In this episode, we’re joined by Mads Nissen, one of the world’s leading photojournalists. We talk about what photography can do, about winning World Press Photo, and about how a photojournalist finds their way through chaos and surreal situations.
Mads describes himself as intense, curious and passionate: qualities that drive him to make the most of life, in his work too. The flip side is that he misses his family when he travels the world to document chaotic and extraordinary events.
A photograph is one of the most powerful ways we can communicate
A revelation of possibilities
Mads hasn’t always known what he wanted to do with his life. He says he has always been creative, but he lacked a way to express his curiosity about other people and cultures. Before a youth trip to Venezuela, he bought his first camera. In Venezuela, it dawned on Mads how he could bring together his passion for politics, creativity and curiosity.
Mads stresses that he has always been fascinated by dilemmas and wants to document them to bring new perspectives. He points out, though, that documenting the biggest crises and dilemmas can often be dangerous. Mads has been in many dangerous situations. You always try to prepare, he says, even though it’s impossible to know exactly what’s waiting until you’re standing in the middle of it.
“I’m the only person in the world who has won World Press Photo three times”
In the episode, Mads explains what he thinks images can do that text can’t. For him, images are the most powerful form of communication, and they go straight to the heart. Mads has twice been named World Press Photo of the Year, in 2015 and 2021. In the episode, he talks about what he focuses on when he sets out to create a successful image.
Mads stresses that success isn’t what drives him. For him, it matters more to create something bigger than himself, and he is very motivated by making a difference. He sees himself as part of a larger machine, a movement that began long before him and will carry on long after him.
Navigating chaos
Mads often finds himself in chaotic, surreal and vulnerable situations, which can make it hard to hold on to his humanity behind the camera. He points out that you have to push yourself to the limit to really make an impression on people, but that also comes with a certain risk. Mads explains that he has had to develop his own strategies that let him navigate even the most vulnerable and chaotic situations.
Mads says there have been situations where he has had to pull back, and that he knows where his limits are. He stresses that he needs to find meaning in his work and believe that it makes a difference.