BIOGRAPHY:
Morten Svenningsen
Freelance photojournalist:
Photographer, writer & journalist in Nepal

Morten Svenningsen was born in Denmark in 1974. After working a few years as an engineer (microwave electronics) he graduated from Copenhagen Media School in 2004 and has been working as a freelance photojournalist since then. He won the title as Danish travel photographer of the year in 2005 and his writing and photography work has appeared in several magazines and publications around the world. His main interest is in the socio-political field, primarily focusing on inequality and the transcendence of human suffering. Morten is represented by the stock photo agency Alamy and he is a board member in the International Photojournalists Network. He has been based in Kathmandu since 2005.

Morten Svenningsen, freelance photojournalist, Nepal.

A medium resolution version of this image is available by clicking on the thumbnail image [225 KB].

For more knowledge about what kind of person I am and what I'm currently up to, check out my blog here. The following interview may also shed some light on the matter:

Freelancer covering Nepal

The Danish freelance photo-journalist Morten Svenningsen
has been covering news and events in Nepal since 2005. He
is now well immersed in Nepali affairs and even understands
the language fairly well, at the same time being sensitive to
the needs and requirements of publications in 'the West'. He
is available for jobs in fields such as news, editorial, corporate, 
development, human interest, travel, culture and entertainment.

by Morten Svenningsen
Kathmandu, 1. June '007

In a completely unbiased interview with myself, I try to explore the fascinating aspects about being a freelance photographer and journalist in a 'third-world' country. I was born in Århus, Denmark in 1974, received my journalism training in Copenhagen Media School and hold a bachelor degree in science. I have also studied psychology. I now live in Kathmandu with my Nepalese wife, Sabina, and our dog, Charlie.


Why did you come to Nepal?

I was working in India at the time, but when I kept hearing about what was going on up her, I decided to come up and have a look. There were a lot of political unrest back then. And as things worked out, I'm still here. I find it all quite interesting.


What do you find most interesting about Nepal?

Well, it's not just one thing. Rather the opposite in fact. The diversity is enormous here, the mix between modernity and traditionalism, and when I wake up, I never know what will happen today. It gives me a profound sense of freedom. I like that.


How do you like living in a 'third-world country'?

Oh, I like it. It's cheap. And the existence is more raw here, which makes me feel more alive. Back in Denmark, everything is so comfortable and safe that it's easy to get caught up in just accumulating your own wealth. Then you easily forget about what really matters in life. Of course there's also a lot of problems here. Half the things don't work half the time and it's frustrating sometimes to hear about people suffering because of something that could easily have been avoided.


So is that why you decided to be a photo-journalist?

In a way, yes, I suppose. I am not out on a holy mission to change the world and the way we think, but I would like to help people and give them a mutual understanding of each other across all the cultural barriers of this world that we share. That's a part of it. But looking back on my life, I can see that I've always been trying to get to the truth of things. Be it through science, psychology, spiritualism, deep analysis or now journalism.


What is your religion?

I am not religious. I don't want to be guessing about things that I don't know. 


Ok, so what things inspire you?

Just reading the newspapers here always fills me with ideas I want to follow up on. Walking around in the city, talking to different people and looking on the internet also gives me ideas. And maybe this would be a good spot to mention the lyrics of Bob Dylan as well.


What do you like most about your job?

Well, I get to meet all sorts of people and be in the middle of interesting events. That's exciting. And I've always liked writing and expressing my thoughts and observations. And then there is the photography part of it as well. For me this is exactly the right combination of art and technology. A perfect tool for giving the truth an artistic form. But even when I'm not working, I always carry my camera. I love the hunt for that perfect shot where all the elements combine together into a great image.


Aren't photographers just hiding behind their camera in stead of taking active part in the world?

All I'll say is that for me, photography is a way to take part in the world.


So, do you earn a lot of money doing that?

No, not a lot. But I only work when I want to, and I'm free to do whatever I want, whenever I want. That's worth a lot to me. But I do hope to make it into more of a steady income one day.


How do you see Nepal being pictured in the foreign media?

For the most part, it is my impression that foreign media don't really care all that much about what's happening in Nepal - except for a few things like Mt. Everest and the Maoists. But unfortunately, that's how things work today: No celebrity, no story. It's a shame because Nepal is such an amazing country with a wealth of nature, culture and human and political intrigues. And there are lots of people sitting around the world who has some relation to or interest in Nepal. Former development workers, tourists, officials and Nepalese immigrants to mention a few (millions). The press is missing out on these people.


Ok, thank you for taking the time for this interview.

The pleasure was all mine!