How Ålesund's coastal culture influences my photography style

Living and working as a photographer in Ålesund has naturally shaped how I see through the camera. Ålesund’s coastal culture is closely intertwined with weather, wind, sea and people – and it is precisely this raw, honest and weather-beaten landscape that has influenced how I compose, choose light and capture moments. From the fishing boats in the harbor to the windswept rocky cliffs out on the islands – the rhythm of the coast has become part of my photographic expression.

Photographic inspiration from the sea and people

The maritime identity of Ålesund is not only about waves and boats, but also about work, tradition and belonging. As a photographer, I have been drawn to the real and timeless: old shipyards, rusty details, sailors with strong faces and worn hands. There is an honesty in the motifs here – something unfiltered and direct that demands a documentary approach.

When I photograph in the harbor area or in places like Slinningen, Valderøya or Alnes, I look for compositions that show both the beauty and the hardship. Low angle to the waves, a person in silhouette against a gloomy horizon, or just the contrast between worn ropework and the shiny sea. I often choose a natural color palette with a lot of blue-gray, green and earth tones – in line with the environment the subjects come from. The coastal culture teaches me to be patient and present, and to appreciate the imperfect.

How location shapes your vision as a photographer

It’s easy to think that style comes from within, but as a photographer in Ålesund, I’ve noticed how much my surroundings influence what I look for. When the ocean is always moving and the light changes from minute to minute, you’re trained to capture the fleeting. I’ve learned to react quickly, trust my intuition, and appreciate the randomness – whether it’s sea spray hitting the lens or shifting cloud cover creating dramatic light.

The coastal culture also influences the choice of subject matter: I gravitate towards contrasts, textures and lines that tell a story. A weathered boathouse is more interesting to me than a perfect facade. I prefer natural light, often in cloudy or changing weather, and use little post-processing – because the images should reflect what I actually experienced.

Ultimately, it's also about respect: for the environment, for those who make a living from the sea, and for the history that characterizes the area. That's why I always try to photograph with humility and curiosity, and let the images be a dialogue with the place - not just an aesthetic surface.

🔗 Recommended links

• Sunnmøre Museum – Coastal culture and traditions
  Learn more about the fishing history and Ålesund's maritime heritage.

• Directorate of Fisheries – Facts about Norwegian fisheries
  Understand the role of the ocean in society and industry.

• Visit Norway – Coastal experiences in Møre og Romsdal
  Tourist information and inspiration for places along the coast.

• Norwegian Maritime Museum
  Discover more about Norway's maritime history.