Finnish company Icey was ranked as the 20th most innovative company in the world and the 2nd most innovative company in the Space sector in 2025 by Fast Company. Learn more about theFinnish company named one of the world’s 50 most innovative companies.
Iceye is originally a spin-off of Aalto University‘s University Radio Technology Department. It is based in Espoo and has offices worldwide (Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK, and the US) and over 700 employees.
When it was suggested that an alternative to Starlink be found to keep eyes on Ukraine’s front line, shares in Eutelsat, a Franco-British satellite operator, soared. Meanwhile, Finnish satellite manufacturer Iceye – operator of the world’s largest constellation of data-collecting “synthetic aperture radar” (SAR) – confirmed its standing as one of Europe’s fastest-growing companies.
Iceye’s Polish CEO and Co-founder, Rafal Moderzewski.
The acknowledgment highlights ICEYE’s pioneering contributions to the space industry and innovating its SAR technology, which allows for high-resolution imaging at any time, regardless of weather conditions. ICEYE’s unique SAR satellites are designed and purpose-built to be smaller, more flexible, and affordable than legacy satellite systems. The innovation in small satellites has enabled the quick build of the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, owned and operated by ICEYE.
The innovation in small satellites has enabled the quick build of the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation.
In September 2024, the company reported 2023 revenues of $100M and expanded its funding to $503M. “In five years, hundreds of European satellites in single constellations will provide us with military security, climate resilience, and data,” says Iceye’s Polish CEO and Co-founder, Rafal Moderzewski.
“Being named one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company is an immense honor for ICEYE and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. ICEYE’s innovation in SAR satellite technology is redefining how government and commercial organizations make critical decisions and rapidly respond to challenges. Our dual-use technology has proven its capabilities also in defense and resilience, and we continue to innovate in this field with our customers and partners, aiming to become the primary provider of critical infrastructure for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to allied nations,” he added.
In 2015, ICEYE demonstrated that synthetic-aperture radar could be used to monitor hazardous ice features such as pack ice. In 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, it signed new partnerships with BAE, Saab, and Rheinmetall. Moderzewski says that Europe can no longer rely on US firms to solve defense issues. “We have to tap into new, disruptive entrants.”
In 2019, the founders of ICEYE and the Aalto staff were awarded the Finnish Engineering Award by the Finnish Academic Engineers and Architects. The award citation called the achievement “a breakthrough in Finnish space technology.”
The company’s powerful SAR technology enables frequent revisits to any location, providing unparalleled coverage and detail. To date, ICEYE has launched 48 SAR satellites into orbit for its own and its customers’ use, of which four were launched recently, including the company’s new Generation 4 satellite.
Moderzewski takes inspiration from how Starlink shook up the global market. “We all thought that these US industries were being run efficiently, well-measuredly,” he says. “Elon Musk has shown us that those assumptions were wrong.”
Finnish Company Named One of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
Scandinavian culture is built on balance, self-care, and an appreciation for nature. Nordic wellness’s philosophy prioritizes physical and mental health, emphasizing simplicity and sustainability. Learn more about the Scandinavian approach to home, beauty, and well-being.
Whether in skincare, daily routines, saunas, or overall well-being, Scandinavians encourage a holistic approach that nurtures both the body and the mind. Their beauty rituals reflect this mindset, focusing on natural ingredients and minimalism rather than excessive products and treatments. Those seeking to embrace a Scandinavian-inspired lifestyle can explore Nordic wellness practices like cold bathing, which is known for its health and longevity benefits.
This article will explore key elements of Scandinavian well-being, from skincare secrets and minimalist beauty routines to lifestyle habits that promote balance, resilience, and a deeper connection with nature.
The Connection Between Home Environment and Well-Being
Scandinavian interior design is renowned for its calming and functional spaces. Clean lines, neutral tones, and a clutter-free approach create an atmosphere of tranquility that directly influences mental well-being. The emphasis on natural light, open spaces, and functional furniture helps to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Scandinavians recognize that home is more than a place to live. It is a space that can significantly impact emotions, mood, and productivity.
It’s important to consider how environments influence our emotions and overall well-being. Photo Athena Advisors.
To make a house feel like a home, it’s important to consider how environments influence our emotions and overall well-being. Nordic design embraces this philosophy, using thoughtful choices to create a sense of peace and strengthen the connection between surroundings and personal wellness.
A key element of this design philosophy is “hygge,” a Danish and Norwegian concept centered around coziness and comfort. This goes beyond physical space, creating a sense of warmth through soft textiles, candlelight, and meaningful interactions with loved ones. Similarly, “lagom,” a Swedish principle that means “just the right amount,” influences home organization and lifestyle choices. By embracing these philosophies, individuals can cultivate a living space that promotes contentment and relaxation.
The Scandinavian beauty standard has long emphasized a fresh, natural, and effortless look. Photo: Cutrin
Hair and Beauty Ideals in Scandinavia
The Scandinavian beauty standard has long emphasized a fresh, natural, and effortless look. Historically, Nordic beauty has been associated with clear skin, healthy hair, and minimal makeup. These ideals continue to evolve, but the core principle remains: enhancing one’s natural features rather than masking them. Scandinavian beauty routines focus on high-quality skincare, lightweight makeup, and hair care that promotes health over styling. A deeper look into Scandinavian beauty standards reveals how this region values simplicity and sustainability in personal care.
Another defining aspect of Scandinavian beauty is its deep connection to nature. Many skincare and haircare products are formulated with locally sourced ingredients such as birch sap, sea buckthorn, and arctic berries, all of which provide hydration and nourishment. These ingredients have been used for generations to protect the skin and hair from harsh weather conditions. With an increasing global interest in sustainable and clean beauty, the Nordic approach offers an excellent model for conscious consumers looking for practical, natural solutions.
Stress, Lifestyle, and Hair Health in Nordic Countries
Lifestyle choices profoundly impact hair health, and Scandinavians take a holistic approach to maintaining strong, vibrant hair. Climate, diet, and stress all play crucial roles in hair health. Cold, dry air can also be harsh on hair, but balanced nutrition and proper hydration counteract these effects.
Scandinavians take a holistic approach to maintaining strong, vibrant hair. Photo: Scandinavian biolabs.
Stress management is another vital component, as high stress levels contribute to hair thinning and loss. Practices such as sauna sessions, meditation, and time spent in nature are integrated into daily life to promote relaxation and reduce cortisol levels. Further, research on hair growth in Scandinavian countries sheds light on how climate and genetics influence hair care routines.
Many Scandinavians’ diets are also beneficial for hair health. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, vitamins from berries, and whole grains, their traditional eating habits provide essential nutrients that support hair growth and overall wellness. The emphasis on organic and locally sourced foods means fewer processed ingredients and a greater focus on whole, nutrient-dense meals. The Nordic diet, which aligns closely with Mediterranean dietary principles, has been praised for its role in promoting longevity, and its benefits extend to skin and hair vitality.
Another key wellness habit is the practice of “friluftsliv,” a Norwegian concept that translates to “open-air living.” This philosophy encourages people to spend time outdoors, regardless of the season, to reconnect with nature and find inner peace. This tradition highlights the importance of fresh air and movement, whether hiking, skiing, or simply sitting outside with a warm drink. Of course, marveling at majestic Scandinavian vistas is another reason to get outdoors.
The Scandinavian Approach to Home, Beauty, and Well-Being: Conclusion
Embracing Nordic wellness habits can be rewarding and straightforward. The Scandinavian approach to home, beauty, and well-being is profoundly intentional and centered on sustainability, minimalism, and self-care. Whether through thoughtful design, holistic beauty routines, or wellness practices promoting longevity, Nordic culture offers valuable insights for those seeking a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Ainsley Lawrence
The Scandinavian Approach to Home, Beauty, and Well-Being, written explicitly for Daily Scandinavian by Ainsley Lawrence. Ainsley is one of our regular contributors. She is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. Ainsley is interested in better living through technology and education. She is frequently lost in a good book.
The first organized emigration to America began with the sloop Restoration, which set sail on 4 July 1825 from Stavanger. Now, Norway is marking its 200th anniversary. The first Norwegian emigrant ship sailed for the USA 200 years ago.
Restauration was a sloop built in 1801, in Hardanger, Norway. It became a symbol of Norwegian American immigration. Historical sources may contain variations on the sloop’s name, including Restauration, Restoration, Restaurasjonen, and Restorasjon.
The vessel carried a crew of seven and 45 passengers, 19 children. The crossing was arduous and lasted for three months. A baby was born during the voyage, so the ship, on arrival in New York on October 9th, 1825, counted 53 people on board. The voyage is described in Ole Rynning’s Amerika-boka (The America Book, 1838).
Paul Petter Waldenström (1838 – 1917) preaching a sermon on board S/S Hellig Olav in 1905. Photo: Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons.
“At a time when America seems to be at a crossroads, knowledge about this part of our common history appears particularly relevant,” says Eline Skaar Kleven, Director of Cultural Communication at the National Library.
Many of this group probably belonged to a similar local movement, the Haugeans, a Lutheran sect named after Hans Nielsen Hauge. Captain of the “Restauration” and leader of the group was the Quaker Lars Larsen Geilane. The other emigrants sympathized with the Quakers and joined them in America. The primary motivation for their endeavor is assumed to be America’s freedom of religion.
Norwegians in the United States travelled west on the prairie to find new, cheap land to settle. They travelled with the whole family and everything they owned. (Photo: Norwegian Emigrant Museum)
On Wednesday, May 7, the exhibition “Rett vest. Drømmen om et bedre liv i Amerika” (Going West: Dreaming of a Better Life in America) opens. It deals with one of the largest migrations in Norwegian history. In the century after the Restoration, almost 900,000 Norwegians followed the dream of a better life in America, with hope for land, freedom, and opportunities.
The book deals with one of the largest migrations in Norwegian history.
The United States Post Office issued two stamps to commemorate the 1825 arrival. The 2-cent stamp has for its central design a ship representing Restauration. The illustration on the two-cent stamp is an artist’s rendition of what Restauration probably looked like based on a drawing of its sister ship.
The First Norwegian Emigrant Ship Sailed for the USA 200 Years Ago, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
Feature image (top): Restauration, painting by Eivind Nielsen.
Why Travel Planning Starts With a Scroll: Have you everbooked a trip after seeing a friend’s vacation photos? You’re not alone. Learn more about social media’s new role in travel promotion.
Social media has turned everyday users into travel influencers—whether they know it or not. A single Instagram post or TikTok video can spark wanderlust, influence decisions, and shift tourism trends.
In this article, we’ll explore:
How platforms like Instagram and TikTok shape modern travel
Why user-generated content (UGC) is more potent than traditional ads
The role of influencers in tourism marketing
How tourism brands can stand out through social engagement and smart targeting
Let’s dive into how social media has become the new travel agent.
Visuals do more than impress.
Visual Content: The Spark That Starts the Journey
People travel with their eyes first. Social platforms are full of:
Dreamy landscapes
Street food reels
Aesthetic hotel room tours
These visuals do more than impress—they inspire action. According to Statista, 82% of travelers use social media for inspiration during the planning phase.
Destinations and brands now design ” share-worthy experiences,” from vibrant murals to rooftop views. It’s a strategy—and it works.
User-Generated Content: Real People, Real Influence
We trust people who’ve been there.
User-generated content (UGC)—photos, reviews, and videos shared by actual travelers—has become one of the most effective marketing tools. Why?
It feels authentic
It reflects real experiences
It builds trust with potential visitors
Ways brands can leverage UGC:
Create branded hashtags for travelers to use
Feature guest content on official accounts
Run UGC-based giveaways or contests
Tip: Always ask for permission before reposting user content.
Work with micro-influencers for niche, loyal audiences.
Influencer Marketing: When Trust Meets Reach
Influencers aren’t just about followers—they’re about fit. The most successful partnerships feel natural and personal.
Travel brands work with influencers to:
Share in-depth reviews
Offer travel tips
Highlight hidden gems
These creators build a narrative around the destination, which connects more deeply than any billboard.
Pro tip for brands: Work with micro-influencers for niche, loyal audiences. They often have higher engagement rates than bigger names.
Real-Time Reviews = Real-Time Decisions
Before we book, we research.
And we’re not just reading TripAdvisor anymore—we’re checking:
Instagram tags
TikTok walkthroughs
YouTube hotel tours
Social media gives immediate insights into what’s worth your time (and what’s not). It helps manage expectations and builds credibility.
Travelers trust live, unfiltered content far more than polished marketing.
Social Media’s New Role in Travel Promotion, article continues below illustration.
More relevant content. Less wasted budget. Happier travelers.
Personalized Ads That Convert
Platforms like Meta, YouTube, and Pinterest offer hyper-targeted advertising tools. You can now:
Target by location, age, or behavior
Retarget past website visitors
Customize ads for solo travelers, families, or couples
But social media advertising is just one piece of the puzzle. A strong search visibility strategy is key to connecting with travelers during those crucial moments of search, especially when comparing destinations or planning itineraries. Many tourism brands in regions like Newcastle have seen real results by refining their digital approach, ensuring their content appears organically where and when it matters most.
Results? More relevant content. Less wasted budget. Happier travelers.
Build a Brand, Not Just a Feed
Your destination’s vibe is shaped by your posts. Are you:
Family-friendly or adventure-driven?
Calm and relaxing or upbeat and trendy?
Use your feed to tell stories. Add personality to your captions. Respond to comments. Create community.
Engagement beats vanity metrics every time.
Social Media’s New Role in Travel Promotion, article continues below illustration.
Micro-moments influence travel plans more than we think.
Micro-Moments That Move Us
Sometimes, all it takes is one post—a 5-second reel, a tweet with a sunset, a story of a quiet beach at dawn.
These “micro-moments” influence travel plans more than we think.
Local Voices and Cultural Context Matter More Than Ever
As travelers seek more profound, meaningful experiences, they’re turning to social media for pretty pictures and cultural context.
Locally produced content—from community leaders, small business owners, or local influencers—offers a perspective that outsiders can’t always provide. It adds depth, respect, and authenticity to travel narratives.
Why it matters:
Travelers want to support communities, not just visit them
Content from locals can help dispel stereotypes and promote cultural understanding
It encourages responsible tourism and highlights underrepresented destinations
How tourism brands can support this:
Collaborate with local creators and storytellers
Share community-driven projects or events
Translate content to amplify voices across languages
Having a visible, helpful presence during a crisis isn’t just clever marketing—it’s responsible communication.
Social Media as a Crisis Management Tool
When things go wrong—natural disasters, political unrest, or health concerns—travelers turn to social media for real-time updates.
Destinations and travel services that are proactive on social:
Build trust by addressing concerns transparently
Share safety updates, travel guidelines, and FAQs
Provide support through comments and direct messaging
Having a visible, helpful presence during a crisis isn’t just clever marketing—it’s responsible communication. It shows travelers that you’re not just there for the bookings, but also when it matters most.
Comfort on the Road: A Small but Vital Detail
When discussing travel, we often overlook the uncomfortable aspects, like sweaty feet during long walks or humid days.
If you deal with this, know that it’s familiar and manageable. Left untreated, it can turn a dream trip into a drag.
Here’s how to handle it, and when to talk to a specialist if it worsens.
Social Media’s New Role in Travel Promotion, article continues below illustration.
Social media isn’t just influencing travel—it’s reshaping it.
Social Media’s New Role in Travel Promotion: Final Takeaway
Social media isn’t just influencing travel—it’s reshaping it.
From discovering destinations to sharing them with others, platforms have become essential travel companions.
If you’re in tourism marketing, now’s the time to:
Invest in storytelling
Support real-time engagement
Use personalization to connect
And if you’re a traveler, keep sharing. Your story might inspire the next one.
Lucille Adams
Social Media’s New Role in Travel Promotion, written explicitly by Lucille Adams for Daily Scandinavian. Lucille is a researcher and writer in personal and business financial management. Her core focus covers sound, conservative cash flow and investing strategies that unlock long-term value for small business owners, entrepreneurs, families, and retirees.
The 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 takes place in Basel, Switzerland, with two semi-finals on 13 and 15 May, and a final on 17 May. Here’s the story of the man who makes the Eurovision Song Contest.
Martin Österdahl is the man who makes one of the world’s most complicated live TV productions. The international song competition is organized annually by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) among its members. Each participating broadcaster submits an original song representing its country to be performed and broadcast live to all of them via the Eurovision and Euroradio networks and then casts votes for the other countries’ songs to determine a winner.
Eurovision Song Contest’s winner 2024: NEMO from Switzerland.
Österdahl is the European Broadcasting Union’s Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest and Junior Eurovision Song Contest. This year, the competition takes place in Basel, Switzerland, the true home of the Eurovision Song Contest. The Geneva-headquartered EBU coordinates it, and Switzerland hosted (and won) the first edition in 1956. But the man in charge of this Swiss enterprise is a dapper Swede.
Österdahl grew up between Stockholm and London. He attended Adolf Fredrik’s Music School, joining the school’s opera boy choir. His father, Marcus Österdahl ran the recording studio Marcus Music, and his mother worked in a music publishing company. Österdahl studied a master’s degree in economics, Russian, and Eastern European Studies at Uppsala University.
Semi-finalists 2024
On finals night, Martin Österdahl announces when the votes have been counted in the world’s most watched non-sporting TV event. Östedahl has been in the role since 2020. The 2024 contest’s live shows reached an audience of 163 million, making it one of the most successful so far.
The contest was inspired by and based on the Italian San Remo Music Festival, held in the Italian Riviera since 1951. Eurovision has been held annually since 1956 (except for 2020 due to the COVID-19 restrictions), making it the longest-running international music competition on television and one of the world’s longest-running television programs.
In January 2020, the EBU announced that Österdahl would succeed Jon Ola Sand as the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest after the final of the 2020 contest.
Eurovision is the longest-running annual international televised music competition, as determined by Guinness World Records.
Martin’s father competed in Eurovision in 1967 as a songwriter on the Swedish entry. He was a hitmaker in the 1960s and 1970s, and then he started managing his recording studios in Sweden and the UK. The first one was in the basement of the family’s house. Abba recorded there, and later some of the biggest stars of the time, from Marvin Gaye to Iron Maiden, Space Girls, and Take That. That might have been helpful in his present assignment.
Traditionally, the competition is held in the country that won the preceding year’s event. The contest provides an opportunity to promote the host country and city as a tourist destination. Thousands of spectators attend each year, along with journalists who cover all aspects of the contest, including rehearsals in the venue, press conferences with the competing acts, and other related events and performances in the host city.
As Executive Supervisor, Österdahl has the last call about the production of the Eurovision Song Contest, with the ability to overrule the producers and instruct. He is also responsible for organizing the voting system for the contest. He debuted as Executive Supervisor at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2020 in Warsaw, and later at the Eurovision Song Contest 2021 in Rotterdam.
Meldodifestivalen, the name of the contest in Sweden, is a massive event.
Meldodifestivalen, the name of the contest in Sweden, is a massive event. It occurs over six consecutive Saturday nights, with Eurovision-style productions in arenas nationwide. The whole country pretty much comes to a standstill. The final of that tour is in Stockholm, with 35,000 in attendance.
As of 2024, there have been 68 contests, making Eurovision the longest-running annual international televised music competition, as determined by Guinness World Records. The contest has been listed as one of the longest-running television programs in the world and among the world’s most-watched non-sporting events. Broadcasters from 52 countries have participated in at least one edition, with a record 43 countries participating in a single contest, first in 2008 and subsequently in 2011 and 2018.
“Right at the beginning, when the clock starts and then it’s Eurovision time, is my favorite moment in the show,” says Martin Österdahl. “It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it. I find the energy in the venue to be like nothing else.”
The Man Who Makes the Eurovision Song Contest, reported by Tor Kjolberg
The X-Nordic Travel Contest (XNTC) is an initiative by Nordic Innovation, designed to strengthen and enhance the future sustainability and competitiveness of Nordic tourism. Just read on, and you can read the complete Nordic Guidebook for Tourism Innovation online.
Tourism innovation doesn’t conclude with a hackathon, a testbed, or even the launch of a promising new product. It’s an ongoing process of iteration, adaptation, and discovery. It’s a journey, not a destination. This Guidebook offers a snapshot of that journey, filled with learnings, strategies, and stories from the X-Nordic Travel Contest program. But, as with innovation, there is no significant conclusion to this final chapter, much like there is no big final revelation of the XNTC program.
In the foreword, Svein Berg, Managing Director of Nordic Innovation, states, “he has been delighted to see more than 300 tourism businesses and organizations of all sizes, from all parts of the Nordic region, take part in the X-Nordic Travel Contest. Over the past two years, in workshops, hackathons, testing tracks, and beyond, they have described their challenges, pinpointed the solutions they would like to see, and helped develop and test new travel tech innovations and business models”.
Svein Berg, Managing Director of Nordic Innovation.
“The tourism industry is quite old-school. Many organizations barely use AI, even though there’s so much potential to optimize their operations. There’s resistance to change, partly because the average age in these organizations is high, and change management can be challenging,” says Mathias Mølgaard, CEO & Co-founder, Storyhunt, in an interview.
The mapping in this guidebook is a practical, data-driven overview designed to guide the XNTC’s search for solutions.
XNTC MAPPING APPROACH
The mapping in this guidebook is not a scientific or statistically exhaustive analysis but instead a practical, data-driven overview designed to guide the XNTC’s search for solutions within the program’s prioritized problem fields and hopefully also as a resource to a broader circle of tourism industry stakeholders and policymakers seeking to understand the landscape and identify opportunities across the Nordic tourism ecosystem.
“The tourism industry proved to be a great and extreme place for testing. It’s not bogged down by heavy compliance, which gave us room to try out new approaches. However, it is also incredibly challenging as it deals primarily with immediate business concerns. Hence, finding ways to make cybersecurity feel accessible and worth their time was critical,” said Eskil Sørensen, CEO & Founder, Cybercue, in an interview.
Tourism innovation is an ongoing process of iteration, adaptation, and discovery.
As the tourism industry and everything around it evolve, driven, among other things, by sustainability demands, workforce challenges, new technologies, digital transformation, and inclusivity, the future will require not just creativity but persistence. The key to staying ahead is to keep staying ahead: testing boundaries, rethinking assumptions, allowing for failed attempts, and trying again.
The XNTC experience reminds us that innovation isn’t about perfection but progress.
Nowadays, photographers have access to tools that were once reserved for professionals. Whether you shoot with a mirrorless camera, a smartphone, or something in between, learn how to take the best possible photographs every time. Unleash the full potential of your photography tools for stunning shots.
The difference between a good and a great image often comes down to how comfortably and creatively you can handle your camera. From snapping portraits to street scenes to landscapes shaped by northern light, this guide explores how to get more from your tools.
Lenses make a dramatic difference.
Get to Know Your Gear
Spending time with your camera is the best way to improve your photography. Every model has its strengths, quirks, and features that are easy to overlook if you rely solely on automatic settings.
Explore the manual modes, adjust your shutter speed and aperture in different lighting conditions, and learn how to set your white balance and toggle between focus types. Even smartphones now allow for fine-tuned control, and getting to grips with these options can dramatically change how your images turn out.
Balance Exposure Through Your Settings
The balance between three key elements—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—is at the heart of every well-exposed photograph. Together, they form the exposure triangle.
Aperture determines how much light enters the lens and controls the depth of the field—the area of your image that appears sharp.
Shutter speed dictates how long the sensor is exposed to light. A fast shutter freezes motion, while a slower speed captures movement, such as the flow of water or passing light trails.
ISO measures the sensor’s sensitivity to light. A lower ISO keeps your image crisp, while a higher one can help in darker conditions, though it may introduce grain.
Balancing these three settings takes patience, but once mastered, it gives you far greater control over the outcome of your shots.
Compose Your Shots Using Lens and Frame
Composition brings structure and storytelling to a frame; a strong image is technically sound and visually engaging.
Start with the basics. The rule of thirds encourages you to position your subject off-centre to create balance. Leading lines, such as roads, paths, or railings, can draw the viewer’s eye through the image. Framing your subject using doorways, trees, or windows adds layers of interest.
The tools you choose also affect composition. Your lens focal length changes perspective, a tripod gives you time to fine-tune framing, and grid overlays in your viewfinder help guide alignment. Once you’re familiar with these tools, composition becomes instinctive and intentional.
Use Your Gear To Master Light
Light is the foundation of photography, and understanding how to work with it can elevate your images, no matter your subject.
Outdoor photographers often speak of the golden hour, that short window after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft and warm. Just before sunrise or after sunset, the blue hour adds a cooler, more cinematic atmosphere. These times are especially rewarding for those who enjoy landscape photography, as they reveal detail and mood that midday light tends to flatten.
If you work indoors or in the darker months, learn how to soften or redirect artificial light using reflectors, diffusers, or even a well-placed lamp. Adjust your white balance to avoid colour casts, and observe how shadows can enhance texture and shape.
Build Your Toolkit With Accessories That Work
Photography does not require a large kit bag, but a few well-chosen accessories can help you work more effectively in different environments.
A tripod is essential for long exposures, low-light conditions, or steadying your shot during composition.
Lenses make a dramatic difference. Wide-angle lenses suit interiors and landscapes, prime lenses offer sharpness and low-light performance, and telephoto lenses bring distant subjects closer.
Filters can reduce glare, manage bright conditions, or enhance colours. A polarising filter, for instance, cuts through reflections and deepens blue skies.
You don’t need everything at once. Start with what suits your style, and build gradually based on experience.
Editing tools now offer simple ways to crop, correct, and enhance your images precisely.
Refine Your Images With Editing Tools
Post-processing is about refining a strong image as much as it is about rescuing a poor one. Even subtle adjustments to exposure, contrast, or colour balance can help your photographs better reflect what you saw and felt in the moment.
Editing tools now offer simple ways to crop, correct, and enhance your images precisely. Straightening a horizon, removing a distracting element, or sharpening a focal point can often make a bigger impact than applying a filter.
Practise Using Your Gear In New Ways
As with any craft, photography improves with practice. Take your camera with you on everyday outings, and look for details others might miss, such as a change in light, a reflection in a puddle, or a colour contrast at the market.
Set small challenges for yourself, such as capturing stillness, working in black and white, or photographing one subject from different angles. Try genres you are less familiar with. If you usually shoot portraits for your portfolio, a weekend exploring architectural details or urban life can stretch your creative approach.
Join Communities That Sharpen Your Technical Edge
Sharing your images opens the door to fresh perspectives and useful feedback. Joining a photography community can provide motivation, help you grow creatively, and connect you with others who are just as invested in the craft.
Organisations like the Norwegian Society of Photography (NSFF) offer opportunities to exhibit your work, enter competitions, and, most importantly, learn from peers. Even informal groups or photo walks can inspire new ways of seeing and using your camera.
Bringing It All Into Focus
Photography tools open the door to precision, creativity, and control. Every choice gives you more power to shape the final image, from the lens you select to the settings you adjust. When you confidently understand how to use your equipment, your tools become a trusted part of your process. They will help you create photographs that reflect your skill and intent. Keep experimenting, stay observant, and let your gear bring your vision to life.
Unleash the full potential of your photography tools for stunning shots, explicitly written by Naomi Phillips for Daily Scandinavian.
Keeping track of money can be stressful, but technology has made it easier. Budgeting apps for personal finance help users manage their finances without needing spreadsheets or complex calculations. Automatic budgeting is one such tool that offers automatic budgeting, spending tracking, and financial insights, helping individuals stay on top of their money. Here you can learn to master your finances: Leveraging technology for effective budgeting.
Today’s digital solutions simplify financial planning, helping people reduce unnecessary expenses and plan. This article explores how technology supports better money management, from monitoring bills to creating a debt payoff plan. With the right app, financial stability is more achievable than ever.
Technology has redefined budgeting, making financial planning more precise and accessible. Illustration by Freepik
How Technology Transforms Budgeting
Technology has redefined budgeting, making financial planning more precise and accessible. Traditional methods often rely on manual calculations and bank statements, but modern apps do the work instantly. With features like automatic budgeting, real-time spending tracking, and bill monitoring, individuals can gain better control over their money.
Many apps offer subscription management, helping users identify recurring payments that often go unnoticed. According to the Washington Post, the average American spends over $219 monthly on subscriptions, and many forget about unused services. A good budgeting app flags unnecessary expenses, ensuring that every dollar is used effectively.
Advanced features like financial insights allow users to understand their financial situation better. Apps analyze monthly income, expenses, and savings trends, offering a personalized plan for better money management. Some even integrate AI-driven recommendations for reducing spending and optimizing savings. This shift to digital tools makes managing money convenient and highly effective.
To Master Your Finances: Leveraging Technology for Effective Budgeting, article continues below illustration.
Creating a budget can be overwhelming, but apps now automate the process.
The Role of Budgeting Apps in Personal Finance
1. Automatic Budgeting for Smarter Spending
Creating a budget can be overwhelming, but apps now automate the process. Automatic budgeting allocates money for living expenses, savings, and debt payments based on past spending patterns. This feature helps users develop a strategic approach to money management, ensuring that essential needs are met before discretionary spending begins.
Apps like Albert analyze spending habits and suggest adjustments. If food expenses exceed the budget, the app might suggest cutting costs in non-essential areas. Minor tweaks like these make financial goals more achievable without sacrificing necessary costs.
2. Spending Tracking for Greater Awareness
Keeping up with expenses is crucial, especially in today’s economy. Spending tracking tools categorize transactions, making it easy to see where money goes. Users can check their daily, weekly, or monthly expenses on their smartphones, eliminating the need for manual tracking.
For example, someone earning $4,000 monthly might notice that $500 is spent on dining out. This insight allows them to set a lower limit and save more for an emergency fund or other financial goals.
3. Bill Monitoring to Avoid Late Fees
Missed payments lead to late fees and can harm credit scores. Bill monitoring ensures that no due dates are overlooked. Many apps offer real-time alerts, notifying users before payments are due. This reduces reliance on memory and prevents unnecessary penalties.
This feature benefits users with multiple financial responsibilities, such as rent, utilities, and credit card payments. Apps can also schedule payments automatically, further simplifying money management.
4. Subscription Management to Cut Unnecessary Costs
Many people sign up for free trials and forget to cancel, leading to unwanted charges. Subscription management helps track ongoing payments and suggests canceling unused services. According to C+R Research, 42% of people forget they are paying for subscriptions they no longer use.
With an organized overview of subscriptions, individuals can allocate that money toward retirement savings, debt payoff plans, or other financial priorities.
Technology plays a significant role in debt reduction.
5. Debt Consolidation and Payoff Plans
Technology plays a significant role in debt reduction. Budgeting apps help users create a debt payoff plan, showing the best ways to clear debts while avoiding harmful debt accumulation. Some apps even track credit utilization to ensure balances stay within manageable limits.
For instance, someone with $10,000 in credit card debt could use an app to calculate interest charges and develop a structured payment schedule. This would prevent financial strain and accelerate debt clearance.
6. Planning for Retirement and Long-Term Goals
Saving for the future is just as crucial as managing current expenses. Many apps provide insights into retirement goals, suggesting how much to set aside monthly. With compound interest, starting early can make a significant difference.
For example, investing $200 monthly in a retirement fund at age 25 could grow to over $500,000 by retirement, assuming a 7% annual return. Apps help users visualize these long-term benefits, making planning easier.
7. Personalized Plans for Better Financial Decision-Making
Everyone’s financial situation is different, so a personalized plan is essential. Budgeting tools analyze income, spending habits, and debt levels to provide custom recommendations. This feature ensures that financial plans align with personal goals.
For instance, flexible budgeting strategies can be provided to someone with irregular income, while tailored savings advice can be provided to someone focused on homeownership. The ability to customize financial planning makes these apps invaluable.
8. The Power of a Free App vs. Paid Features
Many budgeting apps offer a free version, but premium options provide advanced tools. Free apps generally include spending tracking, bill monitoring, and basic budgeting. Paid versions may consist of investment strategy planning, advanced net worth analysis, and AI-driven insights.
Before upgrading, users should assess whether additional features align with their financial needs. For some, a free app is enough, while others may benefit from premium services for more detailed planning.
Technology has revolutionized financial management, making budgeting more accessible and practical. Illustration Freepik
Smart Financial Choices: Key Features in Budgeting Apps
Automatic budgeting: Categorizes expenses without manual input.
Spending tracking: Offers real-time insights into daily expenses.
Bill monitoring: Helps prevent missed payments and late fees.
Subscription management: Identifies and cancels unnecessary charges.
Debt payoff planning: Provides strategies to clear debts efficiently.
Retirement planning: Estimates future savings and investment growth.
Financial insights: Suggest ways to optimize spending and saving.
Comparison of Budgeting App Features
Feature
Free Version
Paid Version
Spending Tracking
✔️
✔️
Bill Monitoring
✔️
✔️
Subscription Management
✔️
✔️
Debt Payoff Plan
❌
✔️
Net Worth Analysis
❌
✔️
Financial Advisor Integration
❌
✔️
Investment Strategy
❌
✔️
Mastering Your Finances: Leveraging Technology for Effective Budgeting – Final Words
Technology has revolutionized financial management, making budgeting more accessible and practical. Apps provide financial insights, track expenses, and prevent unnecessary spending. Features like automatic budgeting, bill monitoring, and subscription management help users take control of their financial future. Whether using a free app or a premium version, these tools make planning ahead easier, leading to better financial stability.
To Master Your Finances: Leveraging Technology for Effective Budgeting, explicitly written for Daily Scandinavian by Antoinette Torres. Antoinette is an avid traveler and a lover of new experiences, cultures, and sights. She has a degree in International Tourism Management from the University of Bedfordshire and is passionate about helping others find new ways to explore the world. Follow her on social media for daily tips on everything travel and hospitality.
Award-winning Danish designer Anker Bak (b. 1983) nurtured his approach to traditional craft and human-centric design while living and working in Japan, China, and Finland. He has designed a wall desk pared back to the bare essentials. Read on and learn more about versatile Danish functional minimalist furniture.
Placing people’s needs at the core of his process, his designs focus on adaptability to create more space for everyday ease. Inspired by his experiences of Japanese tiny living, Anker Bak’s elegant and functional desk presents versatile work and play solutions for smaller spaces.
Danish furniture designer and cabinetmaker Anker Bak works and experiments with wood.
The desk has a slim tabletop, made from oak or laminate, and stainless-steel wall mounts. Its design embraces a minimalist aesthetic, showcasing beautiful yet functional details. The tabletop is finished with a rounded edge that softens the design and serves as a comfortable armrest. An optional wall desk drawer made from solid oak mirrors the desk’s organic, tactile design idiom. It can be fitted underneath the tabletop or positioned on top, doubling as a laptop stand. Equipped with a practical opening for wires, the spacious drawer allows chargers to be discreetly stored out of sight. Magnetic, solid oak cover caps hide the wall mount screws to complete the desk’s simple look.
The AB019 Wall Desk, designed for Carl Hansen & Søn, displays a pared-back, minimalist expression with beautiful, functional details. This flat-packed design consists of a slim oak or laminate tabletop with a softly rounded edge that serves as a comfortable armrest.
Danish furniture designer and cabinetmaker Anker Bak works and experiments with wood. His work reflects a deep-seated wish to solve daily problems and improve people’s lives with dignified and necessary furniture. Anker is equally a designer and storyteller, and insists his designs must inspire us in a time when we need new solutions and different stories. Through his holistic vision and empathy for the user, Anker’s work combines tactile materials, organic form, and necessary function.
Versatile Danish Functional Minimalist Furniture, reported by Tor Kjolberg
Department store Steen & Strøm in Oslo is a stepping-stone for emerging Norwegian designers.The world’s oldest department store contributes to a diverse fashion environment in Norway.
Steen and Strøm, which first opened in 1797 and is widely regarded as Norway’s answer to Le Bon Marche, Selfridges-London, and Rinascente-Milan, increased year-on-year sales by 6.9% in 2024, achieving record takings for a second consecutive year.
For several years, Steen & Strøm has played a crucial part in creating, developing, and maintaining Oslo Runway, a platform to show and celebrate Norwegian design. Out of Oslo Runway’s 10 running years, Steen & Strøm has been a key partner for 6 consecutive years. The partners have hosted exciting events such as the Official Opening Dinner and Party, the Tribute Award ceremony, and Oslo Runway By Night.
Steen and Strøm opened in 1797. Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
***************************************
Related: Norway’s First Fashion King
***************************************
Steen & Strøm on providing a physical platform
Key partner Steen & Strøm acknowledges its unique position in bridging local talent and customers. The department store aims to be a stepping-stone for Norwegian design, and partnering with Oslo Runway to support the local fashion industry is an integral part of this. They’ve provided up-and-coming Norwegian designers visibility and trading opportunities for several years. “We believe Norwegian design has immense potential, and enabling a stage for local, national, and regional designers is hugely important. At Steen & Strøm, we are playing a small part in helping the industry grow by giving both up-and-coming and established brands the visibility they deserve, says David Wilkinson, Executive Director at Steen & Strøm.
Playing at the intersection of creativity and innovation, Oslo Runway is recognized as Norway’s most impactful showcasing arena for fashion and design. With a growing international reach over the past few years, Oslo Runway has received press coverage and critical acclaim in prominent magazines such as Vogue Italy and Scandinavia, American Harper’s Bazaar, Schön Magazine, ELLE Girl Japan and ELLE Belgium, British Who What Wear, Scandinavian Mind, Dazed, Hypebae, The Times and Forbes.
David Wilkinson, Executive Director at Steen & Strøm.
From 26 to 31 August, Oslo Runway will showcase 34 of Norway’s most exciting designers and brands.
The World’s Oldest Department Store Contributes to a Diverse Fashion Environment in Norway, reported by Tor Kjolberg.
