Q&A with Saskia Wilson

We recently framed a selection of Saskia Wilson's photos for the Ardo Hotel in Townsville; part of a series for the Ardo Hotel group across Australia. We’re excited to share our exclusive interview with Saskia right here on Format’s blog.

For those of you who don’t know, Saskia is a Sydney-based photographer that works internationally across multiple disciplines including documentary, fine arts, and commercial based practices. Her portfolio of clients is impressive and includes Nike, Google, Apple, AirBNB, Vogue, Aesop, RM Williams, Greenpeace and more. Distinguished by a sophisticated use of colour, vibrancy, joy, and authenticity, her work is showcased through uniquely Australian landscapes and colour palettes. 

With a resume like Saskia's, it's easy to see why Ardo Hotels selected her to create custom works for their Australian expansion. After framing this series for the hotel group, we wanted to get to know the creator behind the images. Take a read…  

 

Picture: Saskia Wilson's series for the Ardo Hotel, Townsville.

 

Working across multiple mediums, how do you define your work and what makes it distinctly “you”?

SW Since I was studying photography I knew I wanted to develop a distinct style. Photography is a competitive industry, and a popular medium, and I knew I had to try and set myself apart somehow. I try to employ similar techniques across all of my work whether it is personal or commercial, rich and saturated colours, high contrast lighting and experimentation with movement.  

You have an incredible portfolio of clients and collaborators. What is a highlight of your career thus far?

SW I just got back from Europe shooting the biggest job of my career so far, shooting in Switzerland and Southern Spain for a European airline.  I feel incredibly lucky to be able to travel so much for my job.

 

 

Pictured: Captured on Saskia's recent trip to Europe.

Tell us about the series you created for the Ardo Hotels in Townsville.

SW The series for Ardo hotels was such a nice project to work on, it doesn't happen often that you are photographing with framed artworks as the end goal so I really had this in my head as I was photographing. The images had to be worthy of decorating the walls of the hotel and resist the expectations of what far north Queensland should look like.

 

Picture: Saskia Wilson's series for the Ardo Hotel, Townsville.

 

What has been the most challenging assignment you’ve had in your career? What did you learn from it?

SW I often receive briefs where I am being asked to photograph a really popular touristic place that has been photographed to death.  Although challenging these kinds of assignments teach you new things because it forces you to push yourself technically and stylistically and experiment.

 

Picture: Saskia Wilson's series for the Ardo Hotel, Townsville.

 

Who, or what, inspires you to continue to create?

SW Sometimes it is being in a new place and seeing a landscape, an artwork, or an interesting face for the first time. Sometimes it is boredom or melancholy and I take photos to cheer myself up! 

 

Follow Saskia on Instagram for more of her works and adventures.

The pieces

Ardo Hotel Townsville had Saskia's works framed in 900x600mm Victorian Ash frames.

Picture: the finished product, framed at Format’s workshop.