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Interview with Roy Mangersnes (11.01.2014)
How long have you been a photographer and what is your proudest Award/Achievement to date?
I have been taking pictures since 2000, but as a professional since 2006. My proudest award is the two recognitions I have got in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year. This is a huge event, and very hard to stand out. Of course my latest award as the overall winner in the Global Arctic Award; “Arctic Photographer of the Year”, is also a very nice title to have. It also suits me very well I think.
What keeps your passion for photography alive?
The thrill of achieving my goals is my constant drive, and I have a lot of goals. I also like to work on long-term projects and before I finish one of them I always get a couple of new ones. In that way I always find a purpose in what I do.
Apart from photography, what other passions do you have in life?
I have a huge passion about nature conservation and I try as often as possible to combine the two. Wildlife photography can be a very powerful tool in conservation. Nothing tells a good story as a striking picture.
If there is one tip you could give a student of photography in order for them to improve their craft, what would it be?
The best way of learning is by doing, so take a lot of pictures and spend time evaluating them!
Name three photographers or artists who have most influenced your work.
Jim Brandenburg – I love his mellow approach to light and wildlife. He also has a great nerve in his photography which I normally don’t find in US wildlife photographers.
Vincent Murnier – His pure style has fascinated me for years. I will not admit that I have been directly influenced by his photography, but looking back at my own favorite images I might have picked up a few things along the way.
Staffan Widstrand – Even if Staffan is a great photographer I believe it is more his stamina, and passion that has influenced me most. The way that he works on major projects, that actually makes a difference, should be a example for everyone.
Give your prediction of where you see photography going in the next 10 years.
I think photography will become an even broader term, and we might see split between the purist “classic” photographers and the masses using their mobile phones or what ever to spread their images on social media. Moving pictures will be an even more integrated part of a photographers product. The market for professionals will be tougher, but the need for quality will be even greater. If you are good you will still be able to succeed.
If you were an animal, who would you be?
I would be a Polar Bear! Every day I would roll in the snow, go for a swim, sleep as much as possible and clean my soft, beautiful fur. The only thing I would have to worry about was to get onto the ocean ice when it starts moving north in the summer.
