

Asist other photographers and maybe go to some workshops to learn more. Don’t forget to shoot what you think are fun and maybe the money will follow.

 

What do you think of our new magazine?

I think it’s great and always inspiring to see other photographers/models work!

 

www.jonasnordqvist.com