IN FOCUS WOMEN IN PROFILE - SONJA JOSEFSSON - VARMLAND, SWEDEN
What sparked your interest in photography?
I was always interested in art and studied free art and painting. A couple of years later I studied several courses on digital media at Karlstad University. After graduation, I got a job as a visual arts teacher in high school. This is where I started coming from art painting and became more and more interested in digital camera and digital photos. A few years later, however, I started taking photos seriously and not just teaching my students about digital art.
How long have you been shooting for?
I got my first DSLR camera as a birthday present four years ago and then I started traveling and photographing. It was the Canon 7D MII. I used it very often and often in auto, I knew about photography in theory. I was frustrated with why I couldn't use my knowledge in practice
What is your favourite type of photography?
I live in the middle of Sweden, a part of the country called Värmland. This area is known as the most beautiful forest and lake area and I was actually interested in landscapes from the beginning.
What is in your camera bag?
In one of my camera cases, my Sony A7R3, Laowa 15mm and Sony FE 70-200mm f / 4 and HAIDA filters. I use my Sony mostly nowadays. In my second case there is a Canon 7D and many lenses and filters but have not used it since I got my Sony. I use Manfrotto tripods. The other things I have in my bag are battery chargers, remote timer, cleaning kit and my Iphone and Huawei.
What would your dream kit be?
Since I travel a lot and many times I have to walk in difficult terrain, I do not want to carry to many items in my bag. Sony A7R4 with 16-35 GM lenses and 70-200 F4 lenses.
What software do you use to process your images?
In one of my camera cases, my Sony A7R3, Laowa 15mm and Sony FE 70-200mm f / 4 and HAIDA filters. I use my Sony mostly nowadays. In my second case there is a Canon 7D and many lenses and filters but have not used it since I got my Sony. I use Manfrotto tripods. The other things I have in my bag are battery chargers, remote timer, cleaning kit and my iPhone and Huawei.
Who are you top 3 photography inspirations?
First is my very good friend Irwan Budiman from Indonesia. His landscape and interest in travel has inspired me since we became friends. It is thanks to him that I am where I am as photographer today. The other person who inspired me is also my friend from Instagram Daniel Skeye, from Germany. His fascinating tones of green and blue in combination are something I really like. The third person who inspires me is Felix Inden. I like his clear tones and angles in the landscape, and his Youtube clips help me learn about editing.
What are you top 3 bucket list locations you want to shoot?
I'm in love with the mountains and the sea. The top three places are Norway, Iceland and Indonesia. Norway is very close to my home, about 500 km, so I usually visit Norway 5-6 times a year. I was in Iceland in August three years ago. I would love to shoot Aurora there. I had the opportunity to meet many of my Indonesian friends via Instagram, so I would love to shoot landscapes with them one day
What are you social media handles?
@sonja_josefsson on Instagram (for color photos)
I use Photoshop CC and Lightroom. I also use my iPhone Lightroom app to see what my photo looks like on my mobile phone screen.