Interview: Photographer Bengt Sigve Heggebø (Norway)
Can you tell us a little about you?
My name is Bengt Sigve, and I am a portrait photographer based in Randaberg in Norway.
For the past 6-7 years I have specialized in Close-up portraiture.
With the images I present, I want to give the viewers a visual experience and narrative so that
they begin to study the images even more.
How and when did you get into photography?
I have had this interest for as long as I can remember, and was probably influenced and
inspired by my dear father who in his time was a very skilled nature photographer.
In adulthood, we became active in the dog community, as we acquired 2 lovely Tibetan
Spaniel puppies. So, we started traveling to dog shows throughout Norway, Sweden,
Denmark, Germany and Spain.
As there were long distances to drive, it was only natural that I started photographing nature,
and became a very skilled nature photographer.
But eventually I needed a bit more challenges. So, then I started as a portrait photographer,
which I have never regretted.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography has simply become a very big passion for me. Being able to express yourself, be creative, create something, as well as delight so many people with the pictures is a great gift in itself.
In addition, I meet so many incredibly beautiful and lovely people, from all social classes and nationalities, and every single one of them has their own personality and story that I try to implement into the pictures.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers
I have specialized in close-up portraiture, that is.: Facial expressions and use of hand/arm to reinforce the different expressions. I want to convey joy, sadness, hurt, fragility, beauty, sensuality, etc..., capture the human soul and adapt a perfect lighting that gives the image a natural and interesting result.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I am inspired by ordinary people I meet or cross paths with, there are also extremely many
skilled photographers and models both amateurs and professionals in the world who give me
inspiration.
But as I mostly photograph close-up portraits, the artistic inspiration and ideas come naturally
during planning and preparations for the upcoming photoshoot with the model(s).
From time to time, the model/s also come up with suggestions from someone they have been
inspired by, then we try to put our own twist and put our own distinctive touch on it.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
Each Photoshoot is always a small project in itself. Planning and preparatory work regarding which type of poses/expressions best suit the model, type of outfit and colors, various accessories, which backgrounds and which type of lighting and etc... However, it happens that unexpected situations turn out to be very interesting. For me, it is important that the studio is set up and prepared according to plan, as well as testing the lighting before when the model(s) arrive. This is very important to me as I do not edit the images afterwards with Photoshop or
Lightroom.
Studio, on location or both?
Both, The studio is more relaxing as I have full control over everything without having to think about time, weather and seasons. On location, there are many unpredictable variables that can come into play and require much more planning and organization.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
I do both. I'm not ashamed to do a free Photoshoot, as long the model/s are interesting, and we get to tell a story with the photos.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
Each photoshoot is truly memorable and special in its own way, as I get so close to each individual model. But if I'm going to highlight someone, it would probably have to be 2 photoshoots I had in spring/summer 2022.
May 2022 Model.: Paola E. Skjoldal
Here we used 6-7 live snakes of different sizes and colors for the entire photoshoot, even
though I had planned as much as possible in advance regarding posing, backgrounds, lighting
etc... so it became very challenging to get the perfect photos . This is because I wanted the
snakes to have the right pose and expression when they were in the correct place on the
model.
June 2022 Model.: Moria Chappell
This photoshoot was with a professional belly dancer/performing artist, she has graceful and
fantastic movements and had the right poses, so my challenge here was to get the right facial
expression to match the poses. Both photoshoots were perfect, and we are very pleased with the result. If any of you are interested in seeing some of the pictures, they are available on my portfolio.
Nikon or Canon? Favorite lens?
Nikon, I use a bit of different equipment in the Studio and on Location, here are my favorites.: In studio.: Camera body.: Nikon D850 Lenses.: Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm F/2.8E ED VR and Nikkor AF-S 85mm F/1.4G
Out at Location.: Camera body.: Nikon Z9 Lenses.: Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II, Nikkor AF-S 200mm F/2G ED VR II and Sigma DG 105mm F/1.4mm HSM Art, Both in the Studio and on Location I always use different Studio strobes models from Profoto
as well as different types of Softbox, Reflector and Umbrella
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start
their own business?
Find your own style, perfect it to the tips of your fingers so that it becomes part of your identity and your brand. Each creative, collaborative, humble and trust yourself and your visions.
What do you think of our new magazine?
A very inspiring magazine, where you show a great diversity of incredibly talented and very interesting photographers and models. I am very grateful to be invited to this interview, as well as the space you have given me.
https://www.facebook.com/bengt.sigve.heggebo
https://www.facebook.com/Fotograf Sigve Heggebø
