"Taking pictures is like having babies", says Danish-born photographer Torkil Gudnason, "you never know how they are going to turn out." And this excitement of the unknown is the driving force behind all of Torkil's artistic pursuits.
Torkil's award winning career in photography started as a teenager in Denmark, when he would tie an 8mm film camera to the tip of his skies, and record his wild downhill rides. Inspired by his sense of adventure, Torkil embarked on a full time career as a fashion photographer. Dividing his time between Paris and Milan, he began perfecting his craft before making a permanent move to New York City.
Torkil's editorial clients in the US and abroad include US, German, Australian , Russian and Japanese Vogue, Surface, Detour, Paper, Allure, Marie Claire and US and Australian Harper's Bazaar. Advertising clients include Neiman Marcus, Calvin Klein, Armani, Givenchy, Rolex, Elizabeth Arden, L'Oreal, Aveda, MAC Cosmetics, Maybelline, Bergdorf -Goodman, Kenneth Cole, Estee Lauder, Shiseido, Piaget, RCA Records and Sony Music.
Torkil has won the award of excellence from Communication Arts Magazine, the MPA Kelly Award from Magazine Publishers of America, and the Nikon Award, First Prize, from The Art Director's Club. His work has also been published in several books such as "The Art of Persuasion", "Blind Spot", and "Mode: Models". Torkil Gudnason's work is shown at the Bridgewater/ Lustberg Gallery in New York City.
In addition to all his achievements Torkil believes in giving back to those in need and to causes worth fighting for. In 2002 he has contributed pieces from his fine art series of work to such causes as Youth Aids and the Sting & Trudie Styler Rainforest Foundation Benefit. His is part of a group exhibit "The American Dream- Swimming Pool" in which a portion of the funds are to be donated to the charity "Splashes of Hope" a charity that helps children in hospitals. Torkil is always willing to help in anyway he can through his art and inspiration.