Interview with Jan-Tore Oevrevik | Multiple Global Photography Awards Category Winner

Hello! I'm Jan-Tore Oevrevik, but you can call me JT. I'm a Norwegian-American photographer with a passion for immortalizing the fleeting beauty of our world. My journey into photography began unexpectedly in 1998 with a darkroom I set up in my own bathroom.

It was there, developing my first rolls of film after a local photography workshop, that I discovered a whole new realm of artistic expression. This experience ignited a burning curiosity in me to explore and capture the myriad stories of life through my lens.

I consider my education in photography to be an ongoing adventure that spans the globe. Initially, I pursued a formal education with a Bachelor's degree in Economy and Marketing, which was soon followed by advanced studies in Creative Web and Graphical Design. While I've refined my skills as a self-taught photographer, I've also held roles as a design instructor and became an Adobe Photoshop Certified Expert in 2002.

My photographic education has been greatly enriched by attending workshops hosted by internationally acclaimed photographers and completing rigorous courses at Photoserge Academy, where I graduated among the top students. Throughout the years, I've continuously absorbed and adapted various techniques from a myriad of online resources and real-world experiences, ensuring my approach remains as dynamic as the landscapes I capture.

Absolutely, it's a memory etched deeply in my mind. My inaugural foray into photography was through my father’s camera. I was quite young, standing proudly outside our family cabin on a picturesque island. The scene was framed by a stunning fjord reaching into the horizon and a quaint lighthouse standing sentinel. This magical vista captured not only the scene but also my imagination, sparking what would become a lifelong passion for documenting the breathtaking beauty of our world.

My photographic toolkit is centered around Sony's innovative technology. I use the Sony A7RV, equipped with a range of Sony's cutting-edge GM lenses, which to me are akin to an artist's cherished brushes.

My journey through camera brands has been quite the evolution: starting with Pentax, advancing through a decade with Nikon, and transitioning through various iterations of Sony cameras from the A7RIII to the A7RIV and now the A7RV. I value Sony's equipment not only for its exceptional image quality but also for its compact, lightweight design, making it ideal for my continuous travels and spontaneous shoots.

My ambitions as a photographer are twofold. Primarily, I strive to infuse a sense of joy, wonder, and inspiration into the lives of those who view my work, offering them a brief respite from the hustle and daily challenges. I want my images to be a gateway to moments of peace and beauty. Secondly, I am dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive community among photographers, regardless of their experience level. By doing so, I hope to nurture a space where creativity flourishes and support is abundant.

The most meaningful compliments to me are those that reflect the impact of my work on others' emotions and desires. When someone says, "Your pictures make me want to visit those places," or "I feel drawn into your pictures," it reaffirms that my photographs do more than capture landscapes—they evoke feelings and spark a sense of adventure.

Moreover, the enduring relationships and mutual encouragement within my network of photography friends profoundly enrich my photographic journey. This ongoing exchange of ideas, challenges, and experiences not only inspires me but also deepens the joy I find in photography.

My storytelling is deeply influenced by the adventures I share with my wife, Ambreen. Together, we journey to breathtaking destinations that spark our collective curiosity and awe—places rich in natural and urban beauty, accessible without the extremes of adventure sports. We cherish locations that offer that instant 'wow' factor.

As I compose my shots, I focus on capturing enchanting scenes from unique perspectives, ensuring the elements of the foreground, middle ground, and background harmoniously tell a story. My ultimate aim is to stir a sense of wonder and encourage others to experience and appreciate the remarkable beauty and tranquility these destinations hold.

Colorful, captivating, and inspiring.

Securing the Global Photography Awards twice is a remarkable accolade that acknowledges the intense effort and commitment that go into my work. This recognition serves as a profound endorsement of my artistic approach and my dedication to capturing moments that powerfully narrate the world's stories through my lens. My wife, Ambreen, has been an indispensable partner in this endeavor, providing unwavering support.

These awards not only mark significant milestones in my personal artistic development but also highlight our collective passion for discovering and recording the diverse tapestry of the globe. Being a double category winner fuels my drive to further expand the horizons of my photographic work, continuously aiming to move and inspire others with the beauty we encounter.

The two Category Winning photographs from the 2024 Global Photography Awards both capture the stunning and pristine landscapes of Iceland, a place of surreal beauty that seems almost otherworldly. My first winning entry, "Edge of Darkness," was taken from a cliff's edge during a particularly vivid display of the Aurora Borealis. It was only when my headlight failed to illuminate the ground before me that I realized I was at the precipice of a vast valley enveloped in darkness. Capturing the Northern Lights over this void felt like receiving an extraordinary gift from nature.

The second winning image, "Marscape of Iceland," was captured using a drone. The landscape, predominantly grey and dark, was intentionally desaturated in my editing process to accentuate the striking orange hues of the volcanic terrain, enhancing its Martian-like appearance. I chose to enter these images to share the unique and powerful memories of Iceland's raw, untouched beauty with the world, inviting viewers to experience the awe that these landscapes evoke.

Receiving accolades like those from the Global Photography Awards has significantly advanced my career. Each award not only reaffirms my achievements but also certifies my commitment to mastering the art of photography. These honors have strengthened my professional standing and facilitated the promotion and sales of my work.

While I deeply appreciate each recognition, I continuously seek new challenges and accolades. Competing and prevailing in esteemed circles enhances my visibility and credibility within the art community, thus opening doors to new opportunities and enabling me to share my artistic vision with an increasingly broad audience.

Daniel Kordan, Albert Dros, and Sergei Ramelli.

One of the most impactful pieces of advice I received early in my career was from Serge Ramelli, an experienced photographer. He recommended using the camera on my iPhone as a tool to scout and test various angles, perspectives, and compositions before capturing the final shot with my professional equipment.

This method allows me to explore different viewpoints by simply moving around the scene with my smartphone experimenting quickly and efficiently. Adopting this approach has greatly enhanced my ability to visualize and frame shots effectively, and it has become a fundamental part of my photography process.

For anyone embarking on a photography journey today, my primary advice is to keep your camera by your side at all times. Constant practice is the key to mastery. Explore shooting in diverse weather conditions and lighting setups to understand how each affects your images. Aim to discover unique perspectives and clean compositions that emphasize your main subjects while minimizing distractions.

Critically evaluate your photos after each shoot, noting what techniques were successful and which areas need improvement. While learning from fellow photographers is invaluable, the true essence of advancing in photography lies in your passion. It's the fuel that drives your development and transforms photography from a mere hobby to a profound art form. Let this passion ignite your creativity and guide your path in the world of photography.

The cornerstone of my success is undoubtedly my deep-seated passion for photography. This fervor propels me forward, whether I’m capturing the peaceful moments of a sunrise or the mystic hues of the blue hour. While my photos might appear serene, they are the product of intense hard work—ranging from exhaustive research and scouting before even arriving at a location to enduring long and challenging hikes in pursuit of the perfect shot.

In particular, with bird photography, patience is essential. I often immerse myself in the environment, sometimes waiting hours for that one ideal moment, like the time I spent a week from sunrise to sunset tracking pelicans, learning their patterns in relation to the weather and lighting.

My advice to anyone on this journey is to let your passion be your guide. Allow it to cultivate your patience and drive your pursuit. The effort and dedication can transform simple images into profound works of art. Remember, the intensity of your passion will reflect in the beauty of the images you create—let it lead you, and the results will indeed speak volumes.

While photography might appear timeless, it is a field that is constantly evolving, especially with the advent of new technologies that bring forth new possibilities. My approach to staying informed and adaptable is crucial. Though the foundational goal of capturing light and moments remains unchanged, the tools at our disposal have undergone significant transformations. Gone are the days of the traditional darkroom, now replaced by sophisticated software that allows for unimaginable enhancements to images.

I am committed to staying abreast of the latest advancements in photography technology and techniques. Regularly updating my skills and incorporating new tools into my practice not only improves my work but also keeps my methods vibrant and innovative. By keeping informed and flexible, I ensure that I am always equipped to utilize the best resources available, maintaining a cutting-edge approach in my photography.

I would like to leave a word of encouragement for my fellow photographers: Do not be discouraged if the accolades and prestigious awards do not come immediately. It's important to remember that each photo you take pride in is an achievement in itself.

Art is profoundly subjective; what moves one person deeply may not impact another in the same way. Therefore, treasure the joy that comes from creating work that resonates with you personally. Regard every photograph that fills you with pride as a valuable accomplishment in its own right.