My Experience at Morten Krogvolds’ Oslo Photography Workshop
[June 14 2026] When the welcome email from Morten arrived, promising an intense but incredibly rewarding weekend in Oslo, I knew I had to clear my schedule. Looking back now, "intense" was an understatement—but it was exactly what my creative journey needed. It was a weekend where everyone truly went the extra mile.
From the very beginning, the organization was seamless. We received detailed daily schedules and a participant list beforehand for those who wanted to connect. This proved to be a fantastic touch, as it allowed us to start building a community and networking even before the doors opened.
From the very beginning, the organization was seamless. We received detailed daily schedules and a participant list beforehand for those who wanted to connect. This proved to be a fantastic touch, as it allowed us to start building a community and networking even before the doors opened.
The Discipline of the Clock
Morten had made one thing very clear before we arrived: punctuality is non-negotiable, and showing up early is like arriving too early to a dinner party. We all minded the clock carefully. Doors opened exactly at 17:45 on Thursday and 08:45 on Friday and Saturday. This strict structure might sound rigid, but it set a highly professional, focused, and respectful tone for the entire weekend.
Physical Prints vs. Digital Speed
One of the most unique and challenging aspects of the workshop was the two-tiered approach to how we evaluated our work:
Thursday's Critique (Physical Prints): We were tasked with bringing our images physically mounted on cardboard or a passepartout so they could stand on tables. Seeing our work printed and taking up physical space—completely stripped of the backlit safety net of digital screens—made the critique incredibly impactful. It was a voluntary session, but witnessing the work of others in this format was a masterclass in itself.
Friday’s Digital Review: On Friday evening, the pace quickened. We shifted to digital displays via our phones and laptops. This allowed us to quickly share our work with the team and get instant, constructive feedback. The contrast between the physical appreciation of prints on Thursday and the rapid-fire digital advice on Friday worked flawlessly.
Thursday's Critique (Physical Prints): We were tasked with bringing our images physically mounted on cardboard or a passepartout so they could stand on tables. Seeing our work printed and taking up physical space—completely stripped of the backlit safety net of digital screens—made the critique incredibly impactful. It was a voluntary session, but witnessing the work of others in this format was a masterclass in itself.
Friday’s Digital Review: On Friday evening, the pace quickened. We shifted to digital displays via our phones and laptops. This allowed us to quickly share our work with the team and get instant, constructive feedback. The contrast between the physical appreciation of prints on Thursday and the rapid-fire digital advice on Friday worked flawlessly.
A Deep Dive with Full Support
Morten wasn't kidding when he said family plans and other distractions had to step aside for this weekend. It demanded absolute focus and hard work. However, we were never left to struggle alone. A large, highly competent staff was by our side the entire time. Whether we faced creative blocks or technical hurdles with our cameras and equipment, there was always someone ready to step in and help.
"He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask a question remains a fool for life."
— Chinese Proverb
This proverb, shared by Morten, became the mantra of the weekend. The workshop was never a one-way lecture; it was a deeply collaborative dialogue. We were encouraged to ask critical questions, challenge concepts, and actively contribute to the conversation. By pushing through the fear of asking "foolish" questions, we all walked away with a profound new understanding of our craft.
If you ever get the chance to join Morten and his team for a workshop, do not hesitate. It will demand your full energy, but what you get back is priceless.
"He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask a question remains a fool for life."
— Chinese Proverb
This proverb, shared by Morten, became the mantra of the weekend. The workshop was never a one-way lecture; it was a deeply collaborative dialogue. We were encouraged to ask critical questions, challenge concepts, and actively contribute to the conversation. By pushing through the fear of asking "foolish" questions, we all walked away with a profound new understanding of our craft.
If you ever get the chance to join Morten and his team for a workshop, do not hesitate. It will demand your full energy, but what you get back is priceless.
