EP 320: Photographer who loses her sight finds new creative vision: Tonje Thoresen

Tonje Thoresen
Photographer
Tonje is a storyteller. She has always explored ways to present multiple sides of objects or people, and photography naturally became her vocation.
'For me every moment has a value – and only a photo can immortalize that – it will tell you more about a person or a moment than a dozen words can. '
She was born and educated in Norway and moved to Berlin to study art and fashion at the Lette Verein. After completing her diploma Tonje moved to Paris, where she worked as an illustrator for the couture houses and young avant garde designers of the time. During this time Tonje also became a fashion model for Dior, Chanel, Carven and L’Oreal.
Her experience in the visual and aesthetic worlds of art and fashion sparked Tonje’s interest in photography, and her experience in front of the camera became a valuable asset. She specialized in portraiture, undertaking projects for public figures and individuals while establishing a recognisable personal style.
‘I love to take pictures of people - to show them what they can give, to bring out the character and natural attraction in every person and to tell their story’

As a photoreporter Tonje became a regular at the Paris Fashion weeks working both backstage and front of house for the Couture and Pret à Porter collections. She also covered political events and debates – as well as sporting events such as the French Open Roland Garros tennis tournament, where she shot both matches and interviews with the athletes.
Tonje Thoresen lives in Paris with her daughter.