What a journey it has been so far! I remember reading a press release about the upcoming Fujifilm X100 camera. I glanced at the image of this small, classy but unusual camera and had the feeling our paths would cross in the future. Strange, I thought! It was talking to me.
It was not long ago that I was lying in a hospital bed immobilized and connected to life-support machinery. I spent hours, days, months staring at the wall in my room. It wasn’t a normal wall, however. It was pasted with drawings by my four-year-old son and photos of my wife, family and friends. Those visuals kept me alive and sane during this highly troubling time.
In this hospital room I made a pact with destiny – if I survive this ordeal I will embark on a new path in my life. I didn’t know back then that by gazing intensely at these drawings and imagery – those precious visuals – I had already taken the first steps along a new path.
My recovery was long and gruelling, from learning how to walk, to putting up with an exhausting schedule of dialysis. If that wasn’t enough, another strange thing happened. A total stranger appeared in my life, donating a kidney and saving my life but, most importantly, giving my full life back. There is more. As we became friends with Madeleine, during one of our meetings she brought me two photography magazines. Why? I don’t know. Maybe she knew, she sensed my new calling…
And then, this small, classy, quirky camera showed up. It wasn’t long before I was running around like a kid… with a new camera, a new kidney and radically new seeing.
It all led to visual explorations, my blog, olafphoto, Simplicity-In-Seeing, and new professional and personal friendships – at this point my direction was clear.
Somewhere along the way I came across FUJILOVE. What a strange name, I thought! In no time, I became a fan of this new world of ALL THINGS FUJI. Right from the beginning, the FUJILOVE MAGAZINE was my favourite.
The combination of great photography and the written word has always fascinated me. They have so much in common. You must use all of yourself, your life experiences, your feelings and your visual wit to arrange elements in photography and create what’s uniquely yours. It is similar in writing – you take words and arrange them into a beautiful whole.
Tomash, an editor and talented photographer himself, has been working very hard to make sure each issue of the magazine is absolutely the best. No wonder that so many great contributors such as Jonas Rask, Patrick LaRoque, Palle Schulz, Charlene Winfried, Spencer Wynn, Michael Schnabl, Damian Lovegrove and many others have shared their stunning photography and writing.
I am so excited to announce that starting in the January 2018 issue I will be joining FujiLove Magazine with a new, thought-provoking and image-centred column titled, “Simplicity-In-Seeing.”
Thank YOU all for your support, kindness and patronage.
Now the journey continues…
It’s only fitting if I share with you some selected imagery taken during those years of self-discovery (all with the X-series cameras and lenses).
On The Street
On The Road
2017 © Olafphoto. All rights reserved.
Thanks, Olaf.
Just found your blog. Loved your story and your photos, both are very inspiring. Really enjoyed your You Tube videos also, looking forward to following you. Thanks for sharing.
John,
It is great to have you with us. I really appreciate your kind note. Looking forward to your future feedback.
Cheers,
Olaf
I always loved your craft, your vision but never knew about the whole story… It resonates with me so much… embrace a new path in life and do what you love… I wish I could… I wish I would…
Photography and you were just meant to meet…
Your work, your blog, your YouTube videos are so inspiring… It just makes me want to grab my X-T10 and shoot… Just for that, thank you!
Frederic
Frederic,
Your kind note means a lot to me. Thank you so much.
Olaf
Olaf, you are an inspiration Sir. I salute your sensitive approach to your art; thank you for sharing this part of you.
Aye,
Ian
I really appreciate your comment Ian. It means a lot to me.
That’s great news Olaf! It made me subscribe to FujiLove once again.
When I look at your pictures Olaf, I just want to get my x100f and go out into the world.
That’s some amazing images you had taken!
Glad to have discovered your work and that we share passion for photography and this great province. Kudos.
Raymond,
Thank you so much.
Cheers,
Olaf
Congrats Olaf!!
You are an inspiration!!
David,
Thank you so much. Love your work. We have to meet one day.
Cheers,
Olaf
Great Olaf. A big hug!
A big hug to you as well. Thank you for your note.
Wow what a journey! Thanks for sharing Olaf and a hearty congratulations! Your words and photos have always been inspirational to me. Your column will be a fine addition to the Fujilove magazine. Continued health and success to you. I look forward to our next virtual coffee break.
Dyanne,
What a joy to know you! Thank you so much for your warm and kind words. Yes, our next virtual coffee break is coming 🙂
Your work is inspiring! What a journey man!
Daniel,
I really appreciate your kind note. Your travel work is superb. Hope to meet you in person one day.
All the best,
Olaf
Brilliant news Olaf! What a journey you’ve been on and a great new direction to travel too. Congrats.
Paul,
Thank you so much.
All the best,
Olaf
Woman behind Windows, those are my favorites,bravo
Thank you Antonio!
As both an Olaf fan and a Fujilove devotee, I couldn’t be happier. Congratulations!
Wow! Thank you so much.
Congratulations, Olaf! Thank you for sharing your story of inspiration. Your images are beautiful visual narratives that are truly a joy to behold. Stay well my friend.
Thank you so much my friend.
Really awesome!!!
Thanks!
I truly look forward to reading your column
Scott,
Appreciate your note. Will do my best 🙂
Cheers,
Olaf
I wholeheartedly agree with the Saul Leiter comment above. Your personal story is as inspiring as your photography. Thank you for sharing.
James,
Truly, truly appreciate your kind note!
All the best,
Olaf
Wonderful post with amazing images to follow. Congrats 🙂
Thank you so much. Haven’t we supposed to meet for a coffee? Olaf, what’s wrong with you!!! It is on me then!! 🙂
Congratulations, Olaf! From the heart 🙂
Thank you my friend!
Very inspiring. Thankyou for sharing.
Appreciate it.
Thank you so much for your kind words and support. I really appreciate it.
Olaf
I discovered you and your work only recently Olaf and love your style. I am reminded of the great Saul Leiter when looking at your photos and think you have a great talent.What a marvellous story, I’m so glad you pulled through and were able to inspire many others, including myself. Long may your creativity continue !