With an extensive potfolio of visually arresting imagery shot during his travels across the globe, it’s easy to see why Danish-born Kim Petersen has had countless images published in travel magazines and books.
Commited to capturing authentic moments of the people he meets, his passion for showcasing the strong religious and cultural backgrounds of different communities shines through in his photography.
Read on to discover what motivates this passion, how his career in photography is a fortuitous byproduct of his wanderlust, and the story behind his most difficult shoot.
I am truly inspired by capturing people in authentic moments, showcasing them in their natural surroundings in order to convey a deeper understanding of who they are and the life they have lived.
LG: How long have you been a photographer and what made you want to get into photography?
KP: I grew up in a small town in Denmark, which, while not the most visually stunning or culturally diverse country, is still a fantastic place in many ways. As I got older, I developed a strong desire to explore the world and see more than what my hometown had to offer. At the age of 15, I embarked on my first solo trip within Europe, and even before finishing high school, I had already hitchhiked and traveled to the Middle East and North Africa. Initially, photography wasn’t my primary focus during these journeys; it was more of a way to capture and share my experiences with friends and family.
Around 15 years ago, my perspective on photography shifted when I acquired my first professional camera. It transformed from being a mere tool to document my travels into something much more profound.
Nowadays, my journeys are driven by a deep desire to capture captivating landscapes and cultures rather than a simple urge to explore. When I embark on a photography trip, it becomes a state of mind for me, akin to a meditative experience that allows me to disconnect from the busyness of everyday life. In the presence of the right people and in the midst of a enthralling location, I can effortlessly spend an entire day immersed in photography, oblivious to the passage of time and unaffected by hunger or fatigue.
Photography, for me, is a sanctuary where I find mental relaxation and unwavering focus on capturing that next extraordinary shot. While I’m not entirely certain if others can relate to this sentiment, it is undeniably how I feel.
LG: What kind of story do you want to tell with your photos?
KP: I am truly inspired as a photographer by capturing people in authentic moments, showcasing them in their natural surroundings in order to convey a deeper understanding of who they are and the life they have lived.
LG: Within your subject area, where or what is your favourite thing or place to photograph and why?
KP: I am most interested in people and landscape photography – which goes well with being primarily a travel photographer.
I have a deep passion for capturing moments through photography, especially when it comes to people and landscapes. As a travel photographer, I am constantly drawn to the beauty of different cultures and religions. It’s truly fascinating to photograph individuals with strong cultural or religious backgrounds.
Throughout my photography journey, I have discovered numerous favorite spots around the world. However, if I had to choose just a couple that are also showcased in my photos on Alamy, it would be Italy and India. Italy holds a special place in my heart as I lived there for five years. Beyond its stunning food, landscapes, and cities, there is a rich local culture that varies from region to region. I find immense joy in capturing Italy’s countless local, historical, and religious festivals, as well as its diverse landscapes. It is a country that has successfully preserved many customs and traditions that have unfortunately faded away in many other parts of the world.
If I had to choose just one place as my favourite, it would definitely be India. I make it a point to visit India at least once a year, which speaks volumes about how much I love the country. Traveling in India can be challenging at times, as things don’t always go as planned. However, once you embrace the unpredictability, the chaos, the noise, and even the pollution, you’ll realise that India is the most photogenic place in the world.
The country is a melting pot of countless traditions, cultures, and religions, making it incredibly diverse and colorful. But what truly captivates me and keeps me coming back are the Indian people. They are so photogenic, beautiful, and vibrant, especially in the villages and countrysides. You can easily fill up several memory cards just by capturing their essence. It’s incredibly easy to connect with the locals in India, especially if you approach them with humor and a friendly spirit. They are usually more than happy to let you photograph them which is always an extra bonus for a photographer.
LG: What is the most difficult thing you ever had to photograph and why?
KP: Some recent shots that were difficult to capture were back in 2023 when I wanted to photograph the Changpa nomads in Ladakh in Northern India. The Changpas are a remarkable group of semi-nomadic Tibetan people who primarily reside in the Changtang region of Ladakh. Living at high altitudes in the Himalayas, they are known for their resilience and strength. Their main occupation involves raising Changthangi or Kashmir Pashmina goats.
I wanted to witness and capture their daily life during the annual autumn migration when they move their goats around in the Himalayas. To get close to their camps, I had to spend a few nights at an Indian truckers rest stop just below the Tagland La pass in Ladakh, at an altitude of approximately 5300 meters. Truckers rest stops are not usually the most comfortable places to sleep, especially in India. I still remember the small room where I stayed, with a dirty bed made of bricks and some worn-out carpets to keep me warm. The cold brick walls were stained, there was no heating or running water, and the caretaker cooked my meals on a primitive stove oven fueled by cardboard and animal dung. It may not have been the most comfortable nights I’ve ever had, but the incredible moments I captured during my visits to nearby Changpa camps made it all worth it.
The goat herders invited me to walk with them and photograph their daily routines at altitudes of up to 5000 meters. They welcomed me into their tents made of yak wool, offered me hot tea, and even invited me to join their puja or offerings led by traveling Buddhist monks.
These experiences will forever hold a special place in my heart as cherished memories. And, as is always the case in India, I was constantly invited to photograph and document their unique way of life.
LG: What motivates you to keep on making images?
KP: If I should try to describe my motivation for making images I would say that I started with a passion for travelling and with a slight interest to document my travels through photography. Today I would say that I am a first of all a photographer with a passion for different cultures and people, and in order to foster my passion for photography I have to travel.
For those of you needing a little extra push to get out with your camera and go exploring and documenting the world around you, we hope this brought some encouragement and inspiration! And if you need some extra tips on how to make your travel photography stand out, you can check out our Travel Top Tips blog here.
If you’re interested in the relevency and importance of photographing as authentically as possible (something we wholeheartedly advocate here at Alamy), you can find out why this is so pertinent in our blog about the power of authentic imagery.
You can continue to join Kim on his adventures by following him on Instagram here, and you can explore his full Alamy collection here.