Photography sort of fell in my lap. When looking back at how I became a photographer it
is almost like it rained on me. I didn’t have a great interest in pictures. Or art. And a
relative didn’t give me a camera when I was 12. It was small random sources hitting me
different places and when faced with the crossroad and question of; “What do I do now?”
I was soaked up in the idea of becoming a photographer. Since then small encounters
have led me halfway across the world and then around it a few extra times.
I grew up in Trondheim, Norway. A big city by Norwegian standards but barely a blip on
the map with its population of 150.000 people. I remember vividly the day I moved to the
US to study photography flying in over the Bay Area at night. The lights went on forever.
I was 22 and felt really small, intimidated by the number of lights and what they
illuminated. I attended the Academy of Art University for 4 years. Had some truly
inspiring teachers that changed my goals from shooting sporting events for my hometown
newspaper to wanting to create great images. I graduated in 99 with Best portfolio in the
Spring Show. In 2004 they gave me an Honorary Degree of Outstanding Alumnus.
I assisted Jim Erickson for almost 3 years. I don’t think there is a better mentor. He
inspired, encouraged and nurtured my own image making and gave me a set of working
habits that have helped me succeed on my own.
I’m glad I can say I have. The idea of becoming a photographer is now my reality and
I’m truly grateful. I ended up staying in San Francisco and have now lived here for 13
years. A great place to call home, though I frequently go back to Norway, which I also
call home. I shoot pictures and I’m too happy doing it, trying to make the ones today better than yesterday.
I have been fortunate to work with some great people on some great assignments for
clients including Intercontinental Hotel Group, American Airlines, Absolut, Ritz Carlton, Credit Suisse, Genentech, Union Pacific, Toyota, Hyatt, Puma, Pfizer, Microsoft and Nike.
