A self-taught photographer, Magnus Wennman took up photojournalism at the age of 17. He has grown since to become one of the biggest photographers in Sweden with numerous national and international honours to his name. Wennman’s images are marked by his trademark style, an almost ethereal or dreamlike quality which he discovered and perfected through his school years. In this exclusive interview, he talks about how it all started, his award winning ‘Obamaland’ story and more.

What led you to take up journalism at the young age of 17?
I always wanted and needed to be involved with creative media at school. I knew very quickly, being around creative people and photography specifically while at school, that this is was what I wanted to do…become a photographer.

Have you had any formal training in photography?
No.

What was your main intent behind developing your peculiar technique of deliberate underexposure?
It is not true that I always underexpose. I work in different ways and with different techniques depending on the story. This year for example, I have photographed a lot with a large-format camera.

Can you tell us more about your award winning ‘Obamaland’ story?
I had the privilege of going to the States for about seven weeks to cover the US election; three weeks during the Primaries at the conventions and then I went back for a month to follow Obama before and up to the election. You simply cannot overstate how historic an event Obama's election was - for the world, but particularly for the Americans. One of the things I wanted to capture was people's emotions and feelings around those election events and Obama.

What got you hooked on to shooting beauty pageants?
I decided five years ago I would like to do such a project. Although to be honest, I don't remember what really got it started. I knew I would like to do something over a longer time period. I took a vacation, went to the United States and decided to shoot the ‘Miss Senior Sweetheart' beauty pageant. It's a pageant I had first seen on the internet for ladies 58 to 86 years of age who compete to become the most beautiful senior ‘Miss'.

As a photographer, naturally I want my photos to have an impact, make a difference to people

How has photojournalism changed over the years?
It depends on how many years you look back in time. Naturally there's a great difference in working digitally rather than with film. In the olden days, photographers had to be more aware of technique. Nowadays, photographers can work faster but it also requires a more journalistic way of thinking and a higher quality of the photos. To make it in the business today you have to make a lot of sacrifices and you have to have a style that is your own.

What has been your worst experience as a photojournalist?
It was my very first assignment abroad. I was sent to Hamburg by the tabloid Expressen. My job was to cover a visit there, made by the Swedish crown princess, Victoria. I spent a week in the city and didn't manage to get a single shot printed in the paper.

What do you enjoy more- News stories or sports features? Why?
As a photographer, naturally I want my photos to have an impact, make a difference for people. I am currently working mostly with news and feature and hopefully, those kinds of stories enable me to do just that. I also love shooting sports' stories, but they are usually a bit more on the “lighter” side.

How did your ‘Big Camera’ project come about?
I bought a large format camera last year and photographing the Romani project with it simply was a good fit.

To make it in the business today you have to make a lot of sacrifices.

Your work has taken you to over 50 countries across the globe. Which destination has stayed with you the most? Why?
Afghanistan. What I experienced there has stayed with me, in body and soul, in ways that I would have never expected.

You have multiple national and international accolades to your name. Which one of them is the dearest to you? Why?
The first time I was awarded by World Press Photo. It was the first story that I did on my own. I took a vacation from work and did it all on my own, writing, taking photos.

How often do you use Photoshop and how do you feel about its increasing usage in photography?
I use the traditional tools in Photoshop. There are very obvious rules regarding what you can and cannot do within photo journalism. I think that every photographer just has to face up and take responsibility on their own.
    
What are your thoughts on printing?
I want my prints to be high quality. That is the only thing that matters to me.

	Quick Four: Your Favourite Shoot: My son, Wile. Your Preferred Location: Any warm place. Favourite Photographer: Joachim Ladefoged. Current photographers you like: all my colleagues at Aftonbladet.

Photos by Magnus Wennman | Fotosocial