Happy Saturday!
My Saturday is perfect; my cup of coffee tastes delicious, the weather outside is nice, I live in a beautiful house with beautiful nature surrounding it, I have food on the table, I'm healthy, I have many fun projects coming up.. I feel very grateful today. Grateful for all of you guys and your support of my work here too. Thank you! 😊🙏✨
But.. Just a reminder; **The only thing that can stop you from succeeding - is yourself.** Don't forget that.
**“The camera makes you forget you’re there. It’s not like you are hiding but you forget, you are just looking so much.”**
– Annie Leibovitz
This quote definitely describes me when I'm out photographing, especially if it's on a boardwalk or in nature. I absolutely LOVE being out, with my phone set to "Do Not Disturb," maybe enjoying some coffee... it's just peaceful, without distractions. 📸
I saw a video the other day where a creator talked about how millennials are the last generation to experience actual boredom. Picture this: you're lying in bed with nothing to do. You can't connect to the internet because then the phones won't work, or you have already used your internet time for the week. There's nothing fun on TV, no one else is home, and then the doorbell rings. It's your friends on their bikes asking if you want to go to the mall. Not to go shopping or anything, but just to hang out. Maybe you go to the movies, maybe you buy a snack or a drink, or maybe you're renting a movie and watching it together.
The video struck a chord with me. I'm so grateful to be part of a generation that knows what boredom is, learned how to deal with it, and didn't have a non-stop flood of information from everywhere. I think we could all use a break from it very often.
So, here's my exercise for you this week: for at least an hour a day, put your phone on "Do Not Disturb." Every morning when you wake up, don't start scrolling right away. Do something else, like have a coffee outside, take a walk, grab your camera and do some nature photography, or do some yoga/gym. Practice being without your phone and digital connection. It's something I know I need to be better at.
Anyways, this might not be a challenge for some of you, but I know it is for most people today. **So, here's to nature and being disconnected!** 🌱🐊
Want to learn some Swedish? My newest @oftv episode is out and I’m teaching you some funny Swedish sayings!, And I know how much you guys love hearing my talk in Swedish 🤗✨
Watch it and let me know what you think!
https://of.tv/video/65c165eb4ef35f00015d1261/
I forgot to add the poll earlier.. so here's the post again 🤭
I love getting dirty at the construction site with @sunneebuilds and I can't wait to have her visit me again **VERY VERY SOOON!!**
Should we go live together during a shoot and follow-up with some Q/A or fun stuff? Let me know in the poll and head over to her as well and tell her we should go live one day 🤭📸✨
What other hobbies do I have besides photography? 📸
None. 🤭
Kidding. I have plenty. One of my biggest passions are traveling. Growing up I didn't travel much at all, and definitely nothing fancy. During summer vacation we would jump in the old family Volvo V40 and drive two hours away to my parents friend with a big farm. It was close to the beach, beautiful area, a nice cooling breeze even on the hottest summer days. I still remember those summers and I can miss the simplicity of these vacations.
My first trip outside of Sweden was 2007, with my girl friends, to Sunny Beach Bulgaria. That was my first time on an airplane. Getting out of that plane and get hit by that hot, stuffy air that I had never experienced before in Sweden.. it was a rush for me.
And that was the start of my passion for travel. What's nice about Europe is that it is so easy to travel from country to country. One time I found roundtrip tickets to London for a weekend, for only $50 per person, added a cheap hotel in a not so touristy area, and had one of my best trips ever. Or when I was in Budapest, enjoying a wonderful vacation, looking at the weather forecast for Sweden (I was still living there then) and saw rain and rain and rain.. I just decide do extend my trip and stayed for three more days in Budapest and met some amazing people there.
But when I travel it is so important for me to get the real experience. I don't like tourist traps, it's just overpriced espresso's and paella's because they happen to be located next to some historical building. I follow the locals. The locals know where to go to get the real authentic culinary experience.
With that said.. I'm excited for more travel during 2024.
What is your favorite trip or travel destination? Any places I have to see? Tell me in the comments or DM 😊✌️✨
What's my photography setup? That's something I get asked almost daily here.
I am very excited about my new Home Studio that I am setting up - and you will definitely get a tour as soon as it's all done. But until then...here's a first selfie using my Lumix and 50mm lens with my new massive mirror 🤭
So, for photography I am using my Panasonic Lumix S5IIX, before I had a Sony A7 III for years but it finally retired. When I film my OFTV episodes and for other social media content, I am using a Sony ZV-E1. A great camera for filming, but it can be a little bit tricky when I am outdoors in sunshine since it doesn't have a viewfinder, only a screen. But I do really like the video functions and quality of the Sony cameras. And I love the colors on my Lumix.
What kind of camera do you use? 📸✨
So, if you would ever go out on a boardwalk with me or doing wildlife photography.. you'd have to wait for me for like forever, because I'll be busy looking up, listening and not moving much 😂📸
But that is also the beautiful part about wildlife photography.. you can't be in a rush. You have to be patient. And I absolutely love that. I need to do more of it too.
What is your favorite wildlife photography location or your dream destination?
My new @oftv episode is out! I rented the Sigma 60-600mm lens to test it out for wildlife photography and it definitely did not disappoint! Check it out and let me know what you think 📸✨
https://of.tv/video/65b1951e6c8a9800014ff6c5/
Let's talk about photography and videography props ✨
As a passionate photographer and videographer, I find myself constantly on the lookout for unique and interesting items to enhance my work. This often leads me to a bunch of fascinating places, from quirky thrift stores and antique shops to bustling markets. Perfect places to find uniques pieces to add to my work.
My interest isn't limited to just clothing and accessories, although they are significant components. I am always on the hunt for a variety of props that can transform an ordinary shot into something extraordinary. These include unique decorative pieces for my shelves, vintage cameras that tell a story of their own, or even fun items like coconut bras, which I have already used for some photos (I have three, so I need two more girls to photograph with 🤭).
Each item I find has its own history and character, which I believe adds depth and authenticity to my creative projects. Integrating antiques into my work not only gives it a unique aesthetic but also bridges the gap between the past and the present, creating a timeless quality in my images and videos.
So, the next time you pass by a thrift store or an antique shop, consider taking a peek inside. You might just find the perfect prop that will bring a touch of magic to your creative endeavors. Remember, in the world of photography and videography, it's these small details that can make a big difference.
I actually made an OFTV episode a while back going shopping for antiques. Did you see it? If not, there's the link below ⬇️ Let me know what you think!
https://of.tv/video/65109a39006346000118e2d3/
📸 Photography teaches me to look beyond the obvious, to explore the depth of each frame, and to understand that every subject has a story yearning to be shared. In this world of visual storytelling, I am both a narrator and a listener, constantly learning from the world through my lens.
This journey of photography has been one of constant discovery - about the world, about art, and about myself. It's a reminder that in every corner of our existence, there's a hidden beauty waiting to be revealed, a new perspective waiting to be explored.
So here's to the beauty in the eyes of the beholder, to the stories waiting to be told, and to the endless possibilities that a single photograph holds, capturing not just images, but the essence of moments that speak to our souls. 🌟💫
Can't wait to share more of my craft with you guys.
Throwback to my first and only time in New York City! And I can't wait to go back when it is warmer (it was FREEZING and below 32F/0 Celsius when I was there in February last year lol). I had to go there to get something done at the Swedish Embassy and I wasn't really excited about it. But once I got there.. Wow. Absolutely loved it. The pulse, the people, the buildings. There's so much more to photograph!
And the food.
I have to go back just to photograph all of the food and eat more. 😋😋
Have you ever been to NYC and if so, what do you think of it?
**When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls!**
– Ted Grant 📸✨
There's just something about black and white photos. Unlike color photography, which often highlights the vibrancy and style of clothing and surroundings, black and white photography strips away these superficial layers.This form of photography is often seen as more artistic and interpretive. The monochromatic tones create a mood and a narrative that color photographs may not always reveal. In a world where color is everywhere, black and white images stand out for their simplicity and depth, reminding us that the essence of a person or a moment is not always found in the bright hues of their attire, but in the subtle, often overlooked details that capture their true spirit.
And this is why I love black and white photos.
How beautiful is this building? One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to explore the city by foot. Maybe it's the European in me, but exploring a city by foot can take you to places you would never see otherwise. I've had so many experiences going off the main tourist streets into the smaller backstreets to find some authentic, amazing spots. I've even joined a block party with locals one night in Prague (amazing spot, by the way!), didn't know anyone, but they invited me and my friend to join in the dance and to have some drinks and food. The same thing happened in Budapest; I ended up hanging out with two local girls that I met at a bar, and they showed me their favorite Ruin-bars.
But this place, it's actually a restaurant - the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, a traditional Spanish restaurant. It's a branch of a long-standing local chain dating back to 1905. Not only does it look beautiful on the outside, but the inside is just as impressive and makes a perfect backdrop for a photo. 📸
Always a good time when photographing and hanging out with beautiful and handy @sunneebuilds Can't wait to see you again soon!
Any suggestions on what we should photograph or film next? Let me know in DM's 🤭
Some more photos from my latest OFTV episode and a good example of what both colorful and plain walls might do for your footage. Which backdrop do you prefer? 📸✨
If you watched my latest OFTV, you know I love to use plain walls as a backdrop for photos and videos. And I have extra much love for the rustic looking ones. The more rustic and industrial, the better. There's just something about a place that shows so much signs of history.
Speaking of OFTV, which one of my latest episodes is your favorite one? Vote or leace a comment. If you need a reminder, the link to my channel is below.
https://of.tv/search/yrsaclicks/
Did you watch my latest OFTV episode yet? If not, you should!
Here's a BTS photo and how it can look when I'm filming these episodes. My friend took a little break and snapped a photo of me working before getting back to filming me filming myself.. lol 😝
Not gonna lie, in the beginning I was more shy and felt weird about filming and posing in public, but luckily I got over that. Most people think it's fun and interesting, and at the end of the day - Who cares what strangers might think of what you're doing? You do you! 😁📸
Did you check out my latest OFTV episode? In this episode I am going out to photograph some self portraits, using both plain and colorful walls as backdrops. Something pretty much everyone has available in their downtown area - for free 😁
Check it out and let me know what you think! 📸
https://of.tv/video/659f03db50a0d10001abe402/
Kayaking through the Everglades, surrounded by mangroves. It's peaceful, beautiful, and full of surprises. 🐊🚣♂️🌿
What's your most memorable outdoorsy experience? Anything very exciting and wild?? I want to hear your stories!
**“Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase.”**
– Percy W. Harris
Couldn't agree more. Time and again, I've emphasized the importance of practice in mastering any skill, something applicable to pretty much all aspects of life—unless, of course, you're one of the lucky few bastards blessed with extraordinary talent! Haha!
But also, the journey of practicing photography holds a special place in my heart. Those moments, camera in hand, wandering through unexplored places, engaging with people, and noticing small things often overlooked in the hustle of daily life, are truly magical. There's something extra liberating about days spent disconnected from my phone, fully present with my camera. These are the experiences I love the most 📸
**“Photography has nothing to do with cameras.”**
– Lucas Gentry
I love this quote so much, because I think it is important to know that just because you have the latest gear or camera, doesn't always mean that you'll be an amazing photographer. Or what do you think?
A friend of mine took this photo last time we were out photographing and I love it, just me enjoying mother nature 🌱📸
Well, **Happy New Year! 🥳**
I want to say thank you to all of you for your support and daily love. I appreciate you! May your 2024 be an absolutely amazing year! Cheers 🥂
And btw, I have so much fun videos coming up on my channel 2024!
What's your goals for 2024? ✨
I could list a bunch of things, like buying some sweet car or upgrade my camera gear. But I think my main goal is to be better at balancing work vs free time. As a content creator it is so easy to get hung up in the constant working mindset. Wherever you are or whatever you do, you’re constantly thinking “OH, that would be a great backdrop for a reel” or “ok but I need to plan the upcoming weeks content”. 📸
So - time management. Scheduling everything for the week. Even schedule moments without my phone, work or camera, just for me to be present. But also schedule time for me to deep dive more in my craft. Schedule days to go out and just film/photograph like B-roll or stock footage. Practice without “I wonder if this will be liked or appreciated by my audience”.
Another priority is to use my new Field Notebook instead of notes in my phone. I’ll talk about this more later on in an episode for my channel, but by actually writing my ideas down in a book instead of my phone, without distractions like notifications or emails, will help me stay focused on that idea and maybe even brainstorm further.
**What are your goals for 2024?** Or what are your biggest struggles when it comes to work or life balance? ✨
Also, not gonna lie, I would love to buy me the Leica Q3 in 2024. We will see what happens…. 😉
I know that Christmas is pretty much over, but, did you know that the Vikings used to celebrate from winter solstice, December 21st and for 12 days, or as long as the mead was flowing! So, what's a better way to keep the celebration going than to talk about the Viking Yule Traditions? The new episode is out now, let me know what you think! 🎬
https://of.tv/video/658c7accc2d4e80001bb90bb/
**“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.”**
- Peter Adams
Do you recall a time when you encountered a photograph or video so powerful and evocative that it stirred your emotions to the point of discomfort? A visual that remains indelibly etched in your memory? That is the essence of photography and art – the ability to evoke profound emotional responses and leave a lasting impression. 📸
