iSyndica

Can you share with us how you started photography and later on selling microstock?

I have always been a bit of a gadget geek. My interest in photography didn't really start until digital cameras first started appearing. I guess I was captivated by the fact that I could almost instantly see my photos on screen. My first digital camera had around 0.3 megapixel - it was great.

Less than two years ago I realized that it was possible to sell my own images on "microstock" sites – by then I had also upgraded my equipment some. From my primary work in 3D architecture visualization I had a big archive of surface textures (brick walls, flooring etc.) I decided to see if it would sell on microstock sites. It did. In fact my very first upload is still my best selling one. It's a little embarrassing really! Since then I have become a bit more advanced. I have learned to combine my desire to travel the nordic countries and my passion for photography.

Less than a year ago I started my very own microstock site - Arctic Stock Images. Through Arctic Stock Images I sell my own stock photography as well as that of 65 connected photographers - all amazingly talented people.

I love traveling and hiking in the arctic region - especially Canada, Greenland, Iceland and Norway. When you go to and through these places, you can't help but experience some amazingly overwhelming scenics. It was on my first trip to Iceland I realized I needed to get an SLR - fast.

What I particularly love about the arctic region are the extremes of the landscape. Traveling through Iceland, for instance, you'll experience every possible kind of landscape. Iceland is situated on two continental plates. On the boundary between two there are many volcanoes and geysers. There are barren desserts, lakes, mountains and glaciers. You can experience everything here and every turn you take seems like a new photography opportunity.  When I return I usually have 2-3000 photos with me - and by then I am likely already looking ahead or even planning for the next trip.

What are the logistics of shooting arctic images?

For one I try to pack lightly, but still you have to be ready for every possible condition. The weather can change fast in the far north, and not being ready for it can have really bad consequences. I always try to access in advance what I'll likely experience and pack equipment accordingly. If at all possible, I'll travel by car and sleep in a tent. That allows me the most freedom to do and go as I please.

On longer trips iSyndica allows me to efficiently upload to all the agencies I sell through. For instance I spent 3.5 months in Greenland this summer - most of the time with my camera. There are no flatrate options in Greenland, and thus it would have been impossible (or at least very expensive) uploading to all sites without iSyndica.