John T. Pedersen
1. Can you introduce yourself and talk about how you got into photography?
My name is John T. Pedersen (56) an independent photojournalist from Norway.
I have worked as a professional photographer since 1988, and done assignments for newspapers, trade press, magazines and agencies.
With focus especially on humanitarian issues during my own projects.
In my everyday photography, I am affiliated with the national newspaper Dagbladet in Oslo.
In 2019 I received a 1st Prize in the World Press Photo award contest, in the category Sports, Singles.
My journey in photography already started as a child. I got my first camera from my father when I was 11 years old. And became possessed right away.
Later on, the interest expanded when I discovered the joy of developing the images in the darkroom.
It was fascinating and exciting to observe the images come to life in the darkroom, and to the final prints.
For me, photography is also a hobby, a camera is always with me. As for family gatherings, photographing my grandchildren, or whatever comes up naturally along the way where I'm moving.
Photography is a lifestyle I have become addicted to. Whether it's a job or a hobby doesn't matter. Photography is always exciting, challenging and liberating.
2. Where did you study photography?
I chose photography as a secondary subject at secondary school. There I got to experience for the first time the magic of developing an exposed film, and to a finished print. It was a big moment for a 14-year-old boy interested in photography.
I then started to study photography on my own, watching magazines, books ect.
After some years I ended up being a newspaper photographer.
3. Do you remember your first shot? What was it?
I got my first camera from my dad when I was 11 years old, an Olympus XA camera, and was somewhat disappointed that it wasn't an SLR with interchangeable lenses. But I very quickly got busy with photography, and then it was my little brother in particular who was the "victim"
My first photo published in a newspaper was from an athletics event. A friend of mine was a journalist. He needed a photographer, and then it was done.
4. What equipment do you use?
I use Leica on my own projects. A Leica M10-r with various lenses, as well as a Q2.
The pictures from my winning entry "Survive in Katanga" were photographed with the Leica M10-r.
5. What compliment inspired/touched you the most?
It must be that I often hear that I make the people relax, they feel confident in me as a person, and as a photographer.
6. What THREE (3) words describe your photography style?
Honest, direct, respectful.
7. Congratulations! As the winner of the European Photography Awards, what does it mean for you and your team to receive this distinction?
I am honored and humble to have received an EPA award in the category People Photography - Environmental 2023.
It is a great recognition that the jury has recognized the images and history of this particular project. And it gives a hint that you have done things correctly.
8. Can you explain a bit about the winning work you entered into the 2023 European Photography Awards, and why you chose to enter this project?
In 2018 I visited the Rhino boxing club in Uganda. The club is located in Katanga, which is one of Kampala's largest slums.
Here I met Moreen Ajambo (30), a boxer on the Ugandan women's national team.
Moreen has seven children and lives on six square meters in miserable conditions.
Her big goal is the Olympics in Paris 2024, and boxing is her only opportunity to get a better future for herself and her children. Without any kind of support, she was literally fighting for her life.
But this is by no means just a story about sports. Ajambo has a strong human story that deals with both attempted abuse, domestic violence, the loss of a brother growing up due to malnutrition, as well as the loss of both her stepfather and a mother, who was very close to her, to Aids. A story about both injustice, courage and not least love and hope.
I wanted to follow her life in Katanga, document her fight for herself and her children for a better life outside the slums.
There have been three trips to Uganda, the last meeting with Moreen was in the spring of 2023.
I will continue to document her in Katanga.
For me, it is important to document the stories that are not among the dominant ones in the daily news , but which are just as important to tell.
9. How has winning an award developed your career?
First of all a really great boost to receive such a great award. An inspiration to continue work on ideas and projects.
But it's not just about us photographers.
It's about the people we meet along the way, listening to their stories, documenting their lives, in good and bad, and passing these stories on.
By meeting all kind of peoples I have developed into a better photographer over the years, but also developed into a better person.
If we stop documenting the human stories, then we stop seeing the world as it is.
10. Name 1-3 photographers who have inspired you.
There are so many talented photographers in any genres. So it is difficult to single out any names.
Some photographers are good at color, others at black and white photography.
Others on documentary/news situations, and some on portraits.
As a photojournalist, you are involved in most forms of photography.
But it is especially the photographers who document and tell the good and bad stories of the people who need to be heard.
Photography has a strong influence, and there are many who make an effort to share their photos to the "world"
So all the amazing photographers out there deserve attention for their photos.
11. What was the best piece of advice you were given starting out, by a mentor or your role model?
The worst advice ended up being the best.
In my youth, when I discovered photography, I was told by a local and boring portrait studiophotographer that photography was not the way to go, there was no future in it. Ok I thought, well we'll see....He gave me an indirect boost, that this will be exciting to try out.
12. What advice would you give someone who would like to become a photographer today?
Photograph a lot, study other photographers, and the genre you want to develop in.
Have faith in what you do.
13. What is your key to success? Any parting words of wisdom?
"As a photographer, it is important to show respect and humility. For me, the main tool is not my camera, but my voice. Talking to the people you meet. If you want to get close to people, you must be able to communicate. And most importantly: Being a fellow human being."
- John T. Pedersen
