A Love Letter to Copenhagen
I was just a little boy the first time I visited Copenhagen. And ever since, the city has never really let me go. This year, I finally had the chance to return – this time accompanying my wife, who attended a seminar. She had work, I had kanelsnegle (cinnamon rolls – but... better). A wonderful opportunity to share a short photo travelogue from a photographer’s perspective. Whether you're planning a photo trip or just want to enjoy the vibe – Copenhagen remains one of the most inspiring cities in Europe for me.
A City That Feels Like Home
As I stepped off the plane, I was instantly hit by a strange feeling – like a roundhouse kick to the emotions. There it was again: that city where I, for some reason, instantly feel at ease.
Sure, the mild temperatures probably help – anyone who knows me knows I’m happiest when summer peaks around 20°C. But it's also the style, the atmosphere, the architecture: centuries-old timber-framed buildings standing next to modern design like the Black Diamond (Den Sorte Diamant), the Royal Danish Library. And the people. I just feel at home there.
Ah, right – the people. Before this trip, I reached out to a few contacts and ended up connecting with three wonderful creatives who were open to doing portrait sessions with me. More on that later.
What Was in My Camera Bag
Here are some impressions I captured with my camera. If any photo turns out shaky, chances are I was holding a kanelsnegle in the other hand.
Gear-wise, I mostly used the Canon 11–24mm and the classic 135mm f/2.0. The latter really surprised me – it's a beast, but amazing for street photography. Yes, it’s huge and definitely not discreet, but it lets me keep a bit of distance and be (ironically) less noticeable. Also super handy: my magnetic filters (Black Mist + polarizer – great for shooting portraits through windows!). They’re quick to swap – maybe too quick, since I managed to drop one into a canal. Luckily, I stopped the model from jumping in after it.
Portrait Photography in Copenhagen
That brings me to the portraits. One of my favorite photo locations in Copenhagen is the Opera House – but as a meeting point, the Royal Library turned out to be much more convenient. I stumbled upon it on a previous trip, and now it’s a must-visit for me. Every time I think about heading to the Opera for a session, I end up staying near the library because the area is already packed with beautiful backdrops.
Right across the street is the old library building with a charming garden – and just behind that is the seat of the Danish government. From there, it’s only a short walk to the historic center, where the chances are pretty high you’ll find house façades that match your model’s outfit.
To prepare, I created small moodboards for each model with portrait styles I felt suited them. Having a visual guide like that can be super helpful on location – ideally right on your phone for quick access. I often get so deep in the zone during a shoot that I only later realize I forgot to capture a certain idea I had.
All three people I photographed had creative backgrounds – acting, music, performance. Between shots, our conversations inspired me just as much as the portraits did.
A Note on Light
Speaking of light.
Light in Denmark is different. It glows. It feels like golden hour... all day long. And when the real golden hour hits? It’s even more magical.
But maybe that’s just the rose-colored glasses I’ve been wearing since I was a little boy, given to me by this city – and honestly, I never want to take them off.
Quick Tips for Copenhagen:
Must-See-Spots:
The Opera House
The Royal Danish Library (Den Sorte Diamant)
Side streets away from the tourist crowds – especially around the old town and Christianshavn
Amager Strand
Food & Coffee:
Kanelsnegle (Cinnamon rolls): Lagkagehuset near Nørreport – easy to reach if you're coming into the city by metro
Cafés: 20 Grams, Democratic Coffee – both excellent for a quick break or some people-watching
Getting Around:
Rejsekort is worth it – and now even easier:
→ You can load the digital version into your smartphone wallet and use it to tap in/out on public transportMetro tip:
→ The metro runs autonomously and usually every five minutes – fast, clean, and easy to use