Interview: Photographer Jacob M. Lypart (Denmark)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Jacob, I am Danish and live near Aarhus in Denmark. I am married and have 2 children and a lovely dog.
How and when did you get into photography?
I started my first photo adventure in Tanzania in 1992 where I was backpacking and went on safari. Before the trip, I had just bought my first analogue camera and completely fell in love with being behind the camera. In the following years it picked up speed and I trained as a photographer and later found that I was mostly into people photography.
What does photography mean to you?
Photography is a hobby of mine that I really love to do. Studying talented photographers and trying to understand their choices for their masterpieces gives me a lot of energy when I myself try to play with my images and create art. In addition, I love working with people and creating unique images where light and shadows enrich the images.
Please briefly describe your photography style for our readers.
It is always difficult to describe one's style, but I am often told that people feel and sense the model behind my portraits. I like to work in-depth with people's expressions and always try to capture the unique situations, where the model expresses her personality, in my photos. I am very direct and ask a lot of questions to the model to understand the person because I feel it helps me when creating the expression, I want to present.
Where do you get inspiration from?
In today's world, I believe there is no magazine or social media that hasn't been researched for ideas. But more often it is other photographers and their styles that have awakened my desire to work with photography. I am very inspired by Joe McNally, and he was also the one who gave me my interest in ballet pictures. But there are several foreign top photographers that I love. Peter Carlson from Australia is super good at expression and therefore fantastic at portrait photography.
Do you think in advance what you want in the picture?
90% of the time I prepare my ideas for several months before a photo session. But there are times when I feel it can a great challenge to improvise. Regardless of preparation, I always try to include a small session where I freestyle as this sometimes results in unique images as well.
Studio, on location or both?
I am mostly into photographing on location, where I often use my lamps and try to blend them in with the existing light. In winter, I like to use the studio for pictures where I want to have full control over the light.
Would you consider yourself a hobbyist or a paid professional?
At present, I am a hobby photographer who does not have to make a living making pictures. But since the equipment is very financially heavy, it is my plan to eventually sell prints of my photos.
What has been your most memorable session and why?
I have many good experiences with photography. I had a fantastic experience last year when I took part in photographing The World Ballet. When the show was over the dancers got together for a picture and the organizer couldn’t find their own photographer which meant that he asked me to do the shot. I got ready and just as I was about to press the shutter the whole team suddenly rushed towards me, and it became a great picture which was eventually published in both newspapers and on various websites and social media.
Nikon or Canon? Favourite lens?
I have been a Nikon user for many years with many different Nikon SLR models. This year I switched to Canon mirrorless as I was looking for better autofocus when I photograph the ballet. I had many lenses for Nikon, everything from zoom to prime but after switching to Canon the decision is to only have 3 lenses 24-70mm and 70-200mm 2.8 and an 85mm prime 1.2.
What is one piece of advice you would like to offer a new photographer looking to start their own business?
I don't think the equipment alone can help you produce good pictures. I myself feel it's about being happy and making sure that everyone else around you are comfortable and happy. With that as a base, you have the best chance to be able to create the images you dream of.
What do you think of our new magazine?
I'm new to Modellenland but love the magazine and think it has a lot of amazing elements. I look forward to reading more in the future.
