Unparalleled Photographer

*All Images courtesy of Charlotte Sverdrup*

Give us a little bit of background, where do you live, what's your profession, why did you choose it, and how long have you been in it?

I live in Oslo, Norway and have been working as a photographer for the last 13 years. I discovered photography at an early age and got my first compact camera at the age of 13. I studied design and photography in Australia, and upon my return, I have worked commercially while also exhibiting personal projects in Oslo, London and New York.

Where were you and what were your first thoughts as the pandemic began to take hold and eventually disrupt life as we know it?

I was in Oslo. At home. Initially, they closed the schools, and then it felt like hour by hour they were shutting down different businesses and our social life. I had already talked a lot about this disease coming our way, so even though I wasn't surprised that this was happening, I was still taken aback by the quick change in my life along with how people responded to it. The judgments, the fear and anger that popped up on social media was quite overwhelming. I felt very vulnerable, not knowing how long this would go on for, but I decided quite quickly to focus on the possibilities in circumstances like these and the fact that we were all in this together.

How has the virus affected you and your industry in general?

I think it depends on how you handle it. Some people change their tactics and offer to help their clients with new services, which keeps them afloat, but it is hard for everyone in the creative industry, no doubt about it. The first thing businesses cut down on in times like these is the marketing budget which then has an impact on the need for photographers. I have spent this time working on personal projects and was lucky to win (along with my partner) a new project Hack The Crisis Norway, so we have, ironically, been busier than ever. If you want to know more about WAM, please check our website.

“I have spent this time working on personal projects and was lucky to win Hack The Crisis Norway”

What have been the most difficult challenges for your business / your working life, and how did you approach them?

Clients that suddenly stop spending their budget on photography or have had to cancel jobs themselves due to social distancing, which has affected me. I have approached this by accepting the situation and have used the time to be creative and adapt to the change.

“For me, it’s all about the mentality. If your head is strong and focused, then the rest will follow.”

What are your top 3 tips or suggestions for your fellow professionals when it comes to maintaining motivation?

Persistence, a positive mind, and to see challenges as a means of change rather than to roll over and give up.

Have you adopted different working practices that have changed your perspective on how things can be achieved, has technology played a part in this, how?

For me, it's all about the mentality. If your head is strong and focused, then the rest will follow. This hasn't changed during COVID. While working on our new project WAM, however, we have had to have all of our meetings through video conferences. I have found this to be rather efficient and time-saving.

What do you think the future holds for your industry?

Many artists have used this situation to be creative and create projects based on the situation we're all in, including me. I think this will be very interesting to follow. I also believe that artists, galleries and museums that have had to show their art through virtual guided tours will be a part of the way we interact with art in the future.

“Life is vulnerable in ways you couldn’t imagine, beyond your control, and you should appreciate what you have.”

What have been your hardest personal challenges?

To keep going when the going gets tough, read too much news and to listen to other people's criticism along the way.

What coping mechanisms have you adopted to help you through this crisis?

I’ve tried to block out media and avoid being overwhelmed by it all. I stayed up-to-date about the situation, but I didn't flick through the newspaper or social media all day long and even had breaks where I would read the newspaper every other day if needed. A few friends ended up getting depressed and paralyzed reading the papers rather than distract themselves with projects, so I decided to protect myself and advised others to do the same.

How has your perspective changed on life since the pandemic began?

That life is vulnerable in ways you couldn't imagine, beyond your control, and that you need to appreciate what you have. Also, I have learned that if life gives you lemons, I make lemonade.

What have you missed during the lockdown and what's the one thing you can't live without?

Hugging friends and family. I have also learned that I can't live without an income ;-p

What are your hopes for the future professionally and personally?

Professionally I would love to continue working on exciting projects as a photographer for clients, exhibitions and sales. Personally, I would like for WAM to succeed.

*Becky and Charlotte (right) working on the WAM project*

About WAM:

As society becomes increasingly disrupted by Covid-19, we wanted to find an innovative way to show our friends we care whilst also boosting the income of our much-loved local, independent stores.

The idea behind WAM is that users buy small virtual gifts for their friends (such as a coffee or a muffin from their favourite cafe) which can then be exchanged for the real thing. The businesses get paid for the gifts now, and the recipients have something to look forward to - what we call, the double WAM!

For more info about the WAM project see here.

To see more of Charlotte’s photography, have an inspiring look at her website here.

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