Artist Talk With Photographer Kjartan Hreinsson

Kjartan Hreinsson is a photographer, collector and brandophile. He has caught the eyes of plenty with his spontaneous photography of everyday scenarios. He is currently working for Birtíngur publishing company and will be studying graphic design this fall.

When did you start taking pictures?

I played around with photography when I was younger but really started in the summer of 2013. In secondary school, I stopped doing it completely, but the interest re-appeared with the coming of cameraphones. All my photographs are taken on a digital point-and-shoot camera that follows me everywhere. I don’t limit my creativity to photography only, but it plays a major role in everything I do. I create visuals, in any way possible.

What is your creative process?

Most of my photos are taken spontaneously. They’ve built up with time and reflect my main interests and the company I am in. I pick the best ones and upload them to Instagram and Tumblr. After a few months, I make a photo-zine and publish it myself or in collaboration with bands like Sturla Atlas & 101 Boys. I enjoy creating something bigger from my photographs, like photo-zines or posters.

What inspires you?

Amateurism, heavy industries, and big businesses. My friends, acquaintances and colleagues. Motor sport, Subaru Impreza WRX Sti, Hafnarfjörður and the sea.

What is your favourite photograph, by you or another photographer?

To be honest, I’m not sure. I take in so much photography each day, I can’t choose. I also don’t put too much thought into each and every photo, especially not my own. From my own work, however, I’m probably the most proud of my newest zine, P4.

Spreads from P4 by Kjartan Hreinsson

How is it being a photographer in Iceland?

It’s fun. There are so many talented people to collaborate with. I am quite patriotic in choosing photography subjects and I often take pictures of things that are indigenous Icelandic—for example, I want Icelandic logos to appear in my photographs. The capital area and the country’s landscape plays a major role in my photographs and is very dear to me.

Future plans?

To continue doing my thing.

Check out Kjartan’s tumblr here.