In conversation with photographer Isabel Sasse on treating daily life as a ritual

Isabel's deep connection to her surroundings is evident in her work, as she draws inspiration from the unique blend of laid-back spirit and natural beauty in Byron Bay. She effortlessly weaves together the human experience and the enchanting scenery that serves as her backdrop.

In this interview, we delve into Isabel's artistic journey, her passion for photography, and how living in a coastal paradise has influenced her perspective on life and art.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m an Australian based photographer. I’ve been shooting for about 12 years now, having been given my grandpa’s film camera when I was 14 which taught me the craft of developing my own film and the manual process of it all. It was the one thing I never lost an interest in when everything else fell to the side as I grew up. I figured out who I was and what I wanted at an incredibly early age. I think I’ve always done things differently with a particular level of self-awareness, and I’ve never settled for mediocrity. I’ve definitely paved my own path. When I have a vision in my head or when I see a certain future for myself, I go into complete tunnel vision and I don’t stop until I’ve arrived at that place or turned my thoughts into tangible form. I truly believe having that determination and persistence in my life, is the reason why I am where I am today. I expect a lot from myself, while simultaneously always trying to grow and refine myself as a person [as a woman].

What is your current mindset?

Everything that’s meant for you, will find you.

Do you have any daily rituals that you follow?

I treat my entire life as a ritual. From waking to sleeping, I have so many rituals that instil a sense of peace within me and help me stay present. My morning ritual is by far my favourite, and it truly sets the tone for my day — I wake up slowly around 4.30am, I always brew myself either a few cups of Hojicha or Kabusecha green tea, I take my collagen and creatine powders, I go for a run or surf and stretch while the sun rises, come home to a cold shower and make myself breakfast. By this time the emails start coming through, I have work that needs to get delivered to a client or meetings if I’m not on a shoot or on a plane. It can be quite regimented and disciplined in structure, but having that structure and having that time to myself early in the morning is essential for me. It allows me to have far more clarity in thought, and be more present throughout the day. I love my sauna rituals in the evenings too.

“The older I get, the more I realise I’m becoming my father. I just called him and asked him to give me one line of advice for living — “Hang up on me and go for a walk.”

-Isabel Sasse

As a photographer, where do you look for inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from poetry, architecture, and nature. I’m always observing the world around me and romanticising my own life. I think that’s an essential part of being alive and staying alive. Notice what you notice.

What is your process to pull yourself out of a creative rut?

I always turn to the ocean. There’s nothing quite as humbling as throwing yourself into something both terrifying and beautiful to shift a limited perspective.

Do you have any mentors or people you look to for advice?

My father always has advice that’s to the point, and he has a way of imparting wisdom that simplifies all the complexities in my own mind and reminds me that nothing matters as much as I think it does. There’s always some deeper, profound meaning behind his light-hearted way of imparting wisdom. I’m not sure if it’s intentional or if he’s just being a smart-ass, but his advice always hits home. The older I get, the more I realise I’m becoming my father. I just called him and asked him to give me one line of advice for living — “Hang up on me and go for a walk.”

What book have you read that left a lasting impression and why?

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin — Reading through that book is another form of meditation. I’ve also been reading Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés for the last 6 years. It’s become a bible of sorts at this point. Everyone who can read, should read it.

What is your favourite way to relax?

Infrared saunas, steam rooms and tea ceremonies.

What self-care products are currently being used on repeat?

Aesop’s Geranium Body Balm and a face oil by Lepaar called Summer Wine. They also have a zinc called Elemental Day Silk with 24 Karat Gold, which is a daily essential.

What songs do you listen to for relaxation?

Anything by Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Beethoven. I was surrounded by a lot of classical music throughout my childhood, and remember my grandparents would always have these compositions playing in their car and throughout their house. I also danced enough ballet recitals to classical composers to last me a lifetime. Now it’s imbued in my own life, filling me with a sense of calm while reminding me of family.

Have you had any epiphanies lately? (big or small?!)

Peace within yourself always translates to peace within your surroundings. Whenever you take yourself as a starting point for growth; your mindset, your attitude, the language you use when talking to yourself, the patience you’re capable of holding, you’ll feel more grounded as you’re branching out. The biggest mistake you can do is undercut your own ability, straight from its source.

What is your favourite quote or words to live by?

If a conversation is hard to have, it’s probably the one worth having.

@isabelsasse