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Jonas Bendiksen

 

Jonas Bendiksen: The Storyteller of the Ordinary

Jonas Bendiksen (born September 28, 1977, in Tønsberg, Norway) is a documentary photographer known for his intimate, cinematic portrayal of human life in overlooked corners of the world. A member of Magnum Photos since 2008, Bendiksen’s work often blends journalism and narrative, exploring the edges of society with empathy and curiosity.

Camera Gear

  • During his early career with Magnum Photos, Bendiksen primarily used medium-format film cameras, notably the Mamiya 7 and Hasselblad systems, to achieve high image quality and tonal depth.

Mamiya 7

  • He later transitioned to digital cameras, most notably Canon EOS DSLRs, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 5D Mark III, for projects requiring mobility and versatility.

Canon Eos 5D Mark III

  • For The Book of Veles (2021), he used Sony mirrorless cameras, likely the Sony A7R series, combining high resolution with discreet operation — essential to the project’s mix of real and digitally fabricated imagery.

Sony A7 R

  • His work in challenging field environments (Siberia, rural India, etc.) required compact setups and natural light — often using prime lenses like 35mm and 50mm for their balance of realism and intimacy.

Projects & Technique

Bendiksen’s photographic style is characterized by clear composition, strong light, and a sense of narrative coherence that makes documentary scenes feel almost cinematic. His projects include:

  • “Satellites” (2006) – documenting the unrecognized republics of the former Soviet Union.

  • “The Places We Live” (2008) – immersive portraits of slum dwellers presented in multimedia form.

  • “The Last Testament” (2017) – following seven men around the world who claim to be the second coming of Christ.

  • “The Book of Veles” (2021) – a provocative project exploring misinformation, where he used CGI-generated figures to question photographic truth itself.

His post-production approach tends to stay minimal except when used conceptually, as in Veles.

Legacy

Jonas Bendiksen stands among the most innovative voices in modern documentary photography. His willingness to experiment with truth, fiction, and technology has expanded the boundaries of photojournalism. Whether working with film or digital tools, his focus remains the same: to reveal how ordinary people live, dream, and adapt in a changing world.

Books Featuring Jonas Bendiksen’s Work

  • Satellites (Aperture, 2006)

see it on Amazon

  • The Places We Live (Aperture, 2008)

  • The Last Testament (Aperture, 2017)

  • The Book of Veles (GOST Books, 2021)

see it on Amazon


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