What made you choose this particular folk high school?

I was actually going to go to the handball school, but then I tore my cruciate ligament. I also knew several people who had gone here before, and they were very proud of the school, the environment and the offerings. Then I ended up at Photo / Adventure instead, since photography is also a hobby of mine. I pulled out my mom's old camera, and that's really how it started.

Were you nervous before you came here, and how did you experience the start?

I was very, very nervous. It was my first time moving out, and there were a lot of big changes all at once. At the same time, I was very well received. Several of the teachers came over and said hello, and my roommate came before me and welcomed me very well. Then my shoulders sank pretty quickly.

The tension lingered for a while, but the nerves eventually disappeared. It also helped to see that everyone else was in the same boat.

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Everyday life and community

How would you describe the environment at school and in the classroom?

The environment at the school is very diverse, but I feel like everyone gets along. People are nice and respectful, and there's no one who doesn't fit in. Everyone is here for the same reason, and that does a lot for the community.

In the class we are very close-knit. We are a bit divided into different groups, but everyone gets along well and helps each other. The photography class is very open, we can joke and have fun together while we get to do what we have to do. Our teacher, Eivind, is very professional and good at explaining. He shows that he wants to be here and teach us, and that he cares about us. We are very happy with him.

What surprised you most when you started here?

It was actually that folk high school is not quite what you might imagine before coming here. Many people have little knowledge of what folk high school actually is, and quickly think that it is just a gap year without grades, and perhaps have some negative prejudices.

So it was a very positive surprise to come here. You're in school all the time, and it feels like a meaningful gap year, not a year you just waste. I was also positively surprised by how quickly we bonded.

In addition, I have been given many opportunities outside of school, for example, I take photos for Elverum Handball and am heavily involved there. I have also been asked to create web shows and the like, which provides a lot of development.

What “rooms” or activities at school have become “your places”?

I spend a lot of time at Eidsvoll (the boarding school), and otherwise I use the fireplace room and the library a lot. I like being in the common areas. I am often in the living room at my boarding school as well. Since I am very interested in handball, I often arrange handball matches in the fireplace room or other common rooms and bring people along.

What have you learned about yourself so far?

I've learned that I can do a lot more than I think, if I just dare to jump into things. That's probably the most important thing I've learned. I've become more social, dare to talk to people and have expanded my boundaries.

Has the stay given you more self-confidence or security? In what way?

Yes, I would say that. Especially when it comes to living alone. I have proven to myself that I can do it, and that I don't need to rely on others as much. I have found that I can do a lot more on my own than I thought, and that has prepared me well for life after folk high school.

What do you feel you get here that you wouldn't get in a regular school year?

You make friends no matter where you study, but I feel like we have a lot more time to be together here. I also get a lot more opportunities than I would have anywhere else. For example, I am involved in Elverum Handball in a way that suits me, even though I am injured.

All the trips we take are also very special. I don't think there are many other places that offer the same. On the trips we often get assignments that make us explore the places more, and since we travel together, I think it's much more fun than traveling alone. It's a really nice mix of planned activities and things we have to figure out for ourselves. In addition, you get to experience places you might not have known about otherwise, because the teacher has a lot of experience with those destinations.

What would you say to someone who is considering applying but is unsure?

Just do it. Jump into it. If you're a little unsure about what you want to do next, this is an absolutely fantastic year to figure it out.

What do you wish you knew before you came here?

I wish I knew more about boarding school life in advance, and what it's actually like to live at the different boarding schools. I had a lot of questions about routines and everyday life there.

How do you think this year will affect the path forward for you?

I will become more independent, and I feel like my creativity has really gotten a boost. I will most likely want to continue with photography, either as a freelancer or by working for someone.

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Photo / Adventure

What do you enjoy photographing most now – and why?

I like action photography the most, especially handball matches. It challenges me in terms of sharpness and capturing the moment, and it gives me many opportunities and new contacts. I also really like street photography, because it offers demanding situations in terms of light and surroundings, and gives a lot of room for creativity.

How have you developed your vision so far?

I have become more aware of details and moments, and I feel like I have become faster and more precise in my reactions. When you are photographing, you have to be fast, and it takes both practice and dedication. But if you enjoy it, it is a lot of fun.

What skills have developed the most since you started?

I started out with no prior knowledge of photography. I just knew I liked taking pictures, and I mostly used my phone before. Since then I have developed a lot and learned a lot about ISO, shutter speed and aperture, and how to use my camera in the best possible way.

My camera is quite old, but as long as I use what I've learned here, I still get absolutely amazing photos.

Can you describe a photo you are particularly proud of?

It's hard to pick just one photo, as I'm proud of so many of them in different ways. I've used many different techniques, and all of the photos mean something to me. But one photo I'm especially proud of is from the studio, where we used a long shutter speed and got a really cool spiral of light around the subject. I'm also really happy with a photo I took of the Parliament in Budapest at night.
(The photos can be seen on Instagram: @photobyjmb)