Behind the lens, into the mind with Oskar Enander

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We’re sure you’re already familiar with this incredibly talented and humble Swede. He’s known as one of the best ski photographers worldwide.

Being color blind still winning awards for his stunning captures. We sat down with him to give you a little glimpse behind the scenes.

Joel Pollinger

How did you first get into photography? Were you formally educated in photography or are you self taught?

I had it as a hobby for a while and when I started ski bumming and finding the passion for skiing I started shooting my friends for fun. I have learned through my mistakes.

Turning passion into profession- Besides photography being your job, what drives your passion?

Being out in the mountains in general, winter or summer and working with motivated athletes.

GALLERY

You’re color blind. How does that affect your photography and the editing process?

I’m not sure how it affects my photography as it’s just normal to me. I don’t know how it is not to be color blind.

Where do you find your inspiration and have there been any photographers who have influenced you upon your career path?

Like I mentioned earlier the mountains inspire me. It’s a privilege to be able to be out there and calling it a job.

What do you wish you had known before taking your first photography job?

Hmm, not sure. I guess I learned that you have to be very flexible and not thinking you have got a job just because a company ”promises”. Things change quickly and you can never take the business part for granted.

Johan Jonsson

How would you define your personal style of photography?

The contrast between light and shadow. I always want some kind of shadow in my images…if possible.

What’s inside a pro photographers ski backpack? What’s your go-to set up on the mountain?

Mostly one camera body and 3 lenses, sometimes a drone.
Right now I have the Canon R5, 15-35mm f2.8, 24-105mm f4 and 70-200mm f2,8

Johan Jonsson

Joel Pollinger

What are some of the unique challenges shooting in these extreme environments?

Weather is always deciding what’s possible to do so that’s probably the biggest challenge but I’m used to it now.

How much planning do you do before heading out?

I have a general idea and go with that but you have to be able to change quick. If I have a big commercial job it’s more planning as you always have to discuss with the client a lot.

Can you tell us a bit about your creative process when you’re shooting?

I just shoot stuff that I think looks good…I’m not sure it’s really creative.

Johan Jonsson and Marcus Caston

Any stories from your travels or shooting skiing that stand out?

I always enjoyed my travels to Alaska, especially the early years where I spent 2-3 months up there trying to reach the skiing with snowmobiles. Looking back it was super unproductive and we spent a lot of time fixing broken snowmobiles or were just not good enough drivers…still fun but from a business standpoint it was not great.

What tips or advice do you have for other aspiring photographers?

Spend as much time as you can shooting…you will learn a lot that way.

Any Future Projects?

The ski business doesn’t plan far ahead so I’m usually without any plans in November but then it start to kick in. A 2-3 week heads up is plenty of time.