Jonas Bendiksen

b. 1977, Norway

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Biography

I don’t actually think too much about photography – what really makes me engaged in something is when it’s a good story. I never think, “I want to go there, because that will be a great picture”, I think “wow, that’s a great idea because it’s a great story.”

- Jonas Bendiksen

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Jonas Bendiksen, a photographer based in Oslo, embarked on his remarkable career at the age of 19 as an intern at Magnum's London office. However, his journey took a distinctive turn when he left for Russia to pursue his work as a photojournalist. During the ensuing years spent in Russia, Bendiksen focused on capturing stories from the fringes of the former Soviet Union, culminating in the publication of his book "Satellites" in 2006.
One of Bendiksen's notable works is "The Last Testament" (2017), a book that unfolds the intriguing narratives of seven men, each claiming to be the biblical Messiah returned to earth. His storytelling prowess extends to editorial clients such as National Geographic, Stern, TIME, Newsweek, The Sunday Times Magazine, and The Guardian Weekend. On the commercial front, Bendiksen has engaged in projects for notable brands like HSBC, Canon, FUJI, BCG, Red Bull, and Land Rover.
Bendiksen's affiliation with Magnum Photos began in 2004 when he became a nominee, and he later achieved membership in 2008. His unique perspective and storytelling ability have established Jonas Bendiksen as a photographer with a distinctive voice, offering insights into the fringes and complexities of the human experience.