Tell us something about yourself

Anja Ekstrøm, 41 years old, 5 years in photography, Live in Copenhagen, Denmark, Working: worldwid, www.anjaekstroem.dk //

www.instagram.com/anjaekstroem

How and when did you get into photography?

About 5 years ago, I lifted a camera for the first time – I was asked just to shoot a quick portrait of a friend, with an ordinary “household-camera” and no edit opportunities except insta-filters…. That started a spark within me… I was blown away about how much I loved it… I borrowed the money for a decent camera, got help from fellow photographers to get me started and the rest is history. But a fun fact that my photographer career started “By chance”

What does photography mean to you?

It means everything! Its my passion and livelyhood now – I am so fortunate to be able to live of what I love to do! I really believe that is my greatest gift in life – to smile every morning

 

Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.

Its very different, I think…. Depending on, if it is a portrait, a fashioncampaign or something different… I ALWAYS want a feeling/mood/personality/energy to be the hero in the shot, but I love to play with colours, makeup etc.

 

Where do you get inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from everywhere…. A colour, a feeling, a set of clothing, other people etc…. I save it in my mind and at some point its in a photoshoot in its form or to a certain degree

Think you in advance what you want in the picture?

Absolutely – I ALWAYS have an idea or a thought, about what I want, but I also know that it is  a “fluent process” to shoot – It always evolves in different directions which creates art and new ideas

 

Studio, on location or both?

I am 90% studio and 10% location but I am planning to even that out a little bit more J My comfortzone is the studio as I have everything near me and can control the lights etc – its a bit harder to do to the sun ;-)

 

Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?

I consider myself as a paid professional as I am doing this for a living

 

What has been your most memorable session and why?

I actually have several big ones that I love, but one springs to mind. Me and a GREAT team made a photoshoot where the big gowns/dresses was mad entirely out of fresh flowers and we got to shoot it at a castle…. That came out SO AWESOME and the day was so much fun and the team were magnificent and we all LOVED the vision and idea and made it work 100%

 

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

Colours/Makeup in the creative shots and personality in the portraits.

 

Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?

I am a Canon-girl J My faverite ones is a 50 mm 1,4 and a 24-100 mm – I am hoping to get 24-70 mm as I hear that is an amazing one.

 

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

It is simple: IF YOU CAN DREAM IT – YOU CAN DO IT!! Follow your gutfeeling in all aspects

 

What do you think of our new magazine?

I like it a lot…. I just think there is a bit much “sexy-photos” and to little fashion and creative beauty/avantgarde….

 

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www.anjaekstroem.dk

www.instagram.com/anjaekstroem