Name: Mattias FredrikssonHome Town: Åre, Sweden
Home Base: Åre, Sweden
Home Page: www.mattiasfredriksson.com
Sponsors/employer: Nikon, F-Stop
Sports Photographed: Skiing, mountainbiking, snowboarding
Favorite subject: Scandinavia and Japan
Recent Projects: A few big shoots on the Vestland of Norway with Field Productions, Norwegian film company
Do you remember when you realized photography was more than a point and shoot camera?
I was living in Riksgränsen, high up north in Sweden, working as a cleaner at the only hotel there. I met a photographer and was amazed by his work. I had a SLR camera myself, but could hardly use it. He helped me out and I got the chance to be his intern for a while. Then things cleared and I decided what to do with my life. I have never regret that.
What was your first camera? And what is your current.
My very first camera was a Kodak Instamatic I got from my dad when I was 11 years old. I had my own punk and heavy metal fanzine at the time and took my first photos. They were so crappy, but since I was the editor I published them regardless haha. Right now I´m using Nikon D3 and D3s.
What has photography done to your life?
Well, it´s my life - I absolutly love my work so it has done so much for me. All the amazing places I got to see, the great people I get to meet all the time and the amazing friends I have got during this journey. It´s all thanks to the photography and the life I get to live through my profession. I wouldn´t trade it against anything.
As a career photography has let you see much of the world. Where are the places you wish to return or are most memorable?
My trips to the south island of New Zealand and most of Norway are up there, but in many ways I would say my many trips to British Columbia has formed how I live my life the most. I have met so many nice friends over there, way beyond work, so it almost feels like a second home. I love Canada!
Being an action sport photographer, one would generally assume you also play the games you shoot. What are favorite sports to do with out a camera bag on your back?
I really love to get cold powder snow in my face so I say skiing, but in the summer time my main sport is mountainbiking and I like that as much if not more.
Who or what do you look too find inspiration in?
I find lots of my inspiration through snowboarding and movies and music of all kinds. Also through totally other fields than skiing and biking, such as city life, museums, art and photo galleries etc.
Life behind a lens means being witness to the best of times and the worst. Please let us know an experience from each.Best: Henrik Windstedts come back after a serious back injury that almost forced him to stop skiing. A bit more than a year later he won the Freeride World Tour and became the World Champion of extreme skiing (2008). I got to know Henrik when he was 14 years old and we have worked, travelled and hanged out ever since. He became the World Champ at the age of 25.
Worst: Witnessing my friend Lars Veen overshoot a jump while training in Mammoth Mountain in December 2004. Lars fractured his spine and became paralyzed in both his legs.
What would you say to a young shooter with who dreams of traveling the world taking photos of the elite athletes in our sports or exotic locations?
It´s the best job you could ever have if you are willing to work hard and believe in your vision. Find a mentor that could give you feedback and always think an extra time, is this photo really something you wanna show more people (cut the crap...). Look in lots of different magazines - not only action sports magazines - and find inspiration also in other fields, like movies, art and the everyday life. Make sure to charge the client for your work, way too many shooters give away shots for free or for too little money these days. And make sure to have a good camera backpack - F-Stop Satori - to save your back.
Tell us one over looked lesson you have learned in the photo business:
Live the sports you shoot and know the core side of skiing, snowboarding, biking or what ever you shoot. That is key in order to get in with the big names, the film companies etc - at some point you wanna work with them. At the same time, understand that it´s not only about the latest trick, the coolest equipment or the radest places - find your own style and be unique. And take breaks and do other things. That will make you more motivated and hungry in the end.
Mattias recommends reading:
http://inmotion.magnumphotos.com
http://blog.colebarash.com
http://www.aphotoeditor.com
http://blog.whiteroompictures.com
http://ianruhter.blogspot.com
http://blog.colebarash.com
http://www.aphotoeditor.com
http://blog.whiteroompictures.com
http://ianruhter.blogspot.com
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Quotes Mattias has enjoyed over he years:
"You are better than that!" - I donno who came up with it, but I like it - it has double meanings eh. Don´t relax and think you are too good or if somebody puts you down, think positive.
Anything else you wish to add: Enjoy the ride!
