My name is Morten Andresen and I`m a street photographer based in Oslo, Norway.
I am primarily known for taking colourful photos involving lots of light and shadows.
For the last 15 years I have worked as a television director, and I believe the way colour is used to grab the viewer’s attention has had a big impact on my way of doing photography.
When was your first picture taken?
I really don’t remember the very first picture I ever took, but I started doing street photography in 2018. On a trip to Hong Kong with my wife. She was already into street photography and I got inspired by her to try it out. It was so much fun exploring a place like Hong Kong through a viewfinder.
How do you put the person, place, or thing in front of the camera onto film, chip, or paper the way you want it to?
I usually find a location I like and wait for something interesting to happen in that space. I’m a patient man so I don’t mind hanging around one spot for a while. I think it’s because the location is just as important to me as the subject.
What photographers have influenced you, and how have they influenced the way you approach your subject?
I get influenced and inspired everyday from all the stuff happening around me and all the amazing work I see on social media. I don’t really have one or two photographers I look up to that have shaped how I work or take photos.
I try to only focus on what I enjoy doing. Both when I’m out in the streets or when I’m editing. It has to be fun and give me joy and excitement. I really try to follow this rule and not copy other artists. I am of course unconsciously inspired by many photographers during this process.
What exactly do you want to say with your photos, and how do you make your photos do that?
I often hear that people like my photos because they are so colourful and fun. That is really cool but I am also trying to capture the urban loneliness people can feel living in a big city.
That’s why I like to capture shadows and silhouettes against a colourful background. Life is beautiful but it also has a darker side.
What photographic gears do you use to stay focused on what you do best when shooting?
I still use the first real camera I bought back in 2019. A Fujifilm X-T30, and at the moment I usually shoot with the 35mm f1.4 or 56mm f1.2 lens. They are always with me when I’m out in the streets.
I’m really happy with this setup, but I will hopefully get a new camera some time later this year. I will continue with Fujifilm but I’m not really sure which camera yet.
Any technology/software/hardware?
Yes! I use both Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to edit my photos. I love the editing process. It has probably something to do with my time in the television industry.
I enjoy all kinds of street photography. Edited and unedited, but having worked in television for many years I think it is in my DNA now to manipulate reality if I think it serves a purpose.
What motivates you to continue taking pictures? Is it political, intellectual or emotional?
Emotional. Taking pictures out in the streets is like meditating for me. I don’t think about work or problems. I am usually totally in the moment. I am kind of a restless guy so I like being on my feet and roam around.
