Photoshoot + Interview: 'The Mystic' by Sarah England Photography
Part of any great photoshoot is the setting and we’re getting wonderfully witchy 'Wuthering Heights' vibes from this eerie but beautiful shoot by Sarah England!
The double exposures adds to the "spirit photography" feel of the shoot, as though the photographer has chanced upon a fairy or a forest sprite. Sarah’s model sports bold makeup and creates dramatic shapes in a stunning vintage-style gown, but what we love most is the “aisle” of trees and the carpet of leaves creating such a spooky, atmospheric setting.
Much like this shoot, Sarah’s personal photography often deals with the mystical and the feminine, along with the vastness and beauty of nature. She documents a lot of her work in a stunning photo diary here.
Keep scrolling for an exclusive interview with this talented creative!
Q: How did you become a photographer?
A: When I was around 11 years old, I received a Polaroid "I-zone" mini film camera as a gift. I was fascinated with instant film. I would set up my miniature/stuffed animals into different groups so that I could take portraits of them, as well as my friends and family when they would let me. Throughout my teenage years, my interest in instant film grew - I also dabbled in digital photography in high school for a little bit.
It wasn't until after I graduated when I received my first DSLR; I would go on photography adventures with a close friend who would model, as well as do her own makeup and hair since she is an artist in that department. She was my biggest inspiration at the time, and that is how I truly discovered my love for photography.
Q: What media inspires your work - books, music, art?
A: Many different things inspire my work, but the most influential would be my dreams. I am inspired by the sky, dusk, fog, anything vintage and antique. Certain movies and music will definitely trigger inspiration for my work. Other artists have a large part in inspiring me as well, I am always looking at new techniques and editing styles, which subconsciously causes my style to be forever changing.
Q: The forest location for this shoot is stunning - how do you usually go about choosing a location? How did you come by this one?
A: I came by this particular spot while I was in the passenger seat of a car in Eugene, Oregon. It was off to my right side, and I thought it was absolutely beautiful; I had to shoot there. Most of the time for my shoots, I will stumble upon my locations by chance. A friend and I will drive to somewhere that we think looks nice, then explore from there and see what we come across.
Q: We last published your work a year ago - how do you think your style has changed in a year?
A: As I mentioned before, my style is forever changing, and I can feel that. I switched lenses from my favorite 55mm tilt shift, to a newer 45mm tilt shift just last year - I think that this has played a big part in the way my style has been changing. I'm not sure if it's for the best.
Some days (more often than before) I have felt myself getting discouraged with my work, but it takes time and patience to create something you are truly proud of. Sometimes you need to revisit old techniques that you love to feel inspired again.
Sarah’s based in Canada and shoots weddings and portraits when she’s not building up her own creative portfolio. For more, view her work on Instagram (@sarahenglandphotography), Facebook, and at her official site.
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Full credits: Photography & Styling: Sarah England | Makeup & Hair: Meghan Ceallaigh | Model: Adelynn Harrison
Cecile Blackmore is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.