Style Guide: Thomas Skovsende's Commitment to Authenticity

Thomas Skovsende is a documentary photographer with a passion for authentic storytelling, creating natural, dynamic images that make people feel like they’re immersed in the scene itself. He grew up in Denmark, lived in New York and now calls London home. He works directly with clients but also for agencies, like Purple Creative, and his photographs frequently grace the pages of magazines, annual reports, billboards, websites and social media.

LBB> How would you describe the work you do? 

Thomas> I’m a documentary-style photographer capturing everything from intimate portraits to advertising campaigns and interiors. But my approach remains rooted in a reportage philosophy. I’m drawn to the authenticity of real moments, the small details and the bigger stories they tell. I take on all kinds of assignments, relishing the variety. It’s the thrill of being out there – meeting people, understanding their world and trying to narrate their stories. 

LBB> and do you have a particular style (or styles) that you like to work in? If so how would you describe that? 

Thomas> About two decades ago, I made a decision to work independently, without assistants or any outside help. This commitment meant adapting to a setup I could carry entirely on my own, a gear selection limited to what fits into a backpack. Since I work exclusively on location, every piece of equipment has to be intentional, portable and versatile.

This approach has dictated much of my work and vision since, and it’s been nothing short of liberating. It’s kept me agile, adaptable and focused on the essence of each moment, with no distractions—just me, my camera and the story in front of me.

LBB> How did you gravitate towards the particular medium you work in? 

Thomas> Photography has been at the heart of everything since I was 15. It all started with a week-long work placement in the photo department of my dad’s newspaper, an unexpected opportunity that sparked a lifelong passion. I went on to study photography in Denmark, refining my craft, before immersing myself in the creative energy of New York City.

Now, nearly 40 years into this journey, and based in London, that early, raw storytelling style I learned has never left me. Today, my work takes me far and wide, from varied projects and clients to unique locations, yet that same storytelling is woven through it all. It’s the constant that keeps me grounded and inspired.

LBB> And when you started developing your creative skills and styles, what were your inspirations and influences?

Thomas> It’s a mix, really. Growing up in a newspaper family steeped me in photojournalism from the start. Later, I studied and worked in still life, before moving on to corporate photography under a mentor who shaped my work in countless ways.

Photographers like The Douglas Brothers, Peter Lindbergh, and Rodney Smith left a deep mark, as did Antonin Kratochvil – though his legacy is now complicated. Yet, one of the most surprising influences came from music. Not music photography, but the way lyrics told stories—those narratives inspired how I approach visual storytelling today.

LBB> How has your style evolved over time - and can you talk to us about some of the stylistic experiments or avenues you've explored over the years?

Thomas> As I mentioned, my career has been a journey through countless subjects and settings, and my style has certainly evolved along the way. Yet, one thing has remained unchanged: my commitment to authenticity.

I’ve always believed that a photograph should feel real and genuine. I much prefer to shoot in available light with minimal gear – it keeps the focus on the story rather than the setup. Do you remember the Danish Dogme 95 movement? Its raw, unfiltered approach to filmmaking was a massive influence on me. That ethos of stripping down to the essentials resonated deeply and still guides my work today, encouraging a simplicity that keeps things honest and true.

LBB> And was there any one particular moment or project that really crystallised your understanding of what your style is or should be? If so, can you tell us about it? 

Thomas> I’m fortunate to work with clients who truly embrace my style and give me the creative freedom to do what I love.

One project that stands out is 'Well Served Here', an inspirational brand book I collaborated with Purple Creative on. They’re a creative agency I have a long-standing relationship with – about 15 years now – and who I work with a lot. It was for Pilsner Urquell, the original Czech beer, and was a 250-page tribute that celebrated the art of the pour, showcasing bars and skilled Tapsters worldwide who serve the beer perfectly.

Seeing hundreds of my photographs come together in one cohesive collection was a powerful moment. It’s an affirmation that I’m on the right path, capturing stories that resonate and endure. 

LBB> What sort of ideas shape your style today?

Thomas> Storytelling. I’m a bit obsessed with it, honestly. My work is driven by a desire to document in a storytelling way. Books, especially photo books, are a constant source of inspiration, but I also love food, travel, craft and interior books that offer glimpses into the lives of other creatives.

There’s nothing quite like sitting down with a strong black filter coffee, delving into stories of makers and their worlds, soaking up the artistry and narratives that shape their lives.

LBB> From NFTs to the metaverse, there are more spaces for your work to show up - what are your thoughts on the impact, challenges and opportunities brought up by these new spaces? And do they influence how you think about your style? 

Thomas> I’ll admit, the digital world isn’t central to my work. While I do post on social media platforms, my heart is elsewhere. These days I’m drawn to photo books – tangible, crafted works where the story unfolds in the hands.

There’s a depth and intentionality in photo books that the digital realm rarely captures, a slower, more immersive experience that lets you sink into the narrative. For me, it’s a way to truly feel the story, to appreciate the layers of thought and vision behind each frame, and to connect with the art on a more personal, lasting level.

LBB> Working in the commercial sphere, is it more important for an artist to have a distinct brand or style? What’s the balance having a distinctive voice and being able to accommodate the visual language of the brand/campaign?

Thomas> I’m fortunate to work with clients who truly understand what I do and respect how I approach my craft. It makes all the difference when clients do their homework, choosing a photographer whose style and vision align with the project’s goals. In photography, having a distinct voice or a particular way of working isn’t just an advantage – it’s essential.

Every photographer has their own rhythm, their own process that brings out the best in the work, and when that aligns with the client’s vision, it’s like everything just clicks into place and the work then speaks for itself.

LBB> Typically, on a commercial project, how do you like to tackle a brief?

Thomas> For me, it’s all about teamwork. Collaborating closely with the client, art director and especially the copywriter is essential – they’re the ones who know the brand’s backstory inside and out, and that insight is invaluable. They bring a depth of understanding about the brand’s voice, its personality and its journey that allows me to craft visuals that resonate with the story.

Everything begins and ends with the story and creating images that capture the brand’s essence in a way that feels both authentic and impactful. I am lucky enough to have long standing clients, so this all happens very naturally now.

LBB> What projects have you worked on recently that you feel were a really satisfying marriage between a brand and your own style? What was it about these projects that made them really interesting to work on?

Thomas> One of the most recent projects I’ve completed was for Bushmills Single Malt Irish Whiskey, again collaborating with Purple Creative. I got to capture the essence of place and craft with an honesty that feels rare – shooting at their distillery in Northern Ireland and on the nearby Giant’s Causeway, one of the natural wonders of the world.

This is a great example of blending brand and my documentary style – my role was to bring the charm, warmth and heart of the craftspeople to life.

So often, whiskey imagery can be overly formal – whereas we wanted to bring real personality to the images: to reflect their character honestly. It’s a touchstone for me, a reminder of what makes storytelling in photography so powerful and fun to do. It’s the pull that keeps me inspired, knowing there’s always another story to tell.