10 Questions with Master Lensman Henrik Adamsen

hey guys,

it’s my sincere privilege to bring you this month’s feature with copenhagen based master lensman henrik adamsen.  henrik’s work has been featured in many of the world’s top fashion magazines that include vogue, elle, schon, velvet, fault, remix, chic, hush, zink, and others.  while fashion photography today has become increasingly commoditized, henrik’s work is emotive, stylistic, beautiful, and consistently artful in approach.  having started his career working in advertising, henrik is also living proof that we never know where the road of life will take us and that following your true passion and making it your vocation can yield incredible results.

henrik was very gracious with his time and i hope that you appreciate his thoughtful and informative responses to our q/a sesh.  enjoy!

10 Questions with Master Lensman Henrik Adamsen

What was it aboutphotography that initially drew your interest and when did you know that you wanted to pursue professional photography as a vocation?

Well…I use to be an art director working in ad agencies, and before that i was a re-toucher….so…I guess you can say that I’ve been on the other side of the table - and it was time to try it.  But, what really got me started was a cover on Vogue Paris about 10 years ago.  I’ve been trying to find it.  Anyway…something about that cover just did it for me.

Your work has been published in many top fashion magazines and seen by people all around the world.  How do you prepare for photoshoots with such an esteemed publication like Vogue?

Honestly, I tend to treat all jobs the same.  I think the key to getting good photographs is not only getting the model to relax, but also to relax yourself.  I have a few things that I do to prepare before a shoot:  I look at polaroids of a model quite often and I like preparing myself mentally that way.  And i always print the moodboard and hang it next to my workstation - this keeps me thinking about how I want to do the light, or the look, and how it will fit with the model.

Being a professional photographer takes a lot of hard work and a big commitment.  What words of wisdom could you offer aspiring photographers trying to break into the business?

Sure, it’s a lot of work and it does take commitment, but if it’s not fun, you’re going to get tired of it really really fast.  So stick to styles and ideas that you actually find fun.  In general, try to have fun when you shoot - no matter what you do - it just makes the whole work environment better for everyone - the clients, artists, models, and yourself.

All of the great master lensmen (Testino, D’Orazio, Meisel, Ritts, Newton, Lindbergh) have had muses (Evangelista, Moss, Turlington, Campbell) who have both inspired them and helped elevate their work.  If you could work with any model in the world as your muse who would it be and why? 

I honestly don’t know.  The thing is - these models probably mean something to this particular photographer.  They have good chemistry, and as I mentioned before, they have fun when they shoot.  I don’t know, but I have models that I’m inspired by when I shoot with them.  It’s an amazing feeling, so i can totally see why.  It’s like any other person you meet often and have a lot of fun with.  You develop trust and comfort so the pictures become more personal, more intense, and a lot cooler.

Denmark is world renown as the birthplace of so many beautiful women that include Mia Rosing, Maria Gregersen, Celina Hilslev, Helena Christensen, Louise Pedersen, Agnete Hegelund, Rie Rasmussen, Renee Simonsen, and the amazing Freja Beha Erichsen.  What is it about Denmark and other Scandinavian countries that contributes to the natural beauty of the women who live there?  Is it genetics, diet, or is there something in the water that you should be bottling and selling at a premium to the world?

It must be something in the water.  No, I honestly think there are just as many other countries where you’d find amazing women.  But yeah, we do have a lot of amazing women here too - you won’t hear me complaining…ha!

How would you best describe yourself in 3 words?

Wow, it’s hard to describe yourself.  I’m not good at stuff like this so I asked two of my best friends.  They both said that I’m creative, easy-going, and an optimist.  There’s three (and a half) words for you…ha!

Social media has provided models and photographers with an amazing platform to get their work seen by the masses.  How has social media affected your career?

I guess I would only know that by taking the DeLorean up to 88miles per hour - and travelling back in time to find out how I’d do without it :)  I definitely think it has worked for me.  It’s a lot of work - and I think there is a science in how to do it right, and I’m not sure if I’ve figured that one out for myself yet.  It’s also a fun way of keeping in touch with other photographers, models, artists, and people who just appreciate what you do.

Beautiful women aside, Denmark is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty - forests, sand dunes, beaches, islands, sea cliffs.  Do you have any favorite locations outside of the studio where you like to shoot?

I like the Danish beaches, but i also love a simple field in the middle of nowhere.  Honestly, it’s really hard to see locations in your home country, or at least it is for me, because i grew up looking at them every day.

If you could choose only one camera and one lens what would they be?

A Nikon D810 with an 58mm.  That’s the combination that I use for almost all of my work lately.

What music is on your studio playlist these days and do you have a favorite camera app on your phone?

I mainly play electronic music in the studio, but it varies.  I use spotify a lot.  You can check out my playlist here. 

I use the built in camera app when I use the camera on my phone.  I just bought a Fuji X-T1 as a play-camera.  It’s pretty cool - so i guess you can call that my favorite camera app :)

You can find more of Henrik’s beautiful work via his website, on Behance, or at Instagram. You can also follow Henrik on Twitter and befriend him on Facebook :) 

Thanks again Henrik!