“I don’t use drones. I go higher and want a level of detail, resolution, and dynamic range that cannot be matched by anything other than the finest professional camera equipment available. And then, the adrenaline rush you get when flying in a small airplane with the doors removed—it’s unique.” It is rare to meet someone with a greater attention to detail than Nicolas Cosedis, a 42-year-old photographer, half Danish and half Greek, who captures Denmark from the sky. “From an aerial perspective, you gain a unique view of how Denmark and Copenhagen have evolved,” he explains. He specializes in landscape and fine art photography and is the owner of the We Love Copenhagen brand (Welovecph.com). From his new Gallery at Sølvgade 20, right by Rosenborg Castle, he shows hundreds of thousands of people the true beauty of the country. His last book, København Før og Nu (Copenhagen Then and Now), was printed a few weeks ago.
What makes Copenhagen unique in your eyes?
Copenhagen is unique in many ways. The city manages to combine the vibrancy of an international metropolis with an intimate scale that makes it easy to navigate. It has global appeal and garners significant international attention, yet it still feels like a small city where you can quickly get around using public transport or a bicycle. The human scale of Copenhagen makes it both accessible and welcoming—a rare quality among the world’s capitals. Another aspect that makes Copenhagen special is its economic equality. Compared to many other major cities, there is a smaller gap between different social and economic groups. This equality creates a more harmonious urban experience and contributes to a shared sense of community that defines daily life in Copenhagen.
In what direction do you see Copenhagen developing as a metropolis in the future?
When I think about Copenhagen’s future as a metropolis, I prefer to focus on what I hope for rather than what I predict. One of the greatest challenges will be modernizing without losing Copenhagen’s soul and unique identity. The city must grow and evolve while preserving the elements that make it special—for instance, safeguarding its historic buildings and atmosphere so that the city remains recognizable and authentic for both residents and visitors. I also hope that Copenhagen will continue moving toward sustainability by expanding green transportation options and being a pioneer in demonstrating how a city can adapt to future challenges while preserving its own identity and history.
What is the main difference between seeing things from the ground and from the sky?
The clarity of the city’s structure and its historical layers. From above, you gain a far better overview that reveals how different periods of urban development shaped the layout of the city. In the oldest parts of Copenhagen, particularly the city center, it’s easy to see how the streets and buildings grew organically from the 15th to the 18th century, much like in other historic European cities. The streets here are narrow and crooked, reflecting a time when urban planning was virtually nonexistent—when the city expanded one house at a time without a predetermined layout. In contrast, from the sky, the influence of more deliberate urban planning becomes strikingly clear in areas developed during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following the cholera epidemic in the 1800s, the city expanded beyond its old fortifications, giving rise to neighborhoods like Vesterbro and Østerbro. These areas feature wider streets and a more structured, modern layout that reflects the influence of contemporary planning principles. This aerial perspective offers a unique lens to appreciate the city’s evolution.
Was there anything that surprised you during your preparatory archive research and aerial explorations?
How densely populated Copenhagen was in the first half of the 20th century. Historical maps and images reveal a striking contrast to today’s less densely packed urban layout. It was particularly fascinating to observe how industrial factories were situated directly alongside residential neighborhoods, a reflection of a time when zoning regulations were far less defined. This proximity between living and working environments paints a vivid picture of daily life during that period. Another striking observation was the state of the harbor—clearly polluted, bearing the scars of decades of industrial activity before modern environmental reforms transformed it into the vibrant, clean waterway we see today. Perhaps even more, the rise of private car ownership in the 1960s and 1970s had a profound impact on the city’s layout. Major roads were widened to accommodate traffic, and, unfortunately, many historic buildings were sacrificed in the process.
How did you get started as a photographer?
Ever since I was a child, I’ve been captivated by the magic of capturing light and shadow with a camera. That early fascination set me on a creative path that has evolved over many years. I studied Film and Media Science at the University of Copenhagen, initially imagining a future in the film industry. However, during my studies, I found myself increasingly drawn to the unique storytelling potential of still photography. The ability to freeze a moment in time and convey depth, emotion, and narrative through a single frame captivated me in a way no other medium could. For many years, I worked as a commercial photographer, collaborating with major clients on exciting projects. While I thoroughly enjoyed this phase of my career, I felt a growing desire to pursue art photography, where I could explore my creative vision more freely. Transitioning into the art world was challenging, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of close friends and family.
You don´t use drones: you fly with a plane and take pictures from the sky. Why?
One of the main limitations is altitude—drones are permitted to fly only up to 100 meters above the city, whereas I fly as high as 4,000 meters. This higher vantage point provides a far superior overview, allowing me to capture the broader patterns and textures of the urban landscape. Additionally, I use some of the finest professional camera equipment available, which offers a level of detail, resolution, and dynamic range that cannot be matched by the cameras typically mounted on drones. The precision and quality of these tools are essential to my work. Finally, while it may seem less technical, the experience of flying in a small airplane or helicopter, often with the doors removed, provides a unique thrill and adrenaline rush.
What is the right, or the best, way to discover Copenhagen?
The best way to truly discover Copenhagen is to take your time and explore it on foot. While the iconic landmarks are worth seeing, the real magic lies in wandering beyond the main attractions and immersing yourself in the city’s many unique neighborhoods. Start by using the metro system to venture beyond the city center—Copenhagen’s public transportation is efficient, clean, and well-connected, making it easy to explore. Copenhagen’s green spaces are another highlight. Spend time in the many public parks, which offer peaceful retreats throughout the city. A long walk along the Inner Harbour is also a fantastic way to take in the waterfront charm and stunning architecture. Finally, I’d love to welcome you to my new gallery, Cosedis Gallery, at Sølvgade 20, near Rosenborg Castle in central Copenhagen. It’s the perfect spot to experience my aerial photography and see the city from a whole new perspective.
