I aim to photograph birds in a way that makes them appear natural and authentic, while at the same time using the possibilities of photography to bring out the beauty, character and interesting qualities of the bird and its surroundings.
To me, a bird is part of a larger story. I therefore like to leave some of its natural surroundings visible in the image when they contribute to the atmosphere or tell something about the bird’s life and behaviour.
Birds’ plumage often contains far more subtle variations in colour, structure and contrast than we immediately notice. Through careful work with light, contrast and tonality, I try to bring these details to the forefront. I do not want to make birds appear more spectacular than they are, but rather to give space to the nuances and qualities that are already present in the subject.
I see it as my responsibility as a photographer to portray and present the bird at its best – not by changing it, but by bringing out what is already there.
Birds are not static subjects. They preen their feathers, stretch, turn their heads, take flight, land and constantly move through different positions. I therefore also look for those moments when a movement or a particular pose gives the image an added sense of life and character.
And sometimes I feel that you can glimpse something almost personal in a bird. A look, a posture or a particular situation can suggest temperament or character. Those are among the moments I want to capture.
My goal is therefore not simply to show which bird was in front of the camera, but to portray the bird in a way that feels natural, alive and aesthetically pleasing – and that invites the viewer to look a little longer at the image.