Hanne is a photographer who loves nature and works as an occupational therapist. She was born in Hamar and grew up in Bergen, where she discovered her passion for photography at the age of 14. She hopes to use nature photography as a form of therapy in the future.
Hanne remembers getting her first camera and wanting to capture everything so she could look back at it when she got old. “It has always been important for me to save every moment and make it last forever.”
She has developed a passion for nature photography over the years, and enjoys the adventure of being outdoors with her camera. She finds joy in capturing the different moods and expressions of each season, especially the crisp feeling of winter and the vibrant autumn colours.
Hanne loves Bergen for its proximity to mountains and other nature experiences. Mount Ulriken has been her favourite place to hike and photograph for a long time, but after moving to Osterøy last year, she has found many new places to explore with her camera there. For someone who has never been to Bergen before, Hanne says not to expect the best weather, but to take it as a bonus if the sun turns up. “When it’s not raining and the sun decides to show up, it feels like everyone is out and enjoying the town, and that’s lovely.”
Her recommendation for tourists is to enjoy the beautiful town, old houses, nice people, good food, and lovely hikes with a great view. And to bring good clothes and a camera, of course.
Having recently finished her degree in occupational therapy, Hanne now works with individuals with developmental disabilities in shared housing. In the future, she hopes to combine her passion for photography and nature with her current job – “to use photography and nature as some sort of therapy.” She believes that being creative provides a sense of achievement, and that seeing the details through the camera helps people appreciate nature even more.
“The only thing I know today, is that I want to work with photography in the future.”
Hanne has learned everything she knows about photography from YouTube and Instagram, and from the many hours she has spent taking photos. Her advice to other aspiring photographers is to find your own style, take photos of things that interest you, use the internet for what it’s worth, and find friends that love photography as well. “There is much inspiration and motivation to find when you share and develop a passion together with others.”
In terms of camera gear and editing programs, Hanne switched from Nikon to Fujifilm three years ago and is very happy with the Fujifilm system. She shoots with the Fujifilm x-t2 camera house and uses three different lenses, though her favourite is the Fujinon XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR. She uses Adobe Lightroom to edit, namely to give her photos a lift and improve the colours, but thinks it’s important not to change too much about the image.
When asked to share the most beautiful image she’s ever captured, Hanne recalls a photo of a lion that she took while volunteering in Zimbabwe in 2014. “I will never forget that trip and experience, and that is why this picture is so special to me.” As for her photography travel bucket list, Hanne has her sights set on Iceland, the Scottish Highlands, and the Dolomites. And she wouldn’t mind another trip to Lofoten either.
