Interview
Stephen Butkus
When did you first pick up a camera?
I used to pretend to be a fashion photographer when I was like 9 or 10 with my sister using my dad’s old camera that sadly had no film in it. Little did I know that was the start of a career. I had watched the drama show The Bold and the Beautiful on TV (this was THE shit on tv for housewives back in the 90s) it was all about a fashion house and I guess I saw some kind of shoot on there and wanted to pretend I was a hip photographer…Writing this I guess this is why I am so obsessed with the 90s style in photography.. haha! Who knew?
Do you have specific influences in your work?
Well the answer over here kinda tells a quick story of my influences. But I do. I look at the 80’s and 90’s a lot. But I am also a big fan of inspiring people. Peter McKinnon is one of those people who influences me by creativity. Always create.
What would you say is your signature as a photographer?
Well, I have always heard my style is “raw”, I think it shows that I do what I want to do. I don’t listen to industry rules or what is hype. I just create and by being open to try and fail you somehow create a style out of that. I don’t think I do have 1 type of solid style but looking at other creatives, and when you’ve done it long enough, there is a sort of a red line in your work. I can only hope people see that in my work as well. Lesson here is never stop trying and failing. It is where you learn and grow.
How did you get started?
I lived on the streets of Berlin as a 17 year old and started documenting subcultures and portraying what I saw around. Moved to France and actually studied to become a chef. But I started getting attention for my photography work and gradually moved out from kitchen service to full-time photographer.
What’s been the most surprising element of your job?
I would say learning to understand communication on a deeper level. Respecting peoples’ mindsets. Learning about cultures and how much you grow by traveling.
Any other artistic mediums you are interested in exploring?
I secretly want to be a Blues singer.
What gets you off - literally and figuratively?
A nice pee in nature. Well, I could rather say. Waking up in the woods make a cup of coffee and looking out into the art of solitude and nature.
You’re based out of Oslo - are there certain things in the city that have influenced you? What makes Oslo a special place for you?
I am now, after living in Bali, Indonesia for two years, back in my hometown of Oslo, Norway. Oslo is kinda magic in the way that it has come such a long way to making the city very interactive. You can get around so easy. There is a big boom in cafes and restaurants (which is a big part of my life) and its super close to nature. I can take the subway 20 minutes and I can walk for days without spotting a single person. You can take the train for a couple of hours and you can hike the most beautiful scenery known to man. Its a huge port city so I am close to water all year around and people are for the most part super chill.. Yeah it’s sick.
Film or digital?
It has to be film. But I love the freedom regarding work to shoot digital. I grew up working the industry before the digital era. So I’ve learned to really appreciate the digital format.
If you could choose any era to work in which it would be? Why?
The 80’s, do I need to really explain why?? Red Ferraris, poodle rock, fire, heavy metal, high heels and the introduction to avocado in Norway. (I know it’s bad but who doesn’t love a good guacamole)?
What would your younger self not believe about your life today?
Simple. That I would be alive to all.
What’s been the best compliment a stranger has ever given you?
That I listen. And I do. I love to listen to people.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
The conformity of one’s life in western society today is just awful (even for these crazy times). Our moral and ethical standards we dress ourselves in not even been outside our own borders or dare to really sit down and speak and listen to each other. I would say our overrated virtue would be our self integrity.
As Aristotle suggested, a person can improve his or her character by practicing self-discipline, while a good character can be corrupted y repeated self-indulgence.