Kent Olsson
Photographer

Biography

Kent Olsson (b. 1958), hailing from Västerås, Sweden, is a multifaceted artist renowned as an internationally acclaimed photographer and music composer. Renowned for his unique interplay of artistic landscape photography and film scores, his works transcend the ordinary, creating a singular fusion of visual and auditory experiences.

As a photographer, Olsson’s signature style is deeply rooted in the ethereal Nordic light and poignant melancholy. His compositions evoke a sense of graphic expression rather than conventional photography, resonating with a painterly luminosity that imbues each image with an immersive, atmospheric quality. His distinctive approach to capturing intimate landscapes, in all their intricate details and textures, has led to his images being published and reproduced worldwide, marking him as the third-generation photographer in his family.

A former watercolor artist, Olsson honed his skill in composition and watercolor techniques under the guidance of Bengt Ellis. Together, they spent countless hours in the Swedish Jämtland Oviksfjällen, ceaselessly in pursuit of the perfect light. His dedication to his craft earned him numerous accolades, including a nomination for Photographer of the Year in 2017, culminating in him securing the title in 2020.

Beyond his photographic endeavors, Olsson is an accomplished music composer, with numerous compositions gracing film scores. His robust themes underscore the narratives, with one of his notable later works being the single “Weight of Betrayal” (feat. Eirlys McLeod). As a testament to his diverse talent, Olsson’s compositions, just like his photographs, are treasured collectibles worldwide.

In addition to his dual artistic pursuits, Olsson applies his technical proficiency as a freelance engineer specializing in digital filters for cameras and film cameras. Since 1998, his innovative contributions have led to several patented technologies utilized by industry giants like Disney, Time Warner, Avid, Pinnacle, and numerous camera manufacturers and photographers worldwide.

Through his solo exhibitions, Olsson remains faithful to his artistic ethos, photographing and composing with the same directness, painterly grace, and straightforwardness that marked his earlier watercolor paintings. With no frills, Olsson’s work stands as a testament to his unique artistic vision and creative prowess.

”The first thing I was drawn to with this series of images, was his use of light and recognition of compelling scenes. Many of the images do indeed reference late 20th century landscape painting. The images have depth, implied narrative, as well as visual intrigue established with the use of light and cultivation of a particular mood.” – Lens Culture, January 2017

Artist statement

Welcome and thank you for taking your time to visit this site which is about me and my images.

What you will see is the nature seen by my eyes and my lenses. I try to express the particular feeling I had during the photoshoot and if just a tiny, tiny bit of that feeling infect you while watching the pictures – I’ve succeeded.

My personal statement regarding any form of art is that the quality of the art can be measured in the emotional response from the audience and not by following rules during the creation process.

One of the most frequently asked questions I get regarding my photography is whether I’ve used “Photoshop” or not. Of course I’ve used Photoshop. That’s obvious in today’s photography, at least if you shoot using digital cameras.

Photoshop or similar software, are the modern times darkroom. But my images are not created by using Photoshop. I’m not a “digital artist” who creates images electronically. My images are created in the field using old fashion photographic technique. What you see in the image was there in the first place.

Even the great master Ansel Adams used that days “Photoshop”. He often spent weeks and days in the darkroom, processing the image to perfection. But he needed the negative and a good composition to begin with. That have not changed today. No software or processing tool can replace a good composition.

Again, thank you for spending your precious time with my pictures and remember what the famous photographer Mr. Arnold Newman once said:

“Photography, as we all know, is not real at all. It is an illusion of reality with which we create our own private world.”