Roger is a wildlife photographer based in Norway. He started his career as a musician and journalist before turning into a professional photographer. Roger has received several prestigeous awards including 2018 Windland Smith Rice International Awards and his work is represented in the Smitshonian National Museum in Washington.
Q&A
1. How did you start with photo/video?
I started taking pictures when I was around 12 years old. Nature has always been a big interest for me, so it came natural to start photographing. My other big interest was music and that was my profession until I turned thirty. After that I started to work as a journalist and used the camera more and more. Until I used the camera more than I wrote. My photo career was boosted in 2002 when I went to Antarctica for 3 weeks and came home with extraordinary pictures. That gave me confidence to sell pictures and give lectures. In 2007 I got a call from Nikon, that changed my world. They wanted me as their ambassador, and the rest is history.
2. How would you describe your style?
I try to capture the personality of the animals that I photograph. I like to use a low perspective and a good rim-light, that describes my style pretty much.
3. What inspires you?
The nature around me!
4. What is your dream shoot or project?
To spend two months in Mongolia to photograph the very rare Gibi bear.
5. What is your best advice to others that want to develop as photographers?
Don't judge your own success by other people's success. Compare yourself with only with yourself.
What is in your bag?
I have almost everything that Nikon ever have produced! But my main lenses are 600mm. When I´m going on a photo expedition I bring three Nikon D5 cameras along with the 14-24/2.8, 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8, 200-400/4, 600/4 and the 800/5.6. And of course the 60/2.8, 105/2.8 and 200/4 for macro photography.
Discover more about Roger Brendhagen
Instagram: @roger_brendhagen
Facebook: photographerbrendhagen
YouTube: MrBrendhagen
Website: rogerbrendhagen.blogspot.com