Berta Andrea Snædal - Daily Life Photographer / Actor
Berta Andrea Snædal captures her daily life with such softness and beauty. Often using reflections as a way to capture herself and her surroundings, the viewer is invited to see the beauty of everyday moments. We spoke with Andrea about her approach to her photography and life in general.
What is your goal with your work this year?
This year, I plan on having my first show in a gallery. A friend of mine, who I’ve shot with many times, and I have been planning a show together, so hopefully it will happen soon. I would also like to find a way to sell some select prints, but shipping from Iceland is expensive so I’m trying to find an affordable way to do that.
How would you define your work?
I would say my work is quite personal. I often use myself as a subject for ideas I have (easiest option), but even when I get other people involved, they are close friends of mine. And, of course, my partner is a muse to me.
What was a favourite memory on a shoot from last year?
My favorite places I shot last year were two hot springs that are on my friend’s family land. One of them is in a cave and the other in a canyon, so they were obviously stunning. It also meant there was hardly any light, which resulted in lots of experimenting. And what can be more fun than lounging in hot water in nature with great friends that are eager to experiment on film with you?
What excites you most about shoot day?
The people I’m shooting with and the location we’re shooting at. Having the chance to be inspired in real time by my creative partners and by our surroundings is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. I’m so fortunate to know such talented and dedicated people that want to create something beautiful with me and to live in a country of endless inspiration. So really it’s all up to me to take advantage, and that is a luxury problem.
What is your go to camera & film stock?
I mainly shoot on either Pentax Spotmatic f or Minolta SRT101, loaded with portra 400. But I do love a black and white film (ilford hp5 and ilford delta 3200 being particular favorites), especially for my olympus trip 35 point and shoot.
WOTW TIP: Getting into film photography? An affordable way to start, we recommend a half frame camera with some Kodak Gold.
Your work feels beautifully personal and intimate, what inspired you to start taking photos of your life?
Thank you. I’ve always thrived on alone time and a slower pace and so that’s where inspiration hits for me. Being alone or with people that make me feel like myself spurs me to grab my camera. I want to grab these moments that otherwise float by. Moments where life felt content. And beautiful of course.
What is currently inspiring you?
Currently I’m feeling quite inspired by some acting projects that have come my way. When I read a script, all these scenes come alive in my mind and I feel compelled to translate it to a frame. It’s when the theater geek in me comes out to play.
How do you balance creating art for yourself versus work for clients?
I mostly create art for myself. And when I’ve worked with clients, it’s been because they like my vision and want to collaborate, so I’ve not (so far) experienced being asked to compromise. But photography is also not my day job. Which means I don’t have to compromise. That is a certain luxury.
How do you define success?
Success to me is having time to spend with family and friends, time to nurture my hobbies and getting to make a living on certain passions.
What is one piece of advice you would give yourself when you picked up your first camera?
Experiment as much as you can and look for inspiration everywhere. It should always be about the joy of creating.
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