Photo: Signy Thorsteinson
In a recent interview at the Paul Henrik Thorbjorn Thorlakson Gallery, local photographer Signy Thorsteinson discussed her journey into the world of photography, shedding light on her inspiration, technique, and aspirations for the future.
Signy, whose passion for photography ignited during a sponsored executive program with United Way in 2016, recounted her initial forays into capturing everyday scenes around Winnipeg’s Exchange District. It was during this time that she discovered Instagram, a platform that would transform her hobby into a more public-facing endeavor.
“Instagram was my first-time putting photographs out there for other people to see,” Signy shared, reflecting on the pivotal role social media played in showcasing her work to a broader audience.
One significant milestone in her photographic journey was her participation in Núit Blanche, a festival celebrating art and lights in Winnipeg’s Exchange District. Signy’s involvement in the festival marked a turning point, propelling her deeper into the realm of street photography.
Her photographic style, characterized by candid shots of everyday people against the backdrop of urban landscapes, emerged organically. Signy explained how capturing a moment outside a Goodwill store in the Exchange, where a gentleman’s hands and rings caught her eye, sparked her interest in integrating people into her compositions.
“When someone comes into the frame, it just makes it better,” Signy noted, highlighting the dynamic interplay between human subjects and architectural elements in her photographs.
Among her favorite spots to photograph in Winnipeg are Osborne Village, West Broadway, the Exchange, and downtown – areas teeming with pedestrian activity and vibrant street life.
Signy’s current exhibition at the Paul Henrik Thorbjorn Thorlakson Gallery, titled “Gáta hér,” reflects her Icelandic heritage and her ambition to showcase her work in Iceland in the future. The exhibition, part one of a series, features a selection of Signy’s black-and-white photographs capturing the essence of Winnipeg’s streets.
When asked about her preferred photographic medium, Signy revealed her penchant for using her iPhone, citing its inconspicuousness as a key advantage for street photography.
For aspiring photographers, Signy’s advice is simple: “Don’t be afraid to shoot everything that interests you.” She emphasized the importance of experimentation and exploration in honing one’s photographic eye.
Looking ahead, Signy hopes to continue exhibiting her work and eventually fulfill her dream of showcasing her photographs in Iceland. With each exhibition and project, she aims to share her unique perspective on the world with others, one photograph at a time.
 
Katrín Níelsdóttir is Special Collections and Rare Books Librarian at the University of Manitoba where she oversees the Icelandic Collection of the Elizabeth Dafoe Library. Signy Thorsteinson’s images can be viewed on Instagram: @signythorsteinson.