Pontus Stigberg

Sweden

Photo: Pontus Stigberg

Pontus is a photographer based outside Stockholm, Sweden focusing on outdoor and portrait photography. He strives to tell meaningful stories and show unique perspectives through his photos and enjoys outdoor adventures.

Q&A

How did you start with photo/video?
I was inspired to try it out because I followed some inspiring photographers on Instagram. I got my granddad’s 15-year-old Nikon D50 with some kit lenses. I immediately got obsessed with the craft and has been shooting loads of pictures since then.
How would you describe your style?
I’m mainly an outdoor and portrait photographer. I focus on people in my pictures and love shooting people outdoors. Big parts of my work are based around outdoor activities such as running, cycling, hiking, kayaking and camping.
What inspires you?
In photography and videography, I would say that it is mainly other people's work. The ones that inspire me the most are Renan Ozturk, Cory Richards, Keith Ladzinski, Jimmy Chin, Meg Loeks, Corey Rich, Joey Lawrence, Taylor Rees, Martin Schoeller, Annie Leibovitz and Ben Thouard just to name a few. I can also be very inspired by non-photographers like Alex Honnold, Frodo Baggins, Tommy Caldwell and Cristopher McCandless.
What is your dream shoot or project?
I have a dream project that I am going to do next year and I’m very glad that Focus Nordic is supporting me with this. For one year I will follow a few students at the age of 18 and document every part of their life as an 18-year student in Sweden. As I have been interested in cultures for a very long time, it feels very special and an honor to document my own project starting in August 2020.
What is your best advice to others that want to develop as photographers?
Shoot a ton of pictures. When you look at them, look at them with an critizing eye and think about what you could do better. I approach photography in a very similar way to sports. I practice a lot and always strives to improve my work. I think that if you are no longer striving for perfection in your images and are satisfied with pictures that are good enough, you have lost the edge as a photographer.

I would also suggest to watch a lot of YouTube videos on the topic. Remember to watch people that knows what they are talking about. I have watched hundreds of hours of videos and if were to recommend one channel and website it would be Fstoppers.

What is in your bag?

What is the most important in your bag?
Nikon D810, Nikon D800E, Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2, Tamron SP 35mm f/1.4 Di USD.
What bag do you use?
Lowepro ProTactic BP 350 AW II.