Stian started to get interested in photography in 2009, when he would borrow his brother’s camera and take photos in the garden. He got serious about it in 2018, when he bought his own equipment and focused on wedding photography. “I’m a big fan of weddings, true love, and romance.” Stian finds weddings beautiful and unique, and says that being a wedding photographer is a careful balance between making an impact and not being too much.

Stian works full-time at Hans H., a retail store, and does wedding photography on the side. His aspiration for the future is to work for himself as a full-time wedding photographer, with his hobby as a woodworker on the side. “I love to be creative and to design, so I have some big hopes for my new baby, ‘Born in Bergen’.” This project will feature designs by Stian, made from both woodworking and painting.

Stian shared the story of his first full-day wedding, when he felt most outside his comfort zone. He was so nervous that he threw up a few hours before the wedding. At the same time, he realised that wedding photography was something he really liked and reassured himself that he had it under control. After all, he was used to working with people and felt steady with his camera.

“Spoiler alert, it was a huge success! And this was just the start of what would become my very own business.”

This experience taught Stian that no matter what, you just have to go for what you want, even though it may seem scary. “Be true to yourself, and that way you can become the greatest version of yourself.” He says he never would have become a wedding photographer if he hadn’t taken that giant leap. His advice to aspiring photographers is to go for it. “You will absolutely succeed if you have a passion for what you do, I know this because I have!”

Stian currently uses the Sony A7R III with 4 different lenses, though the Sigma Art 55mm 1.4 lens is his absolute favourite. The Sony camera creates images that are both big and sharp, perfect for photos and posters to hang on the wall. The 55mm lens creates the most beautiful bokeh effect, gives sharp and perfect focus on images, and has a good range. He uses this combination in every wedding – in the church and for the couple photos.

Stian loves to photograph in Bergen, especially in Sandviken and Bryggen. “There are so many beautiful alleyways and old houses, and they look so colourful and inspirational.” For hiking, he recommends Mt. Fløyen or Mt. Ulriken for stunning views and photos. His favourite season to photograph is the fall, because he loves all the leaves on the ground, the explosion of colours, and the beautiful light.

If Stian could photograph any place of his choice, it would be the Italian Dolomites and the South Tyrol area of Italy. “The raw and stunning landscape there has fascinated me for quite a few years now.” As for where he finds his inspiration, Stian says that many people have inspired him as a photographer. He really admires Igor Bulgak’s work as a wedding photographer, and says that his girlfriend Thea inspires him every day.

The most beautiful image that he has ever captured is one he calls the ‘Highland Cow Family’. Stian shared with Localfolk that he loves how curious the baby looks, how the mom takes such good care of it, and that the father is standing guard. “I couldn’t have asked for a more spontaneous family photo, it fills me with love and a good smile every time I see it.”