Daniel Hruska For many, choosing a wallpaper is a simple process of browsing through images and choosing the prettiest one. For a certain Norwegian photographer, this process was all the more enjoyable because after unpacking the iPhone from the box, he didn't have to set anything up and at the same time he already had his own photo set as wallpaper. Espen Haagensen is the author of the default photo for iOS 8.
It must be a special feeling to know that your creation will be seen by hundreds of millions of people. Apple bought a photo of the milky way above the cottage from Haagensen for non-commercial purposes earlier this year. Later in July, Apple expanded the license for commercial purposes, but even Haagensen, he said, had no idea how it would be handled. After the keynote held on September 9, he was quite taken aback.
The picture was taken in December 2013, when Haagensen went with the Norwegian Trekking Association on an annual hike to the Demmevass hut, which Apple subsequently removed from the photo:
Every year we take the train to the mountains, where we still have to cross-country ski for 5-6 hours to get to the Demmevass hut. The old hut is located in a remote location and is close to a glacier. As soon as we get on it, we will prepare a traditional Norwegian Christmas meal. The next day we go back to the train.
I photograph the starry sky and the Milky Way quite often, but that was the first time I brought a proper tripod to Demmevass. The moon was shining brightly and thus the Milky Way was difficult to see. Around midnight, however, the moon disappeared and I was able to take a nice series of photos.
Haagensen originally posted the photo on his profile at 500px, where she gained popularity. He never asked Apple how his picture was discovered, but he attributes it to its popularity. And how much did Apple even pay Haagenson? He didn't reveal it, but the transaction reportedly didn't make him a millionaire.
Nice story.. Finally something without the flavor of digging into the competition, alarmist messages and xxxgate. :) Have a nice day