INTERVIEW
June 18, 2020
FRAMING MY ADVENTURE
Photography by Casper Dam
Interview by Karinn Svadlenak Gomez
Growing up in the rural part of Denmark, Casper Dam now lives in the Denmark's second largest city, Aarhus. Due to a major shift towards visual user driven communication in his job, Casper needed to learn about practical photography fast. This ignited into a full fledged obsession for him. Whilst he started out photographing minimalist black and white street, he has now shifted towards colour compositions. The street for Casper is an open playground for him where he finds a means of expressing himself.
“I love to frame something ordinary in an extraordinary way. It is a way of seeing adventure everywhere and keeps me from ever getting bored. These kinds of snapshots align with something within myself.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH CASPER DAM
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Casper, when did you start getting interested in photography?
CASPER DAM: My dad has been photographing for fifty odd years, but I first surrendered 4-5 years ago. I needed to learn about creative photography for my job in Social Media Communications and bought my very first camera.
TPL: Where do you find your inspiration?
CD: Movies, listening to music, my photography books. Just carrying a camera everywhere in itself is perhaps my biggest inspiration.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
CD: Alex Webb for all the complicated layers. There is a claustrophobic, cinematic feel to them. Trent Parke for his work with the light, in every subject matter really. And fellow Aarhus resident Jonas Rask for life with a camera. By now, I see him more as a friend, but his drive to always shoot and ability to make almost anything work has been an inspiration for me ever since I started.
TPL: Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
CD: I gradually transitioned from minimalist black and white into colour photography. My interest in multiple layers and colour luminance has grown big. This Göethean idea that the mood of the scene is present by the quality of light itself.
TPL: Where is your favourite place to photograph?
CD: I love the vibrancy of the Raval in Barcelona or the Lavapies in Madrid. But any city by the sea can keep me occupied for days.
Just carrying a camera everywhere in itself is perhaps my biggest inspiration.
TPL: Do you think equipment is important in achieving your vision in your photography? What would you say to someone just starting out?
CD: The simpler the gear, the more it frees me up to see. So, maybe stick with one focal length for a long time. And learn to shoot manual, whenever you feel comfortable. It makes it easier to predict how the camera behaves and use it creatively.
TPL: What characteristics do you think you need to become a good photographer? What’s your tips or advice for someone in your genre?
CD: Curiosity, perseverance, adventurousness. Advice: Find your inspiration way beyond photographs. Music, paintings, anything that gives you new ideas.
TPL: Have you ever been involved in the artistic world before photography?
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about?
CD: This year, I am doing a 366 project. It is not that original, but I see it as a great exercise. So far, I like how it challenges me to photograph anything, everywhere.
TPL: If I wasn't photographing what would I be doing?...
CD: Going for a run or maybe taking a swim. I feel very privileged about doing these recreational activities. And probably also I am a much kinder person because of it.
