Artist Spotlight: Josefine Jonsson photography

Tell us a little bit about yourself?
-I was born and raised in Southern of Sweden. Now I live in Stockholm with my partner Robert and lovebird Kiko. I love birds, video-games and this year I’m turning 24 years old.
Did you go to school to study photography?
-Yes, I did. I attended a school called “Gamleby Fotoskola” where I studied commercial photography for two years. During this time I also assisted photographers such as Carl Bengtsson and Emma Jönsson Dysell.
How long have you been a photographer?
- I started off with photography back in 2006, so I have been photographing for 8 years.
How did you get involved with portrait, and fashion photography?
- From young age I have been interested in art, especially drawing realistic portraits. But I felt that I could not express nor develop as I wanted, so I was eager to try something new. I asked my very best friend Harriet if she could model for me in a field of yellow flowers. From that day I felt that I had found what I wanted to do, photographing fashion and portraits.

How would you describe your style?
-When I first started I wanted to take photography that were dreamlike. Nowadays I would like to describe my style as a mix of dreams and fashion with a touch of edgy.
What type of cameras do you shoot with?
-I work with a Canon 5D Mark II along with lenses such as Canon 85 1.8 mm, 50 mm 1.4 and 24-70mm 2.8L
What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera?
- I would have to say my reflector because it is a must in poor light.

How important is Photoshop in your final images?
- Very important, it is where I set my personal touch on my images. I spend a lot time creating different tones and feeling to them.
Who are some of your early creative influences?
- I get a lot of inspiration from nature, dreams and other artists, mostly not so very acknowledged ones. I think I am influenced by a lot of different photographers, but no one in particular. I usually appreciate photographers in the high fashion and beauty industry even if we don’t share the same style.
How do you get yourself inspired for a photo shoot?
- I usually look at other images for make up, style and locations to be inspired by. Usually I discuss with the team involved about what style we are after and we send each other inspiration images. Discussing the shoot gets me inspired because I love when creatives get together with all our ideas!

How do you approach a portrait and what do you love about shooting people?
- I never tend to be standing still during a shoot. I like to try different angles and compositions so I move around a lot. What I like the most about shooting with people is the connection during a shoot and how much joy they bring to the set.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
- I think it is to only live off photography. The photography business is really hard because there are many other photographers and unfortunately there is not always money in it. Other than that is mostly, for me at least, to work with the weather. It changes really fast from sun to rain, I have a few of such stories…
What advice do you have for photography enthusiasts looking to go professional?
- Build a portfolio you’re pleased with and advertise/market your photography on social medias. Do not get “paid” with exposure or work for free “because you need it in your portfolio”. In order to succeed in this business you need to find your own style to stand out from the crowd, it is up to you to decide what that would be.

How do you approach a portrait and what do you love about shooting people?
- I never tend to be standing still during a shoot. I like to try different angles and compositions so I move around a lot. What I like the most about shooting with people is the connection during a shoot and how much joy they bring to the set.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
- I think it is to only live off photography. The photography business is really hard because there are many other photographers and unfortunately there is not always money in it. Other than that is mostly, for me at least, to work with the weather. It changes really fast from sun to rain, I have a few of such stories…
What advice do you have for photography enthusiasts looking to go professional?
- Build a portfolio you’re pleased with and advertise/market your photography on social medias. Do not get “paid” with exposure or work for free “because you need it in your portfolio”. In order to succeed in this business you need to find your own style to stand out from the crowd, it is up to you to decide what that would be.