Collection: Claes Hillén

Photographer Claes Hillén embarks on daily walks through the city, always with his camera in hand, seeking to capture fleeting moments that others often overlook. Whether on bustling streets, in cozy pubs, on public transport, or in hidden alleys, his images always revolve around people—unaware they are being photographed, yet deeply expressive in their natural state. His journey with photography began at the age of 11 when he "borrowed" his father’s silver Agfa camera, encased in brown leather. Over the years, his focus shifted from nature photography to a passion for street photography, a genre he has devoted himself to for the past eight years.

"The idea of 2020 being a year without travel felt surreal," Claes reflects. Typically, he spends around 75 days a year traveling, capturing the essence of Europe's vibrant cities. "The freedom of travel allows me to photograph all day," he says with a smile. Yet, despite his love for exploring new places, Gothenburg remains his home base, where even a simple dog walk often turns into a photographic adventure. In recent years, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic, Claes has held five solo exhibitions—three in Gothenburg, one in Stockholm, and another at Abecita Popkonst & Foto in Borås—solidifying his reputation as a master of street photography.