5 QUESTIONS TO EDGAR BERG

Thank you for the chance to give us an interview. Would you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Edgar Berg and I am a photographer and director based in Paris, France. The subject of my work is often times the connection between humans and nature as well as movement and group dynamics.

Can you tell us about how you became a photographer? Please share something about your images (what is your particular interest, how do you choose the colors, composition, themes etc.)

I was always interested in visual arts and started experimenting with graphic- and webdesign around the early age of 12. My curiosity would let me explore different fields such as film, CGI, motion design, etc. Eventually I was old enough to study communication design and at the same time work as a designer in a motion design agency in Paris.

The daily commute to work through the timeless and magical streets triggered something in me and eventually I picked up a camera. Paris can now be described as the birthplace for my photography.

Photo: Edgar Berg

How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most? Films, books or magazines? Or what surrounds you?

For the most part I would say that I get inspired by almost everything in daily life. May it be a reflection of light across a building or an old man with a hat reading the newspaper in the park. I am not actively looking for inspiration but rather be aware of my surroundings whenever I am outdoors. You will be surprised how little details can transform into big ideas. Besides that, the obvious ways to find ideas for me are sculptures, paintings, and old films for sure can be a source of inspiration as well.

Photo: Edgar Berg

You do a lot of modelling photography. What is it that attracted you to this type of photography? Do you have a routine for dealing with participants in a portrait session?

When I started out photography I focused more on the person in front of me and tried to find a way to portray their true character and beauty. Nowadays I am more interested in moments that feel surreal and have more of a story telling approach to it. Ever since I was a child, I remember to be always fascinated by movements and flow. Specifically the ones of break dancers and extreme sports such as skateboarding. These are things I really like to explore and to incorporate in my work whenever I see fit. As I evolve overtime I see myself going back and forth between different periods of my photography which helps keep it fresh and alive.

Photo: Edgar Berg

Do you decide before or after the picture if you show the pictures in black and white or in color?

Whenever I shoot digital I always set my camera to black and white preview. This helps me remove most of the distractions you might face in the heat of the moment and really focus on composition and expression. On top of that most of the screens can’t accurately display the color gamut and therefore give you a wrong sense of colors and brightness.

But to answer your question precisely: I don’t always know which photo will end up being black and white. Except sometimes when I don’t like the color of a certain outfit or the background has a lot of green grass. I am not a big fan of green in photos.

Photo: Edgar Berg

Is there any advice you would like to give to colleagues?

Starting with the obvious: Just do what you like and don’t compare yourself to others. There is always a bigger fish out there, who is already where your future self would like to be. Slow but constant improvements to your craft are the way to go. Apart from that I think it is always good to connect with people in different creative fields who can inspire you to look outside the box. Keep it fun!