WINNERS' INTERVIEW

ー　What made you decide to enter the Nikon Film and Photo Contest?

I have been using Nikon cameras for over thirty years. When I started to study photography in 1992 I got Nikon FM2 from the school and since then I have used Nikon. When I read that the contest theme was “inspire”, this image “Jonas” came to my mind and I decided to participate in the contest with this photograph.

ー　Do you have any episodes to share related to creating your award-winning Nikon Film and Photo Contest work (photo or film)?

I photographed Jonas in Savissivik, one of the most remote settlements in Greenland, over 1000 kilometres north from the Arctic Circle. It is so far north that sun does not rise for four months in winter and sun does not set for four months in summer. Local people were curious why “qallunaaq”, foreigner, came to stay one month in their village. They took good care of me and I was invited to take part of their everyday lives. Local kids visited me everyday and I loved practising Greenlandic with them and we sang Greenlandic songs. Once Jonas came to visit Superman dress on and I photographed him. I think I spent 95 percent of my time getting to know people and 5 percent of my time taking photographs. I am grateful for the hospitality of Greenlandic people. I always feel very much at home in this place and have returned there several times.

ー　Tell us about your recent activities. Have there been any changes in your career and/or other aspects of your life since winning your Nikon Film and Photo Contest award?

In my ongoing project I have been documenting the traditional life of Inuit hunters and their families in North West Greenland. These photographs are currently exhibited at the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle in Paris and VB Photography Center in Finland. I have also been working for my coming exhibitions which will be on display at K.O.N.G Gallery in Seoul in 2026.

ー　What does shooting photos or films mean to you?

Photography is a way to tell stories and experience the world. It took me to Greenland thirty years ago. I was enchanted by the story of the Mother of the Sea and in 1995 it inspired me to set off for Greenland, the place where the story originated. I fell in love with Greenland in my first visit. The spectacular nature with huge icebergs size of block of flats and glaciers coming down from the ice sheet. For thirty years I have travelled regularly to Greenland to photograph the polar landscape and its people and created three long term documentary projects, each lasting for several years.

ー　What’s your message to people considering entering the Nikon Film and Photo Contest?

Work with passion and patience. Don’t focus on winning—see it as a chance to share your work. Submit the work which you are excited and want to talk about. Even if the judges don’t choose your image, it doesn’t make your work any less meaningful. Keep creating what excites and inspires you.