Fredrik Naumannphotographer

Eat Pray ThrowBali's destructive philosophy

Exit LibyaEscaping civil war

Terror in NorwayJuly 22, 2011

2011 REVIEW

2011 was by any measure a dramatic year, with both man and nature wreaking havoc around the world. The pictures we received at Felix Features from our partner agencies were dramatic. Revolutions, earthquakes, wars, floods, one thing after the other. Yet, for most Norwegians, such things were distant events, without ramifications to them.

Until July 22, 2011.

A lone terrorist blew up the Norwegian government offices in Oslo, killing eight. Then he massacred 69 youths at a political summer camp. Many more were injured. Norway was not immune. Evil and darkness reached here after all.

Covering tragedy is a challenge, even more so when it is in your own backyard. It is hard to put into words, but the proximity to the blast (our windows shook) and having family who lost loved ones and collegues certainly made covering this hard. And seeing part of the peaceful Oslo that I love looking like a scene from Baghdad was very distressing.

Yet, as photographer, I would rather be there, than not. I think it was important to document what happened in Oslo. Now, six months later, there is still fall out and discussions about July 22. Pictures from the actual day have proven to be vital for our understanding of what happened that day.

In March, there wasn't much I could do for the tens of thousands of refugees that fled into Tunisa from Libya. But I could document their plight and use my contacts to spread the word about what was going on. Photographs were shaping decisions in governments and organisations around the world. I was merely providing a few drops in the river of information, but it is good to know photojournalism still has relevance in a world awash with pictures.

Fredrik Naumann is a Norwegian photojournalist. He is the co founder of Felix Features, the only picture agency in Norway strictly dedicated to photojournalism.He is represented internationally by Panos Pictures (UK).

Felix Features was founded in 2005 by Marianne Alfsen and Fredrik. The agency mainly serves Norwegian media and specialize in photo features. In addition to its own production, Felix Features rely on material supplied by partner agencies Panos Pictures (UK), Redux (US) and NOOR (Netherlands). The online archive now holds nearly 180.000 images from some of the world's best photojournalists. Searching the archive is free and no registration is needed: www.felixfeatures.com

But 2011 was tragic for the photojournalism community as well. Many photographers were killed and injured. Fellow Panos photographer Tim Hetherington died in Misrata, on 20th April 2011, while covering the conflict in Libya. It was shocking news, Tim was very experienced and well respected. We can only take some comfort in knowing his pictures will contribute long after his passing. Such as the pictures by Martin Adler. Also a Panos photographer, Martin was killed in Somalia in 2006. Last summer one of his pictures was chosen as basis for a stamp in connection with the 50th anniversary of Amnesty International.

But the last year wasn't all doom and gloom. I have met and photographed a lot of positive and interesting people: Former Prime Minister Kåre Willoch (83), still an an outspoken and respected contributor in the public debate. War time hero Gunnar "Kjakan" (The Chin) Sønsteby (93) is the most highly decorated person in Norway, and I photographed him at Akershus Fortress in Oslo. Meeting the man in person, and in such a historic place, really was special.

I do not mind if 2012 is less dramatic, but I am looking forward to all the interesting people I no doubt will meet!

FredrikJanuary 2012

Tens of thousands of people, mainly Egyptian workers, fled unrest in Libya and crossed the border into Tunisia. Some slept in the open for several days before being processed. At the same time forces loyal to Col. Gaddafi was fighting opposition forces in various parts of the country.

I went to Tunisia on my own, in the end having pictures published in Norwegian newspapers VG and Dagbladet, as well as with Save The Children UK. I went directly from Tunisia to Egypt on assignment for Norwegian broadsheet Aftenposten.

Exit Libya

15:46 JULY 22

First there was a car bomb explosion in Oslo within Regjeringskvartalet, the executive government quarter of Norway. Eight people were killed, scores injured.The second attack occurred less than two hours later at a summer camp on the island of Utøya in Tyrifjorden.A gunman dressed in an authentic looking police uniform gained access to the island and subsequently opened fire at the participants, killing 69. Many more were injured in the attack. The Norwegian Police arrested a 32-year-old Norwegian right-wing extremist for both attacks.This picture was first published by Dagbladet.

Utøya

Flowers for the victims, in front of the Oslo Cathedral. This image was published in Newsweek's Pictures of the Year edition.

Despite the terror attacks, Norwegian police still wish to remain unarmed.

Police officer Stig Gaustad is seen holding three men at "bananapoint" in a park, armed only with his snack and a flashlight while checking the men. Photographed on assignment for Norwegian newspaper Dagens Næringsliv.

Kåre Willoch photographed for Norwegian Refugee Council's magazine Perspective.

Gunnar Sønsteby photographed for Spectator magazine (UK)

Eat Pray ThrowBali is renowned for it beauty, attracting tourists from around the world. There is a building boom on the island and people's living standard is increasing. However, increased consumption leads to increased waste and the islanders' habit of simply throwing garbage in the nearest ditch is spoiling the post card beauty. In the rainy season the garbage is washed to sea, affecting marine life as well.

The Balinese tourism industry is hoping to set a new record in 2012, with over three million visitors. But unless they get their house in order, the numbers may be dwindling in the future.

The famous Kuta Beach

Padang Bai

Menjagan National Park

Nemo's New HomeClownfish in their anemone on a metal structure, part of the Biorock reef restoration project in Pemuteran in North Bali.

A low voltage direct current is applied on metal structures using an anode. Once the reef structure is in place and minerals begin to coat the surface, the next phase of reef construction begins. Divers transplant coral fragments from other reefs. Immediately, these coral pieces begin to bond to the accreted mineral substrate and start to grow—typically three to five times faster than normal. Soon other marine life starts colonizing the structure as well.

Some say the effort is severely limited. While the method may be useful in bringing small areas of damaged coral back to life, it has very limited application in vast areas that need protection. The world's coral reefs are still under a serious threat from pullution, destructive fishing practices and global warming.

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