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76 MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 70MOSTMAGAZINELighting the Way: How Anja Ekstr%u00f8m Inspires Photographers Through Her Boot CampsAt 48, Anja Ekstr%u00f8m is living proof that it%u2019s never too late to reinvent yourself. Born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, Anja took her first photo in 2013 and spent the following years honing her craft and mastering the art of fashion photography. In 2016, Anja left her 20-year office career after being spotted by L%u2019Or%u00e9al, who booked her for a significant project. This opportunity not only boosted her confidence but also paved the way for her transition into becoming a full-time photographer. Since then, Anja has emerged as one of Denmark%u2019s most recognizable names in the industry, celebrated for her bold, bright, and feminine style.Today, Anja%u2019s true passion lies in empowering aspiring photographers through her renowned fashion photography boot camps. Held in stunning Spanish locations, these immersive 8-day experiences are as much about skill-building as they are about fostering creativity and confidence.The boot camps welcome photographers of all experience levels, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Anja provides personalized guidance tailored to each participant%u2019s skill level. While approximately 80% of the experience is structured around team activities, Anja takes the time to understand each student%u2019s unique abilities, meeting them where they are and helping them progress upward.Usually, the day starts with theory sessions and demonstrations, followed by hands-on photoshoots where participants work together in a supportive, community-focused environment. Beyond the skill-building sessions, the boot camps also include time to enjoy the beauty and culture of Spain. A full day off is always planned, giving participants the chance to relax by the pool, explore local sights, or experience the Spanish lifestyle. This balance of learning and leisure creates an inspiring and rejuvenating experience for everyone involved.Participants learn how to harness natural light, from mastering the golden hour to using harsh midday sun for that signature glow%u2014all without creating unflattering shadows. Anja teaches techniques to mix artificial lighting with daylight, soften light, and achieve striking effects in any condition. Beyond lighting, the boot camps dive into model styling, posing, location scouting, angles, retouching, and shooting behind-the-scenes videos for clients and social media. Participants also explore how to get their work published in international magazines, transforming their portfolios into powerful tools for attracting clients.In addition to her boot camps, Anja offers online workshops and one-day intensives, sharing the techniques that helped her turn her passion into a thriving career. Her teaching style is non-technical and accessible, making her guidance approachable and fun.When not leading workshops or traveling for work, Anja divides her time between Denmark and Spain with her husband, Mikkel, and their furry companions%u2014two cats, Luna and Milla, and their dog, Scarlett. With a camera in hand and a passport in her pocket, Anja continues to inspire others to follow their dreams, proving that life%u2019s best chapters are often written later.www.anjaekstroem.dkIG: @anjaekstroemFB: AEkstroem