Who's Who: Vegar Abelsnes
Over the last 15 years Vegar has photographed/directed campaigns for a wide variety of national and international clients and continues to work globally having grown a thriving business in both the American and European markets. He is represented by Doug Truppe Represents in New York.
How did you get into advertising?
With luck, determination, hard work, a lot of stubbornness, a great agent (Doug Truppe) and a ton of promotions both in print, resource books, and email campaigns. In order to work in advertising you have to advertise. As I am from Norway I would also make trips to Norway to promote my work. I showed my work in Oslo where a creative director wanted a new and fresh look for a campaign for Scandinavian Airlines. This first big campaign led to more advertising work in Norway. Then I would show my Norwegian work in the US which led to more work in the US, then in turn I would show the US based work in Norway which led to more work in Norway, and so fourth. By approaching the industry this way I was able to build up my career by working on both continents, shooting work that was appropriate to promote with to get more advertising work. As much as I enjoy shooting editorial work, I enjoy it more when I am to spend some more resources on getting the best locations, talent, crew, and eventually shots, and I think working in advertising allows me to do so.
A run-down of the most recent campaign you worked on?
I spent the last year working on a combination production print/video with Sharon Osbourne, where she was the spokesperson for a non-addictive treatment for people with opioid and alcohol addiction. I shot both the print and directed the motion for this project. Most of the time our jobs have both components of print and video. You can see some of this project here: http://www.letschangetheconversation.com
Fortunately I have an amazing team of people who are the coolest, the hardest working, and the most talented people you will ever meet, which also allows me to take on really fantastic projects for which I can truly promise my clients amazing content. For instance, we produced an amazing project for one of my clients (GoRVing) where we produced all the content from TV ads to print and social media, where I directed all the content while also shooting a lot of the stills as well. I also brought in a social media team to work as part of my production team both as content creators as well as talent. You can see some of the work here: http://www.teamvegar.com
The best piece of creative work around at the moment is?
Nike/Kaepernick campaign. That is a campaign placed in the middle of a big political issue as well as some personal life ones and struggles. It is very clever of Nike to use this potent issue to generate more sales.
The next big advertising trend is going to be?
One we don’t notice as being advertising right away… I think real content with a real message has a huge place in our market place today. I think campaigns where people tell their actual real stories is what people respond better to. There’s too much “bs” advertising out there that does nothing but fill the airwaves with junk, and I think we are approaching a point where real content is king. At least that is what I respond best to.
The piece of advertising work you wish you had thought of is?
Hipcamp “ Find Yourself Outside” - https://vimeo.com/132244795 It’s a super nice campaign where the reality of your experience is at the center point, and the combination of sound and image is beautifully put together. Avocados did a wonderful job on this campaign.
Your favorite digital tool/app at the moment?
My iPhone’s off button … And DJI’s drone software.
In a film about your life, you’d like to be played by?
Liev Screibner or Sean Penn.
A word or phrase you overuse?
Perhaps, and/or maybe.
Your last social media update said?
Whiskerino 2018 - Petaluma!
Here are a few more of the amazing Whiskerinos at the 60th Anniversary of the Petaluma Whiskerinos competition. #whiskerinos2018 #petaluma #california #beard #facialhair #lagunitas #beardsofinstagram #instabeard #portraits #whiskerino #petalumawhiskerino #lagunitasbeer
It’s for an annual beard competition.
The one prior was: TBT to one of the lifestyle ads we shot for AT&T a few years ago. #lifestyle #portraits #setlife #advertising #losangeles #california #funtimes #photography
Your dream collaboration is?
A long term travel project, working with a cool fresh Art Director, where I can hire my best friends (who happen to be amazing photographers & DP’s), to generate content for all media channels from social media, TV, and print, preferably shooting at some beautiful mountain top somewhere in the Rockies, Patagonia or the European alps.
A piece of criticism you’ve received was?
Vegar you think too much. Stop thinking so much. Just do it.
A great piece of advice you received?
Vegar you think too much. Stop thinking so much. Just do it.
Twitter handle: @ vegarabelsnes
Instagram: vegarabelsnes
