Pata is an explorer and photographer based in Finland with numerous expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica, Greenland, Amazonas, Himalaya, Namibia and South American jungles, deserted islands och other beautiful places over the past 30 years on his resume. He has climbed over 200 mountains and 24 of them have been first ascents.
Q&A
- How did you start with photo/video?
As an explorer, I needed to document one of my expeditions in order to give a lecture for one of my sponsors so I bought a camera and started snapping photos. This was back in 1996 and made me realize how fun photography is. Later on I studied Industrial Design at the Aalto University of Design in Helsinki and took a course in photographing. From then on, photographing has been a very important part of all my expeditions.
- How would you describe your style?
My pictures are mostly nature or animals shots with a twist of adventure. I prefere quite clean and colourful pictures.
- What inspires you?
Untouched pristine nature with mountains, clouds, animals, snow and ice, inspires me very much.
- What is your dream shoot or project?
I would like to explore the Polar areas and the animals that live there.
- What is your best advice to others that want to develop as photographers?
Take photos together with other photographers, compare your shots and discuss how they are taken. Get inspiration from the best photographers on Instagram and do some healthy copy/pasting : ) You will learn a lot by doing that!
What is in your bag?
- What is the most important in your bag?
In addition to cameras and lenses, I would say my head torch. Many destinations and photoshoots are done in dark places, so to find your way of find your gear you need a light.
- What bag do you use?
Lowepro Whistler.
Discover more about Pata Degerman
Instagram: @pataexplorer
Facebook: pataexplorer
YouTube: pataexplorer