by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 24th of July 2023
 

Ketil Born excels in Fine Nude Art but also in poignant, emotive and inspirational Portrait Photography. He quotes : 'Technique is good to know, but a picture is nothing if it doesn't have a mood, something that stands out. After all, we see "perfect" pictures without content. The best thing is of course to achieve both.'  Ketil hopes to be involved in pictures and series that can make an impact, help and clarify important issues and disorders that can affect us all. . The image "Mother" is in that respect the strongest he has taken and reached millions of people.
Read more about the interesting background of this great artist through this interview.

'one more for the road'

Please briefly tell us about yourself, your hobbies and other jobs, dear Ketil.
I grew up under the steel mill, in Mo i Rana Norway, near the Arctic Circle. I have mainly worked for the National Library's photography department. Where the work consisted of conserving and digitizing the national photographic heritage. As well as quite a few pure photo assignments for NB. I probably let myself be influenced by the best of the landscape photographers at the turn of the century, and their legacy that I dealt with daily.
Love nature and travel in it, fortunately it can be combined with photography:) Otherwise, I am an enthusiastic hobby fisherman.

How has your history and life experiences affected your photography?
Which are your most important experiences that has influenced your art?
Having children meant that the camera was turned towards them, and you can see one of the pictures from that time here.
At that time, I also opened to studio photography, and I photographed more commercially.
Participated in several workshops at home and abroad. They were an eye-opener for me, you could say, and gave me faith in my own abilities.
Seeing a Caravaggio painting and many others can inspire me, as well as Roy Andersson's/Ingmar Bergmann's films. Music is vital to me.

What first attracted you to photography?

My father set up in our small bathroom, a darkroom, and occasionally we children were allowed to watch. It was fascinating to see the images come to life in the developing bath. I think it was of decisive importance for my further choices towards photography.

Describe your overall photographic vision which is pure visual poetry.

The lines must be connected, I quickly work my way into what is perfect for me. Always works for the "best" picture. I am drawn to light and form, see how a small adjustment to the light makes it all fall into place. Portraits are moments we manage to create together, I am endlessly grateful for the nice meetings I have had over time.

What is more important to you, the mood,/story behind your images or the technical perfection?

Technique is good to know, but a picture is nothing if it doesn't have a mood, something that stands out. After all, we see "perfect" pictures without content. The best thing is of course to achieve both.

What generally is your relationship to your subject matter beyond being an observer?
Do you prepare carefully the locations where you are intending to photograph?

The models are often friends of mine, if we are in nature, we combine it as a nice trip. I spend time in the landscape to see the best spots, sometimes I've been there before and know exactly where to shoot. Does not bother the model unnecessarily and is well prepared.

What gear do you use (camera, lenses, bag)?

I am very happy with my Pentax 645Z, it can withstand a bit of rain etc, and has a lovely resolution. In the bag I have a 25mm, 35mm, 45-85mm and a 120mm and a 300mm. Otherwise, I always have my nice light Fuji x100v with me.

What software do you use to process your images?

Photoshop (a fantastic darkroom) and the more independent ON1 photo raw.

Can you tell us something more about your work flow?

The post-work can vary to a great extent, can take days on one image if it is an assembly project (the noir images) etc., which must mature along the way. It is often wise to let them rest a bit, then come back to them and see what can be improved. Working for clients has a different efficiency.

What is your most important advice to a beginner in Fine Nude Art Photography and how do you get started?

For those who want to start with photography. Find the style or photographers you like best. Seek out workshops. Look for inspiration in art, not necessarily photography. And work work work. Nothing comes completely free :)

Who are your favourite photographers and more importantly, how has your appreciation of their work affected how you approach your own photography? 

There are so many brilliant photographers who live and have lived, it is almost impossible to name one. But it has happened that I have picked up a book by Irving Penn, to get some inspiration.

Describe your favourite photograph taken by you and why it is special to you? 

For me it is impossible to take out one picture, there are so many great photographs that inspire.

The picture of my daughters, on a late August evening, because I love them, and they have become wonderful people. The picture was taken in the most beautiful of landscapes on the island of Tro along the Helgeland coast in northern Norway.

'Daughters'

Are there any specific directions that you would like to take your photography in the future or any specific goals that you wish to achieve?

I hope that I will be involved in pictures and series that can make an impact, help and clarify important issues, disorders that can affect us all. This picture "Mother" is in that respect the strongest I have taken. And reached millions of people.

'Mother'

Is there anything else you wish to add  and what do you think about 1X as a home base for your work?

1X has many great photographs and very talented photographers, so for me it is an honour to be presented together with them.

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'Woman with pearls'

'Lucy in the sky'

'resting with mother'

'Fragile life'

'being there'

'x-Machina'

'Father and son'

'nature'

'end of the road'

'resting with mother'

'Peter'

'Brown eyed girl'

'The real me'

'Hold on'

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'Let's tango'

'Shadows at sunrise'