Check Out Truls’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Truls.

Hi Truls, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I got my first DSLR, a Canon 750D, when I was around 14 or 15. I originally wanted it to take photos and film some sketches with a friend, but when I finally got it, I had no clue how it worked. That’s when I fell down the YouTube rabbit hole, learning everything I could about cameras and filmmaking. I got completely obsessed. While other people were watching movies or playing games, I was watching behind-the-scenes videos, gear reviews, and tutorials about both the technical and creative sides of shooting video.

After a while, I started branching out from just filming stuff for fun to actually shooting for other people. Growing up in a small town in southern Norway, I didn’t really know anyone else who was into this, so I did everything myself, mostly small projects for local businesses and events. That’s when it hit me that I could actually make a living doing what I love.

After serving in the Norwegian military, I decided to go all in and surround myself with other filmmakers. So I moved to LA and started at The Los Angeles Film School, where I met so many inspiring and talented people. Since finishing, I’ve been shooting full-time, doing what I love every day with amazing creatives who push me to keep growing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been an easy road. There’s been doubt along the way, not about filmmaking itself, but about my approach to it. Moving from Norway all by myself felt like a huge risk, and honestly, a pretty scary one. When I first got to LA, I ended up in a rough motel surrounded by tents and people yelling in the hallway outside my door. I remember thinking, “What have I gotten myself into?”

I’ve also always been more of an observant communicator rather than the super-outgoing type, so learning to put myself out there and start conversations took work. It’s something I’ve had to actively train, and it’s still a skill I keep building. In this industry, no one just hands you opportunities, you have to prove yourself. I’ve shot countless projects for free just to get experience and build connections. But over time, it’s paid off. I’ve grown more confident, more vocal, and more comfortable putting myself and my work out there.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a director of photography. As a DP, I don’t really aim to create one specific “signature” style. I believe every project should have its own visual identity that fits the story being told. That said, I’ve always had a soft spot for narrative and commercial work that leans a bit gritty, projects where I can be a little unconventional and use different tools or techniques to tell the story in a more engaging way.

One thing that really sets me apart is my experience shooting underwater. It’s such a niche area, but I’ve completely fallen in love with it. Underwater cinematography feels so limited during pre-production, with all the planning, safety, and technical challenges that come with it. But once you’re actually in the water and filming, it becomes the most freeing and creative environment imaginable. Light behaves differently, movement becomes more expressive, and everything feels a bit dreamlike. It’s one of those spaces where you can really experiment and create something that feels otherworldly.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck has definitely played a part in my journey, mainly through the people I’ve met along the way. I’ve been incredibly lucky to cross paths with so many passionate and talented creatives who inspire me and push me to grow. Building a solid network of people who each have their own unique voice has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career so far.

I think luck shows up in the form of timing too. Sometimes it’s being in the right place at the right moment or meeting someone who ends up becoming a long-term collaborators and friends. But I also believe that luck tends to find you when you’re putting yourself out there and constantly creating. The more you show up, the more “lucky” you get.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://trulsvalenaasland.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trulsva