Andreas – A Photography Story
Cool, friendly and relaxed is how I often describe the Brändön Nature guides and the “new guy” Andreas Wälitalo certainly fits the mould. New guy is perhaps a stretch. He has been part of the Brändön family for over 6 years and has fitted into the warm fun atmosphere hand in glove. Looking a little deeper though we see that Andreas also has some particularly unique experiences and talents that add immeasurably to the local insights that guests receive when spending time with the Brändön team.
Andreas grew up in the region, going to school in Luleå and has family ties from Piteå and Kiruna and had a very Swedish upbringing playing hockey and football until the age of 17.
Today, Andreas is well known for his photography in a variety of disciplines. You may have seen some of his amazing photographs in the newspaper or used by Brändön Lodge. This interest in photography, that grew into a career, started early. Year 8 secondary school photography classes sparked something that was further inspired by local photographer Håkan Gidlöw who spent 45 years as a press and portrait photographer in the region.
Some of these adventures led to some amazing photos
1999 Andreas Wälitalo started working at a local newspaper as a photographer. In this role he went out with reporter and the task could be anything, and over many years was everything. Across the whole of Swedish lapland and even Sweden.
This outdoor work life was complemented by a very active life in nature in his private time. Photography was also a big part of this and was not so much taking your work home with you but being lucky enough to do what you love.
Andreas has experienced many wonderful things across the region, both at work and play and they are now great stories of the north of Sweden that he can use to regale guests.
Photos taken by Andreas Wälitalo
Have you ever dreamed of being so wind swept and interesting that people travel thousands of miles to spend time with you?
