Being a selfish photographer can be the best thing you do for both you and your images.

What does it mean to be selfish as a photographer?

Most often I take photos just for myself. Not for Instagram, not for a client, not for anyone. Just because I’m curious. That makes me a selfish photographer – and I mean that in the best possible way.

Being selfish in this context doesn’t mean stepping on others. It means letting yourself be the driving force. Following your own curiosity.

The camera as a ticket in

A camera is more than a tool. It’s a ticket in. I’ve been allowed into situations I’d never be invited to otherwise. I’ve been able to ask people questions I couldn’t ask without a camera. I’ve stood right in the middle of moments usually reserved for those who “belong there”. All because I had a camera around my neck.

Without the camera, it’d be weird

Without the camera, it would be strange to ask:

«Mind if I come with you to work today?»

Or:

«Would it be OK if I just stand in a corner of the room and watch you do what you do?»

But as a photographer, that sort of thing suddenly makes sense. It even feels natural for the subjects. The camera gives you a reason to be present. It gives you access.

Let curiosity lead the way

That’s what makes being selfish worth it. You get a reason to be there. You get to see something you’d never see otherwise.

Being a selfish photographer means you take photos for yourself. You follow your eyes. You follow your curiosity. What people do, what they think, what they feel. What makes them do what they do.

My advice: Be selfish

Don’t overthink what others want to see – figure out what you want to understand. The rest will follow.

Be selfish. Be curious. That’s why you photograph.

Examples from when I was a selfish photographer:

Example: «Blodtørst»

My nephew has a metal band called «Blodtørst» (eng. Blood Thirst). They were taking part in the Wacken Metal Battle in March 2024, and I saw an opportunity to attend the last rehearsal before the competition and the day of the competition itself. I asked if I could, and I did. My selfish curiosity meant that I came home with these photos:

Example: Rævkrokmesterskap (leg wrestling competition)

I discovered this event by chance and decided to go there with my camera. After taking some pictures with and without flash, I made myself known. After a quick chat with the organisers, I got the OK to take some photos and I was able to get very close to the action. Without a camera, I would just be another spectator.

Example: «Photographers of Oslo»

The Photographers of Oslo is a video series that explores the diverse world of photography in Norway’s capital. Through interviews with photographers working in and around Oslo, the series aims to shed light on their individual motivations, creative processes, unique styles, and artistic goals. This series would not be as natural if I just turned up, and started talking to them about their photography.