From Passion to Profession
The Atmospheric Evolution of Professional Photographer, Tobias Hägg
Based in the outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, Tobias Hägg is a world-renowned photographer and videographer known for his powerful and atmospheric landscape photography that captures beautiful details and stunning patterns. Also known as Airpixels, Tobias travels to the farthest corners of our planet to preserve timeless moments from unique perspectives. He is extremely passionate about landscapes, adventure, and the great outdoors, and has produced, directed, and featured in commercial content all around the world. He is also an ambassador and visionary for Polarpro—an elite and innovative camera company.
Hägg’s work has been published and exhibited globally, and has been featured in prestigious publications including National Geographic, BBC, Condé Nast, The Telegraph, and the Daily Mail. He is also one of fourteen photographers named in Masters of Drone Photography, and has served as a judge for the Skypixel awards—one of the biggest photography competitions in the world.
For Tobias, nature is the most powerful and beautiful subject matter on Earth. Through his unique lens, Hägg works to showcase the environment and his hopes for a better future for our planet. Face the Current connected with Tobias to discuss his top travel highlights, how he turned his passion into a career, and some steps we can all take to preserve the beauty and symmetry of the natural world around us.
Your photography and videography capture the beauty of natural landscapes in an extraordinary way. When did you discover your passion for visual arts, and can you describe the process of turning your love into a career?
Thank you for your kind words. I’ve always been drawn to the beauty of the natural world and have had an appreciation for visual arts since I was young. However, it wasn’t until my teenage years that I picked up my first camera and discovered my passion for photography. As I started taking more and more photos, I found myself constantly seeking out new ideas and exploring different techniques to capture their beauty. I also began experimenting with videography, using it as a way to further showcase the breathtaking landscapes I was capturing. Over time, my passion for visual arts grew into a career. I started by sharing my work on social media which led to opportunities to work with brands and organizations who appreciated my unique style and vision. I also honed my skills through workshops, networking, and collaborating with other creatives in the industry. Turning my passion into a career hasn’t been easy, and it’s taken a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. However, I am grateful every day to be able to do what I love and to share the beauty of the natural world with others through my photography and videography.
You travel to the furthest corners of the world in search of timeless moments and unique perspectives. Are there any specific moments which stand out in your mind as most memorable?
Yes, I have been fortunate enough to travel to some of the most remote and beautiful corners of the world in search of unforgettable moments to capture through my lens. Every trip has its own charm but two trips that stand out in my mind as particularly memorable are my travels to Greenland and Namibia. In Greenland, I had the opportunity to explore some of the most stunning and untouched landscapes on Earth. I remember witnessing a massive glacier caving into the ocean. The sheer size and power of the icebergs that form and the sounds of the ice crashing into the water is something that I will never forget. Another highlight of my trip to Greenland was when I had the chance to spend some days on an island with a local family of Uummannaq. I was welcomed and accepted into their family home and it was just amazing to experience how they live and ask all the questions of how it is to live in such a remote place of the world. Coming there for a small amount of time versus spending your whole life out here is completely different and it was a great experience just hearing both sides of it—the good and the bad.
In Namibia, I was struck by the raw beauty of the desert and the incredible wildlife that call it home. One of the most memorable moments of my trip out here was when I witnessed a cloud inversion coming over the desert, and being in a helicopter at the time just showcased everything so much better. Overall, both of these trips were incredibly memorable and reinforced my passion for exploring the far corners of our world.
What have you learned from the symmetry and patterns of nature that can be carried over into a productive/positive outlook on life?
Nature is full of symmetry and patterns that have fascinated and inspired artists and scientists for centuries. As a photographer and videographer who spends a lot of time in nature, I have come to appreciate the beauty and significance of these natural patterns, and have found that they offer valuable insights that can be carried over into a positive and productive outlook on life.
One of the key lessons that I have learned from the symmetry and patterns of nature is the importance of balance. Just as the natural world is made up of delicate ecosystems that rely on a balance of different elements, our own lives require a balance between work and play, rest and activity, and other important aspects of our daily routines. By striving for balance in our lives, we can reduce stress, increase happiness, and achieve greater productivity and success.
Another lesson that can be learned from the symmetry and patterns of nature is the value of resilience. Just as natural ecosystems are able to withstand and recover from external forces such as storms or wildfires, we too can learn to be resilient in the face of challenges and adversity. By adapting to change and maintaining a positive attitude, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Just as every plant, animal, and element of the natural world is connected and dependent on one another, so are we as human beings connected to one another and to the world around us. By recognizing and honoring these connections, we can build stronger relationships, foster a sense of community, and work towards a more sustainable and harmonious future.
You are one of fourteen Masters of Drone Photography, and are an honored judge in the Skypixel awards (the biggest drone awards in the world). How does it feel to share your expertise with similarly passionate individuals, and what is your favorite part of being an honorary judge?
It is truly an honor to be recognized as one of the fourteen Masters of Drone Photography and to serve as an honorary judge for the Skypixel awards. As someone who is passionate about both photography and videography, I take great pride in being able to share my expertise and knowledge with similarly passionate individuals from around the world.
One of my favorite parts of being an honorary judge is the opportunity to see the incredible creativity and ingenuity of the other drone photographers and videographers. The entries submitted to the Skypixel awards are truly amazing, and it is inspiring to see how others are pushing the boundaries of what is possible with drone technology. As a judge, I also appreciate the responsibility of helping to recognize and reward excellence in the field of drone photography and videography. Being able to provide constructive feedback and recognition to other talented artists and creators is incredibly rewarding, and it is a privilege to be able to play a role in shaping the future of this exciting and rapidly-evolving field.
As someone with a heart for the environment and a desire for a brighter future, how do you envision collective action shaping a future for all?
As someone who deeply cares about the environment and the future of our planet, I believe that collective action is essential for creating a brighter and more sustainable future for all. In order to address the urgent environmental challenges facing our world, we need to work together and harness the power of collective action to bring about meaningful change.
One of the key ways that collective action can shape a better future is by promoting awareness and education around environmental issues. By raising awareness and educating people about the importance of sustainability and conservation, we can inspire more people to take action and make positive changes in their daily lives.
What are actions that are approachable for anyone/everyone to take towards the preservation of our natural world?
A few examples would be:
Reduce your carbon footprint.
Educate yourself and others.
Support sustainable businesses.
Conserve water.
If you could share one piece of advice based upon your life experiences, what would it be?
It would be to embrace your passions and follow your heart. Pursuing what you are truly passionate about, whether it be a career, a hobby, or a personal goal, it can bring immense joy, fulfillment, and purpose to your life.
Life is too short to settle for anything less than your best and most authentic self.
More Info:
IG: @airpixels