Linn Heidi Stokkedal is a young photographer from Norway, whom I met when she and her cohorts did a cross country road trip through the U.S. last summer.

Here now, her thoughts on photography, art school, me, and how modeling is like being furniture:

First off, how’d you get interested in photography?

My dad bought my a camera when I was very young, and he kept developing my photos, even though it was blurry photos of kittens and the like. From that moment on, I always been interested photography. When I was around 14 I became very interested, and later on my education and jobs has been photo-related, beside that I photograph in my spare time.

What is it about photography you like, as opposed to other artistic expressions (painting, or drawing, or writing)?

I have always had an urge to express myself, what I have experienced, what ideas I have. Considering that I cannot write, draw or paint, photography became the perfect way of expressing myself. It´s not a coincidence that many photographers are dyslexic.

Were you ever interested in painting or drawing?

Actually, I have not done any painting or drawing except sketching stuff in classes when I was bored. It has been either photography or music. I used to play in band and I thought this was my path, I am a musician (But I guess I am not). I wrote songs and played guitar. I don`t know how that ended and how I suddenly became very interested in photography. It has probably something to do with me moving from one place to antoher all the time, and it was hard to keep band practice. I had to do something that I could do, without planning, or organizing. Just snap whenever I want, wherever I want.

You’ve got several tattoos, most notably a half-sleeve on your arm. what made you get your tattoos?

I think I can blame my parents for my obsession with tattoos. Both of my parents has tattoos, and I can remember that I looked through dad’s tattoo magazines as a child. It has always been common and natural to me. I promised my mom to stay ink and piercing free until I was 18, but the week I turned 18, I started on my sleeve. I could hardly wait to get started. I think tattoos can express beauty and personality, and it´s like a piece of art painted on me. It doesn`t have to mean anything, it just has to look beautiful or cool. People have always questioned my priorities, whether my money should be in a savings account or something and not be spent on a lot of ink. My view on tattoos is one of the better investments you can make, and one of the few that you bring with you to the grave.

How has the internet helped you as an artist?

The internet has helped me to express myself, and publish my work. I have been posting stuff online for a long time, and I always enjoy the feedback on my work, and try to learn and develop. Like many others, I find a lot of inspiration from other photographers, writers, artists of all kinds. I have a lot of bookmarked pages I check out frequently, and I spend a lot of time discovering new artists and look through their work, sometimes leaving feedback. But sometimes the internet, to me, can be disturbing too, that´s one of the many reasons why I dont have a facebook. I see too many people spend hours and hours on facebook, instead of spending their time to do something more inspirational!

You recently took a road trip through the United States.  What’d you find fascinating about the U.S.? Did it have any effect on your work?

My road trip to the states is something i think of each day. All the people I met, all the places I saw. It really expanded my horizons, and opened my eyes of all the opportunities I have. Not only did I buy my dream camera (a Hasselblad 500cm), but it pointed me in the right direction of photography, at least that’s what I feel. I started over, a new era in Linn Heidi’s life, a new chapter if you will. I am fascinated by the variety of the U.S, you guys have everything!! Every kind of people, every kind of view, every kind of culture and it just amazed me. Norway is awesome too, but at this point of my life I feel its boring and less developed than other countries. We have so much to learn when it comes to photography, fashion, music.

Is your goal to become a professional photographer?  At what point did you decide that that’s what you wanted to do?

Actually, if you asked me a year ago, I probably would say that I would become a teacher, and that photography is just a hobby. But after my trip to the U.S., applying to photography school, and all the experiences I had this last year totally changed my view on things. Now I am thinking: YES! Why don’t I just become a photographer? I love to photograph, why don’t I just follow my dream? And now I do, and I feel great!

So, you’re currently in art school.  Do you find it to be helping you as an artist? 

My school is one of the best photography schools in Norway. I applied because friends of mine told me how nice it was, and challenging not in the least. The school only last 2 years, but during this time we photograph almost each day, builiding a kickass nice portfolio. This school has ended up challenging me so much, and I feel a progression, and to me that is something really important as an aspiring artist.

You often model for fellow photographers.  do you think that helps you as a photographer? 

I wouldn´t use the word “model”, I am more like a furniture:) But I always like to assist in any way, either modelling or assisting. I learn a lot by watching others photograph. How they instruct, arrange, set light, and just follow the communication. And it’s nice to have my photo taken, sometimes I get surprised because they have captured a side of me, that I am not familiar with, or something. Hard to explain, but it has happened, a couple of times. Thats the fun of being a model for different photographers, they all shoot you totally different!

What is it you’re trying to accomplish with your photography?

That`s a hard question, all I know now is that I have so much to learn still, and that I am quite uncertain about how I will develop, but I just want to be a hardworking, respected photographer with great photos people will recognize. I dont have to be a hot shot photographer, as long as I can be creative in my work, and be remembered?

Who are some photographers you admire?

I admire photographers that shares ideas, being inspirational, down to earth and, of course, make great photos.  I have admired a friend of mine for a long time, Rune Egenes from Norway. A hard working photographer with great stuff. I also admire Luciano Noble, he has developed his own style like no one else, and has a great eye for expressions and moments. Some of the old timers, I admire Richard Avedon, Bob Richardson, Henri Cartier Bresson. Other photographers I like is Peter Lindberg, Clayton Cubitt, Ryan McGinley, Hedi Slimane, Tim Walker, Ryan Pfluger, Julie Pike, Lina Scheynius…I find inspiration in many different styles of photography.

Thanks to Linn Heidi for answering my questions and not buying up all of America while on her trip here (damn the currency exchange).

Her photos can be found HERE, and her blog (updated regularly) is HERE.