Photo Exploring

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.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

13/06/2024

The Men of the Apatani Tribe: Warriors of the Past

I recently visited the Apatani tribe in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India, to capture the last remaining traditions of this unique community. The Apatani tribe, residing in the serene Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India, boasts a rich cultural heritage. Among their many traditions, the history of Apatani men as fierce warriors stands out.

In earlier times, the men of the Apatani tribe were known for their bravery and combat skills, protecting their community from external threats and rival tribes. Their warrior spirit was not just about physical strength but also about strategy and leadership. These warriors played a crucial role in maintaining peace and safeguarding their people and lands.

12/06/2024

The Apatani Tribe

I recently visited the Apatani tribe in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, India, to capture the last remaining traditions of this unique community. The Apatani people are known for their distinctive cultural practices, including facial tattoos and large nose plugs worn by the women, which are symbols of their rich heritage.

During my visit, I immersed myself in the daily lives of the Apatani people, documenting their agricultural practices, traditional weaving, and vibrant festivals. My photos aim to highlight the resilience and beauty of the Apatani culture as it faces the pressures of modernization.

Stay tuned for an exclusive look at my portraits, capturing the essence of the Apatani tribe's last remaining traditions.
More inspiration: www.bettermoments.com

23/04/2024

Hasselblad Masters Finalist
"Christian Nørgaard, your portrait stands out brightly among a remarkable collection of 85,000 images. Congratulations once again, and best of luck in the next stage of the competition - Hasselblad."
I am delighted to share that I have been selected as a finalist in the Portrait category of the Hasselblad Masters competition, from among 85,000 participants.
With great hope that you, like me, recognize the significance of capturing the world, not only for our present but also for future generations, I encourage you to vote. www.hasselblad.com
A DIFFICULT DECISION

My extensive and vast archive of tribal portraits from all over the globe made it difficult to narrow down to three portraits which represent my style and respectful message to the world about preserving these important tribes and their culture - the choice became three Mursi women from Ethiopia.

15/04/2024

Inle Lake (Burma) is one of the most beautiful spots on our planet. Here, locals live in simple houses built on the lake, where they grow their crops and fish in the early morning hours. Here's a glimpse from a couple of years ago - a big moment for me, just a morning for the local fisherman. If you're curious, I can already reveal that Steve McCurry and I are planning a workshop in Burma in early 2024 - more about that or just take a look at our website: www.betermoments.com

05/04/2024

The Forgotten Tribes of Ethiopia

Ethiopia holds a special place in my heart - few places offer the opportunity to encounter tribal people in their natural environment. The portrait of a girl from the Surma/Suri tribe was captured in the Omo Valley.

If you're interested and have the time, you can watch a short film from my recent trip to Ethiopia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HggzKPv5Kkw

If you're considering joining my next private workshop, which only accommodates 4-6 guests, you can use this link to sign up and also access my Ethiopia catalogue: https://bettermoments.com/workshop_category/ethiopia/

From here, and as always, have a wonderful weekend.

26/03/2024

Hanoi workshop with Steve McCurry.
For nearly 10 years, Steve and I have been running workshops together around the globe, from Ethiopia, Burma, Thailand, and now Vietnam, Hanoi. As always, it has been with a passionate group of international guests from virtually all over the world - Finland, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong, to name just the tip of the iceberg.
Here are a few of my shots from Hanoi - hopefully, I'll post more. Enjoy and get inspired by visiting www.bettermoments.com.

08/03/2024

Let's celebrate all the strong women in the world
On my (many) travels around the world, often to remote villages, I have seen how hard women work. I would actually argue that there are several countries that would struggle to function if it weren't for the women who bear the greatest burden - they care for children, herd cattle back and forth to the grazing fields, teach children in humble classrooms, cook over open fires, haul water home to the village in heavy jugs, and the list goes on - it's extensive. So, with the utmost respect and gratitude for all the women making a difference, I will celebrate the day with three portraits: a pregnant woman in Ethiopia, a gracefully beautiful Himba woman from Namibia, and a proud and beautiful woman from Northern Vietnam.

19/02/2024

Vietnam is a haven for portrait photography

In short, you can encounter the locals and ethnic groups living in the northern part of the country, surrounded by lush rice paddies (in the rainy season) and in peace and harmony with their neighbors.

Here are a few glimpses from my recent Vietnam workshop with the most passionate and absolutely wonderful friends - if I were to describe the workshop in two words - lots of joy and absolutely unique photography - from everyone.

Please enjoy a few portraits - all captured with great respect and as always - passion for photography.

05/01/2024

Navigating and Overcoming Our Recent Hacking Experience

Embarking on a new year brought unforeseen challenges our way, specifically a series of four security breaches within a week. Despite the setbacks, we've dedicated ourselves to rebuilding and enhancing your experience on www.bettermoments.com.

Navigating the complexities of cyber threats, we are pleased to announce that www.bettermoments.com is now back on track, fortified against further disruptions. For those who tried to visit us during the ordeal, we apologize and invite you to explore our rejuvenated website.

Discover the latest information on our workshops, enriched content, and much more. Your journey into the world of photography and exploration awaits you anew.

If you feel inclined, please share our updates with others. Your support is invaluable, and we are excited to continue capturing better moments together.
As the founder of Better Moments, I wish you a fantastic New Year - Christian Nørgaard

21/12/2023

As we approach the close of another year, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to you during this festive season. May your Christmas be filled with joy, and may the New Year usher in prosperity and success for you and your endeavors.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with prosperity.

Warm regards, Christian

15/12/2023

A life story

Over the years, I have portrayed tribal people around the world, most recently in Namibia, where I spent time with the last surviving Bushmen. They are and remain some of the most amazing people I have met on my many journeys.
In these days when our attention, for far too many good reasons, is focused on global warming caused by our lifestyle in the Western world, I can say with certainty that if only we lived like the historical Bushmen, our situation would be quite different. They live off the land and respect nature in a way that is respectful and based on the idea that there should be resources for everyone, and not least, for the future, for our next generation.

07/12/2023

The Elegance of Himba
Recently, as I traveled around Namibia, I portraited one of the Himba tribes, a community I always visit when in the northern part of Namibia, Owambo which is bordered by the Kaokoland to the west and by the Kavango region to the east.
The two beautiful women belong to the proud Himba tribe, known for their distinctive red color adornments and their equally beautiful braids.

04/12/2023

Exploring the Lives of the San People

For over five years, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the world of The Bushmen in Namibia, capturing moments that reflect the essence of their daily existence. This documentation aims to shed light on their unique way of life.

My admiration for their lifestyle runs deep. The San people exhibit profound respect for the fauna and wildlife in their surroundings, fostering a harmonious relationship with nature. Furthermore, their interactions with each other are characterized by an exceptional level of respect.

Among the striking features of their adornment rituals, women embellish their hair with exquisite flowers, while the men fashion clothing from the skins of the wild animals they skillfully hunt.

In essence, the Bushmen, also recognized as the San people, are indigenous hunter-gatherer communities residing in the expansive and arid landscapes of Namibia. Their story is one of resilience, connection to nature, and a unique cultural identity that continues to endure through generations.

09/10/2023

This past weekend has been full of emotions for Judith Zabel from the US. She selected to walk and photograph the hidden streets of Sofia, Bulgaria. We took her to the back streets to photograph local murals and graffiti, to churches, and to experience the ride of local trams.
Thank you very much for choosing Photo Exploring
Guide and images: Mario Shumanov

04/04/2023

Photo Exploring - www.photoexploring.com - is looking for a freelance photographer guide in Reykjavik, Iceland.
If this is something for you, please drop us a mail asap since we have bookings.
[email protected]

Private Photo Tours through the most exciting and Photographic city tours in the world guided by professional photographers. Call +45 20972560 to know more.

26/10/2022

Sofia, Bulgaria is absolutely gorgeous any time of year! Join us for a photo walk around the city parks to photograph fall colours. This picture was taken from a skybar overlooking one of the city parks in blue hour! Favourite time of the day! Image: Iordan Hristov