Tommy Ingberg: Surreal Visions of the Human Psyche

Tommy Ingberg, born in 1980 in Gävle, Sweden, is a self-taught photographer who began his career with analogue cameras before switching to digital. He turned professional around 2010, in his late 20s or early 30s, and now lives in Nyköping, south of Stockholm. His breakthrough came with the Reality Rearranged series in 2012, earning him global acclaim. With over 30 awards, his work is held in collections like the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) in Paris. His photography features monochrome tones and surreal, minimalist compositions that probe the human mind.

Primary Genres: Fine Art Photography.
Primary Photography Style: Surrealism: conceptual and stark. Minimalism: self-reflective and emotive.
Key Message: Ingberg uses surreal photo montages to explore the human psyche, delving into emotions, existence, and the subconscious with a haunting, minimalistic touch.

Ingberg’s photography centres on solitary figures or fragmented objects, often placed in sparse, minimalist settings to represent emotions or inner thoughts. His aesthetic relies on a monochrome palette of soft greys, giving his work a timeless, ethereal feel. He uses textures—smooth skies or rough, broken surfaces—to add depth and mood. His technique involves staging props like paper or mirrors, shot with a Canon 5D Mark IV and a 50mm prime lens for crisp detail. Lighting is kept soft, using studio floods or overcast natural light, to enhance the introspective atmosphere.

The heart of Ingberg’s process lies in post-production, where he layers 5-20 images in Photoshop to build his surreal montages. He tweaks contrast and softens edges for a clean, harmonious look, steering clear of harsh or glossy finishes. His prints, reaching up to 30×40 inches, are showcased in exhibitions like the National Museum of Photography in Colombia or online via his website. Series like Reality Rearranged act as a visual diary, drawing from his own psyche to invite viewers into personal reflection.

Ingberg’s work offers valuable lessons in conceptual photography. His move from analogue to digital shows how tools like Photoshop can expand creative possibilities, much like Sebastião Salgado’s mastery of monochrome for mood. His tonal control—similar to the zone system—teaches how light and shadow shape emotion. Projects like Puppet highlight his planning, from sketches to staging, urging photographers to refine concepts early. His focus on emotional depth encourages blending technical skill with personal storytelling.

Accolades:
- International Photography Awards (IPA) Fine Art Winner (2015)
- Work in Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF), Paris
- Over 30 international awards
- Exhibited at National Museum of Photography, Colombia

Trivia:
- Dreams fuel his surreal concepts
- Inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s moody, introspective films
- Sketches every frame before shooting
- Lives in Nyköping, not Stockholm

Lessons from this Photographer:

Tommy Ingberg’s approach blends conceptual depth with technical precision, teaching photographers to start with a clear vision. His use of Photoshop layering inspires experimentation with post-processing to craft surreal narratives. By focusing on emotional authenticity, he encourages shooters to explore personal themes, making their work both unique and relatable.