Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

| posted Feb 2, 2010

Hailing from a far away land, we bring you Saga Sig: London-based photographer. We talk to Saga about her inspirations, being a fashion student in London, personal style and her connection to the blogasphere.

From dusk till day by Saga Sig

 What first sparked your interest in fashion photography?

Probably when I started working in a vintage store back home in Iceland and was surrounded by so many beautiful clothes, working there sparked my interest of applying fashion in my photography. I was a late bloomer when its came to fashion, I played soccer and was a bit of a nerd in my teens. When I started working in the vintage store and met my boyfriend I discovered that I could express myself in so many ways through clothing, it was liberating!

You currently study fashion photography at the London School of Fashion. What came first for you, fashion or photography?

Photography came first. I started taking photos at very young age. I lived out in the countryside and at that time the only fashionista was my mother who still today has an amazing personal style. I didn't know much about fashion until I moved to Reykjavik.

 London is home to many fashion schools, how often do you find yourself collaborating with present or past fashion students in your work?

Very often! I love shooting lookbooks with new and upcoming designers. They always have fresh ideas and are very enthusiastic about their work.

 

Pelayo Diaz and Saga Sig

On the topic of fashion students: famed blogger and once CSM student, Pelayo Diaz (Katelovesme) , is one amongst your circle of creative friends. How did you first come to meet?

 I met Pelayo through Gala. I met Gala when I was comissioned to photograph for a magazine. We have been working quite a lot since then. They both are so wonderful.

Saga Sig and pal, Gala Gonzalez

How important is it to surround yourself with creative minds?

Very important! I think everyone around me in creative in some way: from my three year-old brothers that make these amazing drawings, to my boyfriend who is an illustrator, to my very old grandmother who knits 24/7. The people around me are my inspiration! I think it's important for everyone to be surrounded by creative people.

 Seeing that your very fashionable, how much of your personal style go into your shoots? Do you find yourself borrowing from your wardrobe?

 I have my opinions about the styling when shooting, but I think it is very important to respect the vision and the work of my stylists. Plus,usually my clothes don't really fit in to the fashion stories I'm doing, but I sometimes use my own clothes for my personal work.

  

By Saga Sig

We’ve noticed a reoccurring use of quirky stockings in your images, do you have a stocking fetish?

Hahaha! Yes, well, I guess I have fetish for stockings! :) I love mixing colours, prints and texture, it's so much fun!

 

Iceland by Saga Sig

How has your native Iceland inspired your photography?

The beauty of Icelandic nature inspired me to start taking photos when I was eight years old! We lived in amazing national park in Iceland called Thingvellir. It's not possible to describe with words how thankful I am for growing up there. Playing out in the wild with my sister and brothers, completely silent at times, the nature and the light, my childhood experiences have followed me and always will. I love shooting in Iceland, we have the most amazing locations, Icelandic design is amazing and the Icelandic people are so beautiful!

Where else do you draw inspiration from when conceptualizing your shoots?

Art. I used to study art history in University of Iceland before moving to London and I love nothing more than going to galleries, to look and read about art. Art is my inspiration. Fashion, music and movies
also inspire me in many ways. Also, moving to London has been an amazing experience that has inspired me in a new way.

Forever Young by Saga Sig

Many of your images evoke fantasy and mystery. Would you consider yourself a mysterious person?

Yes and No. I find it easy to meet and get to know new people. But then again, there are very very few out there that know the real Saga. Only my family and a few close friends really know me. Well I guess I'm a bit mysterious then...

Who would you most want to photograph, dead or alive and why?

I wish I could have photographed Marchesa Louisa Casati - such an amazing lady! Go reasearch her, you will be amazed!

 You recently uploaded a short but sweet video clip of blog sweetheart, Gala on your Vimeo profile. Is video the next frontier for you?

 Yes, I love shooting videos. I'm actually taking classes how to make music videos in my school right now, so in the future you will be seeing more videos from me definitely!

Gala from Saga Sigurdardottir on Vimeo.

 Where can we next look out for Saga Sig?

I'm going to be published around the world in fashion editorials in London, China, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Russia and many more. Also, I will be a part of a collective book of photographers published in America. I'm currently working on my own exhibition with artist,Hildur Yeoman that will be in Iceland this March.I will be publishing my own work this year, creating more visuals and hopefully take part in many more exciting projects! So stay tuned!

 

Dazed & Confused-October 09 issue by Saga Sig

Only because Valentine’s day is soon approaching, how are you going to be celebrating it?

Ohh yess. I'm very excited. I'm going to the Barbican with my boyfriend to see an amazing concert.

 

With special thanks to Saga Sig - to see more of her work click on sagasig.com or follow her blog, The Neverending Story

 

Timaj Alwan

 

Source & Photo Credits: With kind permission from Saga Sig

TAGS: photography interview saga sig pelayo diaz gala conzalez