Timo Karlsson

Bio

Timo Karlsson has been working as a freelance photographer for years and specializes in the field of portrait and editiorial photography.
He is known for his emotional, cinematic and expressive black-and-white images reminiscent of the times of old analog films.
The omission of color is not only a stylistic device for him but also a tool to limit his pictures to the bare minimum. His goal is to give the viewer a direct connection to the person in front of the camera.

How would you describe your style? 

I would describe my photography as dynamic and cinematic.
What is important to me in a picture is that it tells a story and the emotions are matching. Not the entire story from beginning to end – that’s almost impossible with a single image, but it gives the viewer a point to start the story. 

What advice do you have for people getting into photography?

The first important point is simply to photograph. To live out your passion. To practise over and over again.
The second, even more important point is to be in a creative environment and to change your vision and perception of things. Everything we see influences us – in every way – and it is very important to feed yourself with the right impulses. 

Your favourite project you’ve worked on?

I remember with pleasure a photo shoot I had in the north of France some time ago.
This impressive natural scenario and the sea in itself made you work in a completely different way than usual.
This feeling was transferred to the pictures and they were made under these influences.

What is your favourite Rotolight product? 

I can’t answer this question in one sentence and it depends on the use. For studio use, I like to use the ANOVA PRO 2, but when I’m out on location, I always take my AEOS 2 with me because it’s light and very versatile. I almost always add a NEO3 – both in the studio and on location.

How is Rotolight different from other lights you’ve used?

I really love the compactness of the Rotolights, they are intuitive with the new user interface and can be controlled via an app, which is an important factor when working with multiple light sources.They are also completely independent of electricity – what more could you want?

What does lighting mean to you in your work?

Light is the tool of a photographer- it is the essence of an image.
I really enjoy modifying the light and not just accepting the existing light.