Photographer Sigurður Mar revitalizes passion for child photography with homemade lenses in Iceland

Photographer Sigurður Mar has developed a renewed passion for capturing the smiles of children in his studio. His interest was reignited after he started crafting homemade, uncapped camera lenses, leading him to explore a more primitive approach to photography.

Drawing on his extensive experience in news photography and years of capturing couples and children, Sigurður expressed a growing frustration with high-resolution imagery and modern technology. “I grew intolerant of this high sharpness and all this technology,” he said. The thrill of transforming old lenses and utilizing materials discovered in hardware stores—such as drain pipes and axle hoses—has reinvigorated his creative process.

Sigurður Mar believes that using basic equipment challenges him as a photographer, providing a stark contrast to the allure of the latest gadgets and digital post-processing. “I find it most enjoyable when things happen during the shooting itself,” he remarked, emphasizing the unique experience of working with traditional techniques.

His work not only reflects a personal journey back to the fundamentals of photography but also showcases a broader artistic perspective that celebrates spontaneity and authenticity in capturing moments. This approach could resonate with a global audience longing for genuine connections and storytelling through visual media.