In June 2014, I will be celebrating my second year as a resident of Gothenburg, Sweden. It’s been quite a journey and not always an easy one. Because, by nature, I am a bit shy and a bit of an introvert, it took an awful lot of courage to not only make the move to a new country, but to continue to pursue my passion for street photography. Swedes, also by nature, are quite shy and very private individuals. I wasn’t sure how they would react to this American photographer sticking her camera in their faces. Somehow it always turned out fine and by happy circumstances, it was a often a Swede that encouraged me to have no fear and carry on.
Faces 1 © Lisa Mikulski
By no means a technically proficient photograph, this one means a lot to me. One of the first images I took out on the street of Vasagatan, this young lady, gave me thumbs up and a big smile. It encouraged me to keep doing what I what I was doing and to disregard any trepidations I might feel as a new photographer in Göteborg.
Faces 2 © Lisa Mikulski
Gothenburg is a music city … particularly heavy metal. Not necessarily my preferred musical genre, but the musicians and artists I meet on the street are always happy to chat or pose for a photo. Vasaparken, Göteborg
Faces 3 © Lisa Mikulski
Sweden is perhaps one of the largest consumers of coffee in the world … I think topped only by Finland. Here fika, (a social coffee break accompanied by a pastry) is a big part of the culture and one which I whole heartedly support.
Faces 4 © Lisa Mikulski
Too pretty for words, I attempted to capture this young lady’s photo unseen. She caught me, flashed me this gregarious smile and it just made my day. Another example of the warm spirit of the people of Gothenburg.
Faces 5 © Lisa Mikulski
Every Which Way. Nils Ericson Terminalen, Göteborg, Sweden
Faces 6 © Lisa Mikulski
The recent opening of Gothenburg’s New City Library or Göteborgs nya stadsbibliotek. The building was under renovation for two years and recently opened with a five day celebration on April 23, 2014. Truly this might just be my new home away from home.
Faces 17 © Lisa Mikulski
Next in line. In Sweden there is always a queue. Take a number and wait your turn at any official place of business, the department store, the library, and of course, at the deli. It’s all very orderly and civilized. Stora Salluhallen, Göteborg, Sweden
Faces 8 © Lisa Mikulski
The Conversation. Stora Salluhallen, Göteborg, Sweden
Faces 9 © Lisa Mikulski
Keep a Look-Out. At my favorite coffee shop, Da Matteo. It is said that they are one of the five best coffee houses in the world. I believe it. !!!
Photo Credits
All Photographs Are © Lisa Mikulski
Lisa Mikulski Photographer Bio
Lisa Mikulski is a US born writer and photographer presently living in Gothenburg Sweden. Her articles and photographic work has appeared in Nordstjernan (Swedish News in America) – NYC, The Local – Sweden, Spoon – It’s a Content Agency (Globetrotter – Volvo), Artscope Magazine – Boston, The New Haven Arts Paper – Connecticut, and INK Publications – Connecticut. In the United States, her fine art photography was represented by Venetucci Fine Art Gallery and was published in The Hartford Business Journal – The Hartford Book.
Lisa endeavors to capture the emotions and stories of people via both the written word and in her
photographic imagery. “I love creating something, especially with street photography, where a picture can capture emotions that some people aren’t even aware that they have. I attempt at visually starting a story and then letting the viewer wonder about the ending.”
Website: 2sweden4love.com
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http://2sweden4love.com/
Lisa – I love how you make the ordinary seem interesting and even a bit hip. Sadly, Sweden is one of the few countries I haven’t been to in Europe – but I’m sure I will make it there one day, and I’ll use your images and coffee suggestions to guide my way. Cheers! ~ m.
Thanks so much for the kind words Michael!! You just made my day. I hope one day you might find yourself in this lovely country … coffee is always good and the company welcoming. L.
Beautiful pictures Lisa! Hope you feel welcome in Sweden and Gothenburg and are making new connections and building a social network here. I see and feel a lot of joy in you photos!
Sofia! How nice that you found me here. This week will mark my second year in Sweden. Thank you so much for your comment. I very much appreciate it and someday let’s get together for a fika … and maybe I even take some photos of you. You would be a lovely model 🙂