For issue 9 of Ernest Journal, Canadian photographer Graeme Owsianski travelled to the Faroes – a huddle of 18 islands rising from the North Atlantic, halfway between Norway and Iceland. There he photographed fell runners, foragers, conservationists and guano-covered, storm-battered cliffs
All images by Graeme Owsianski
Graeme, what are your outstanding memories of the Faroe Islands?
I would say the people and their sense of community. This tiny group of islands in the middle of the North Atlantic is a truly harsh environment, yet the close-knit communities endure it all.
My favourite part of the trip was foraging for ingredients and cooking a meal with Gutti Winther. The weather was against us from the start but it didn’t hold us back for a second. It was a day full of sharing stories, and it ended with one of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had. We also went out on a fishing boat, which was a big highlight. The Faroese are so connected to the sea, so I felt it was crucial to view the islands from out on the water and experience this connection.
What were the islands like to photograph, in comparison to other landscapes you’ve shot?
Trying to capture the scale and do it justice was very challenging. There’s not much to reference scale because the surroundings are just so grand – it was definitely tricky to capture just how small you felt among those towering cliffs. Many times I found myself standing on the edge of a 400-metre drop, which is something I hadn’t experienced before.
What's the most challenging landscape you've photographed?
The Galapagos Islands, which I shot for issue 6 of Ernest. Given that it has such a unique and fragile ecosystem, access can be quite limited. I kept wanting to get higher, to get a vantage point to overlook some of the island and sea but wasn’t able to get where I wanted to, unfortunately. That said, a majority of the beauty of the Galapagos is under water so if we direct the term landscape to what’s below the surface it was an absolute joy to explore and photograph. Not without its challenges though, there were quite a number of curious seals and sea lions that wanted to get up close and personal with my camera.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Everywhere, to be honest! I find inspiration in all places: art, books, nature, movies, story telling, etc. I think if you hit a rut and feel uninspired, then you need to refocus and look somewhere completely new. Often just reading and letting your imagination conjure up ideas and images can spark new inspiration.
But if I had to pick one thing, it would have to be nature. The more you look, you realise everything is connected.
What's in store for you in 2020?
To finish my house that I’m currently building!
As far as photography trips go – my friend has invited to his newly opened eco lodge called Firvale Wilderness Camp, which is in the Great Bear Rainforest. I’m pretty stoked for that – it’s an incredible area in British Columbia and should have some great fishing and wildlife in store. Also, maybe a trip to Nepal? We’ll see.
Tell us about your kit.
My photo kit doesn’t change a whole lot – I shoot on a Canon 5d mark 1V. I’ve got a pretty wide range of lenses: 16-35, 24-70, 70-200, 100-400, and a 24, 50, 100 macro. There’s different tools for different jobs but if I had to limit myself to just one, I’d roll with a 50mm 1.2 prime. I love this lens for everything, from details to portraits and landscape.
I use a Gitzo carbon tripod. I’m not a huge tripod fan – I find it slows me down, but of course they have their uses. I also have Aquatech Imaging water housing – this opens up even more opportunities to photograph different things you otherwise couldn’t.
I don’t really follow gear and ‘the next best thing’ in camera tech. I use what I’ve got until it wears out. My advice on gear is: the best camera is the one you have with you.
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever been given, in regards to photography?
Shoot as much as you can and don’t be afraid to fail. Photography is something you can always continue to learn and grow at – every situation offers its unique challenges and that’s half the fun. But the light is always changing and the creative possibilities are endless.
