Better Moments

31/10/2024

When Cattle Make the Difference

I've just returned from Ethiopia, where, together with friends, I explored the Omo Valley. Among the many tribes, the Mursi left a profound impact on me, as they work tirelessly to stay true to their proud culture — and, undeniably, their cattle. Nearly every man carries a rifle, and the reason is simple: if a tribe loses cattle to another, it can mean the difference between food security and scarcity for their families.

The Mursi are semi-nomadic pastoralists who depend on cattle for sustenance, social status, and community bonds. Their rituals and ceremonies reflect a deep connection to their ancestral land and heritage. Despite modern influences, the Mursi are committed to preserving their unique way of life, making them one of Ethiopia’s most iconic and resilient ethnic groups.

Ps: I used a black cloth, which I hung up in a tree and reflected some light with a reflector – almost like working in a traditional studio.

31/10/2024

Discover Burma, one of the few countries in Asia that has preserved its deep religious and historical roots. As the country begins to open its doors to foreign visitors, we are thrilled to offer an exclusive photography workshop led by the award-winning photographer, Steve McCurry.

11/10/2024

Captured in the heart of Namibia

I prefer working with natural light – in nearly every situation. If you’re smart and know where the light comes from and its limitations, I can’t think of a good reason to use artificial light – just as the old and revered portrait painters did for generations. Capture the light in the room and let it paint your subject.

This beautiful Himba ( Namibia ) woman was photographed at a market where she was selling vegetables, standing in the shade away from the strong daylight. Under the shelter, I took her portrait as she gazed into the future – perhaps thinking about how long the Himba people of Namibia will be able to preserve their strong culture as the modern world encroaches.

08/10/2024

Vietnam Women

I am fascinated by people with a rich and culturally significant history that is important to all of us. I have visited Vietnam several times. Here are a handful of glimpses of some of the many women in Vietnam, specifically in Hanoi, who make a big difference.

1. Actress at Tuong Theatre
2. Quang Phu Cau Incense Village – one of the many women who work to stack incense sticks for drying
3. Soy is produced today as it was centuries ago, in large clay jars left outside, tended daily by hardworking local women
4. It’s a tradition to dress in historical royal attire – this woman had dressed up on a hot summer day at the Temple of Literature
5. A proud restaurant owner relaxing with the day's newspaper, Hanoi Moi
6. A day’s shopping is done
7. Knife factory in a backyard

Enjoy a wonderful week!

01/10/2024

Gentleman Chris

During my apprenticeship as a photographer at the leading daily newspaper in Copenhagen, I spent my free time—when I wasn’t out enjoying life—photographing Danish boxers who had held significant titles and had notable careers. One of them was Gentleman Chris.

During his career, he had several memorable fights in the United States. Between 1954 and 1955, he fought eight matches and his most significant victory was against Billy Graham, a former World title challenger. These experiences were crucial in shaping his international career, and his greatest success came in Europe, where he won the European Middleweight Title in 1958.

I had the honor of visiting Gentleman Chris on a warm summer day, where I photographed him in his kitchen. I mixed the daylight from a window with the warm glow of a hanging bulb. I believe this was around 1987.

Not long after my visit, his beloved wife passed away, and on a cold January night, Gentleman Chris peacefully passed away as well. Rest in peace, champion.
Gentleman Chris: May 21, 1926 – January 28, 2005

25/09/2024

A Proud People
On the border between India and Burma lives a unique group of people who are neither Burmese nor Indian. They are the proud Konyak Nagas, historically known for their warrior traditions. They are famous for their facial tattoos, which were traditionally earned through the now ancient practice of headhunting.

The chief—a proud man—sat on a stool in front of me, and we spoke in our own languages. We didn’t understand each other’s words, and yet, we understood everything. By using our arms, hands, and alternating between smiles and serious expressions, we chatted about this and that while drinking tea, and I captured his portrait.

Needless to say, it was a day that will be remembered far into the future.

23/09/2024

The world is on fire.
Am I the only one who feels we need a grown-up to tell the "kids" to behave themselves? Not in a violent way, because then the adults become the same spoiled children who are setting our world on fire.

With glimpses from Tibet, which embodies a local population that, in the best possible sense, are the most peaceful and giving people I have ever met. Let these portraits remind us all that, if we choose, we can live in peace and in a community where we wish the best for one another – not the opposite.

You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one.

12/09/2024

Exploring the Spiritual and Cultural Heart of Tibet
Over the past 25 years, I’ve traveled extensively across Asia and have had the privilege of visiting Tibet numerous times. Tibetan Buddhism, which permeates every aspect of life through practices such as meditation, chanting, and mantra repetition, has always captivated me. These traditions are deeply intertwined with Tibetan cultural heritage and art, with monastic life and rituals playing a central role.
Here’s a glimpse from Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Named after the legendary mountain where the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara resides, this majestic structure, built between 1645 and 1694, rises in tiers along the mountainside.

02/09/2024

On an Easy Sunday in Hanoi
In Vietnam, there's a charming tradition where young women and men rent outfits and have their photos taken by friends. They rent the clothes for a day from local shops, where they also get their hair styled and makeup done by professional artists.

This young woman was dressed as a member of the Lê dynasty, which ruled during the time when Vietnam was known as Đại Việt or Annam. She was waiting in line—just like a great handful of soldiers—to enter the beautiful garden of the Temple of Literature, which is absolutely worth a visit, even without your camera.

29/08/2024

Capture for the Next Generation
I am fortunate enough to have traveled—and continue to travel—around the globe to photograph local tribes. I have a deep commitment and strong hope that not only our generation, but also those who come after us, will understand the importance of preserving culture. It is crucial for humanity to recognize this, and in my case, to document it for future generations.
Here is a glimpse, captured in a doorway on a rainy day in Northern India.

26/08/2024

The Wise Bushman of Namibia

In the vast, golden plains of Namibia, where the desert meets the savannah, there still live a few Bushmen, the San people. I have visited their families many times, always with the deepest and most respectful admiration anyone could imagine.

I hope that my portraits of these unique people will remain as testimonials, not only for our generation but for generations to come. Through my lens, I aim to capture their essence, their wisdom, and their profound connection to the land, preserving their story for all who wish to learn from it.

23/08/2024

The mayor
I have met many fascinating and quite famous people, but my meeting with the headhunters and mayor of a small village on the border between northern India and Burma was truly a profound and moving experience that will stay with me forever.

The journey to meet the mayor was long and exhausting, taking us through breathtaking mountains and exotic landscapes. The dirt road we traveled was almost washed away by the monsoon rains, and we carefully made our way along the edge of the road, with the valley and lush rice fields stretching out below us.

The mayor stood at the doorway of his house, warmly welcoming me inside. We sat by an open fire as he shared stories of his upbringing, marked by the constant threat of danger. As a child, he was forbidden to leave his village because headhunters from the neighboring village would do anything to catch him and take his head.

"But they never caught me," he said with a smile. When I asked if he ever captured any men from the neighboring village, he didn’t answer. But the distant, sorrowful look on his face spoke volumes.

As mayor, he has played a key role in fostering peace and harmony among all the villages, and today, they live together without fear. What was once a life of constant threat has now turned into one of friendship and mutual respect.

This remarkable transformation from fear to friendship is a testament to the enduring power of reconciliation and peace.

19/08/2024

To celebrate World Photography Day, I’d like to share an unforgettable moment from the Omo Valley.
It was an incredible day for me, though just another day at the office for the Surmi hunter who stopped by late in the evening. The backdrop is the Omo River, with Kenya lying somewhere beyond the horizon—but that’s a story for another time.

17/08/2024

15/08/2024

Franz Beckerlee - My Rock Icon

There are very few musicians I can call one of my idols, but Franz Beckerlee is one of them.

As the iconic guitarist of the legendary rock band Gasolin', Franz helped shape the sound of an entire generation. His innovative guitar work and unmistakable style contributed to some of the most memorable tracks in Danish music history.

On a rainy day a few years ago, I gathered the courage to contact Franz Beckerlee with a request to take his portrait for my series "Those Who Left a Mark." I called, and the first thing he said was, "Come by my studio."

Today, Franz Beckerlee turns 80, and I celebrate him with my portrait of a true Icon.

02/07/2024

The Last Tribes of Omo: The Mursi Tribe

My portrait of a young Mursi girl (Ethiopia) was created under very challenging lighting conditions in a modest clay hut in a small village. The girl lived there with her family, and I had the honor of capturing her portrait. It was a significant moment for me on a very hot day in the southern part of Omo, roughly between the Omo (Warr) and Mago (Mako) rivers.

27/06/2024

Now I know how hard it is to keep a smile and maintain composure when you lose an Oscar!

As a nominee in the Hasselblad Masters in the Portrait category, where 85,000 images were submitted, the choice fell on another talented photographer. Although I believe "quite objectively:-)" that my portraits were the strongest, I must also admit that I lost to an extremely skilled photographer who also deserved to win.

I celebrate my defeat with a portrait from my recent trip to North India. Thank you to all who voted for me—your votes were not in vain but truly appreciated.

19/06/2024

Nagaland's Last Headhunters

I've just returned from an extraordinary journey through Northern India, reaching the northern corner bordering Burma in Nagaland. It was a profound experience to meet the last surviving headhunters. With utmost respect, I captured portraits of them within their humble homes, using available light from doors, windows, or simple reflections.

The headhunters of Nagaland, India. Once feared warriors, they engaged in headhunting as a symbol of bravery and prestige. Today, their culture is evolving, but they remain proud of their heritage, with rituals and customs that reflect their deep-rooted identity. Capturing their portraits was a profound experience, showcasing their resilience and the beauty of their traditions in the remote corners of Nagaland.