We were lucky to catch up with Jan-Tore Oevrevik recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jan-Tore, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

I am extremely grateful to my parents for all they did for me. I was in an orphanage, and they adopted me when I was two years old, providing me with the secure childhood I needed. From a young age, they taught me the value of helping and providing for our family. I remember harvesting wild berries in the forest to make jam, picking potatoes and vegetables at local farms, and doing chores like lawn mowing, snow plowing, and cleaning my room to earn some pocket money.

We always spent quality time together as a family. Every meal was shared, and we would talk about our day and support each other. My parents instilled in me essential values such as honesty, hard work, and a commitment to doing my best. Their saying, “A man is known by the company he keeps,” has stayed with me throughout my life. It serves as a reminder whenever I feel that my behavior or thoughts are heading in the wrong direction, particularly when influenced by others.

For a few years, we lived in a challenging neighborhood, and I felt lost. Recognizing this, my parents moved to a better environment to give my brother and me a fresh start. At my new school, I became close friends with some of the top students, and we developed a friendly rivalry to see who could achieve the best grades and excel in sports. This competition not only pushed us academically but also motivated us to strive for excellence in athletics, making me a better version of myself.

Ultimately, thanks to my parents’ decision to move and the way they raised me, I learned to work hard, remain humble, be respectful, and always strive to improve. They truly gave me the tools I needed to succeed in life.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My fascination with photography began in my youth, initially experimenting with my dad’s camera and eventually setting up a darkroom in my bathroom back in 1998. There, I learned traditional photographic techniques like dodging, burning, masking, and solarization. With the advent of digital cameras in the late 1990s, I began teaching adults how to use their digital cameras, import photos to their computers, and enhance images using Photoshop.

My lifelong search for beauty was ignited during summer vacations on an island on the west coast of Norway, where my father grew up. This picturesque setting—with its high mountains, valleys, and coastlines—fueled not just a passion but an obsession to capture and share the beauty of the world. My goal is to bring to life both the natural wonders created by God and the incredible architectural masterpieces crafted by humans.

I live by the catchphrase “Capturing Moments, Creating Masterpieces.” I aim to find unique perspectives and bring a fresh eye to locations that have been photographed many times, always seeking to reveal something previously unseen.

At JTO Photography, we specialize in producing high-quality fine art prints that cater to a diverse clientele, from new art enthusiasts to high-end collectors. Our offerings include Open Edition Prints, Limited Editions, and Rare Edition Prints, all crafted to showcase the beauty of our subjects on the finest materials such as metal, acrylic, and Fujiflex Crystal Silver Halide Archive Photographic Paper.

We are committed to quality and exclusivity. For instance, our Rare Edition series is limited to only five editions per picture, making each piece a valuable collector’s item. We are known for our unique photographic perspectives, capturing scenes from angles rarely seen by others, which adds an element of discovery and intrigue to our work.

I am particularly proud of the authenticity and integrity we maintain in each print. Each limited and rare edition piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring our clients receive genuine and original art. We are also committed to giving back, dedicating a portion of our sales to charitable causes.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, know that JTO Photography is more than just a brand; it’s a gateway to experiencing the world through a unique lens. We strive to create art that not only decorates a space but also evokes emotion and conversation. Whether you’re looking to start your art collection or seeking a statement piece for your home or office, we offer something that truly resonates with the spirit of discovery and appreciation for the finer details of the world.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

While I am generally supportive of new technology, I remain skeptical about NFTs. Having worked on environmental projects that resulted in the planting of millions of trees, the substantial energy consumption and environmental impact of some NFTs seem at odds with my conservation efforts. Although one might argue that the physical production and shipping of prints could be more detrimental, the reality is that NFTs often function more like speculative investments rather than art purchases, amplifying their environmental footprint significantly.

The NFT market is notoriously volatile, with prices fluctuating dramatically, and the entry process can be daunting, involving digital wallets and blockchain transactions. It’s also worth noting that the space is rife with opportunistic scammers eager to assist with NFT registration, which can be a minefield for those unfamiliar with the technology.

On the positive side, NFTs do offer verifiable ownership and the ability to authenticate digital art, providing artists with access to a global market without the logistical challenges of printing, packing, and shipping physical artworks. They also allow artists to earn royalties from subsequent sales. However, NFTs do not prevent the duplication of digital files; purchasing an NFT doesn’t guarantee exclusive access to the art if the original file remains with the seller, who might copy or use it outside the NFT framework.

Furthermore, the costs associated with creating and minting NFTs, such as gas fees on platforms like Ethereum, can be prohibitively expensive during peak times.

Personally, I find the process of selling art through NFTs no simpler than selling physical prints. I prefer art that can be displayed on a wall rather than as a digital file on a screen. For these reasons, I am currently choosing to stay away from the NFT space.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the photography market has been an ongoing process marked by significant achievements and strategic visibility. Despite starting late in submitting photos to competitions, I have received over 200 international awards and recognitions, affirming the quality and impact of my work. Notably, the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) interviewed me after discovering my photos in a competition; they were particularly interested in my pursuit of the Aurora Borealis. This was a unique opportunity as typically, artists reach out to magazines, not the other way around.

My website, www.jto-photography.com, stands out in a sea of similar templates used by other photographers, offering a unique online showcase of my work. Additionally, I co-host photography workshops with a fellow photographer, which not only bolsters my credibility but also allows me to share my expertise directly.

My work has been featured in various prestigious art centers, including the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago, Galerie Gora in Montreal, and Art Market Budapest. These exhibitions have been instrumental in expanding my visibility among art collectors—the most crucial audience for my work. It’s essential for collectors to believe in and know about your work, and every exhibition and article contributes to this awareness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jto-photography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jto_photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jtophotography/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jan-tore/
• Twitter: https://x.com/jtofineart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jtophotography
• Other: https://linktr.ee/jtophotography

Image Credits

Jan-Tore Oevrevik | JTO Photography