"I always consider myself to be more of a people person maybe, so the photography almost comes second hand; I try to understand the people & what their reservations are for being in front of the camera or what they enjoy about it & I try to build on those qualities that they show."
On today's episode, I chat with one of London's nicest & most published photographers, Pål Hansen. He has photographed a list of mostly who's who within many industries, including entertainment and food. We chat about how he started out in the photography industry, internships, Hasselblads, working with clients and briefs. Pål also shares a few stories from some of his photoshoots that include Jackie Chan, Tilda Swinton, Niles Rodgers and Forest Whitaker. He also discusses with me how he was able to photograph Queen Margrethe II of Denmark smoking during an interview.
Pal also shared with me his personal projects including "Windrush - Leave to Remain", and 'Rear View Mirror', which was shot during the Covid-19 Pandemic lockdown. We also talk about chefs he has photographed for the Observer Food Monthly, and whom he would like to have sit for his dream photoshoot. And of course, we look at the quote that continually inspires him.
Pål Hansen is a London based photographer. His pictures are seen in many British and international publications on a weekly basis and his work is often seen on the shortlists of the worlds biggest competitions.
Pål is mostly recognised for his portrait work but he has also excelled in reportage. He works closely with his sitters to expose the true character behind the face. The nature of editorial and portrait photography puts the photographer in very difficult locations and with little time to take a portrait. Pål prides himself on creating interesting, dynamic and aesthetically beautiful images no matter what the circumstances are. His pictures show sensitivity and a great understanding of his subjects as well as incorporating humour where possible.
Some of Pål's highlights have been photographing: the Queen of Denmark (smoking a cigarette), Nicole Kidman, Kanye West, Ringo Starr, Forest Whitaker, Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz and many more. He has also enjoyed producing covers for TIME Magazine, Sotheby's, Observer Magazine, Guardian Weekend, Sunday Times Magazine, Patek Phillipe Magazine and Emmy Magazine.
Commercially he has worked for AUDI, Virgin Radio, Vodafone, BA, Tesco, EBAY, The National Theatre, Glenlivet, PETA, Schwartz, MENG, Billington's, SHH, Goddard and Littlefair and more.
He has also enjoys great success with his personal bodies of work, such as "Teenage Parents", "Christiania", "24 Hours in Brooklyn", "Under the Arches" and "Windrush - Leave to Remain".
Pål has regularly been a selected as exhibitor for the National Portrait Gallery's Taylor-Wessing Award. He has had several of honourable mentions and nominations from Colour Awards, and shortlisted by Sony World Photography Awards and many other international awards. Pål was also selected to be part of the prestigious World Press Masterclass in 2004 and had his im
Thanks for listening to the episode. I'd like to thank my guest for their time, insight and being a great sport!
I would also like to thank my producer, Ashanti Omkar, for all her hard work.
If you'd like to be a guest, drop me a line at theswingingpalmtree@gmail.com.
Keep Rising & Thriving. Aṣẹ!
