“There is so much competition when it comes to creating these days because everybody wants to be the best, and also it’s so hard to put yourself out there, so you have to be passionate and consistent with the work you produce.”

Young and talented London photographer Danika alias Sirius Mode´s images shine with realness, style and a beautiful cultural diversity when it comes to her model choice. She talked to us about about working hard now and play later, shooting people based on a certain vibe and not just a pretty face and about Islamic feminism.

Your images are just the perfect expression of current youth culture. If you had to describe in words, how would you describe nowadays youth?

Thank you so much! I would say passionate. There is so much competition when it comes to creating these days because everybody wants to be the best, and also it’s so hard to put yourself out there, so you have to be passionate and consistent with the work you produce. I feel like my generation has so many talented individuals because people aren’t scared to break the rules anymore, and create things that go against the norms and values of society. That’s what I love about the art world, you can literally express yourself in any way you feel.

What´s the best thing about being young? And the most difficult?

The best thing I would say is time. I’m only 19 and I don’t have that much responsibility at the moment so I can spend so much time perfecting my craft. I’ve also come so far in the past year, working hard on my photography and literally connecting with people wherever I ago. I feel like it’s better to work hard now and play later; put all the effort in the now so you can live comfortably in the future. I’d say the most difficult thing about being young is not being able to have certain opportunities due to lack of experience, however that can always be turned into a positive as everyday I’m gaining experience and learning new things.

The people you shot are incredible beautiful – all so unique. How do you find them for your shootings?

Social media can be amazing when it comes to finding models. I have shot people from agencies but generally I do try to avoid that. Instagram is perfect because it not only shows you what people look like but who they are and what their style is like. I enjoy shooting people based on the whole vibe they have, not just a pretty face. I also do approach people on the street or while at work in retail, but I’m quite shy so I have to force myself to be courageous about it. Now that I’m also building up my brand and crafting my niche, people are now approaching me for shoots which is a real confidence booster.

In an interview you said that you are planning for your final major project at uni something related with feminism. You were mentioning girl power and Islamic feminism. I would be interested to hear more about what you discovered about Islamic feminism..

Firstly, I really enjoyed working on my final project on feminism. I enjoyed working with all the women that expressed female empowerment. In terms of Islamic feminism, listening to stories from my model I learnt that it is an important issue that evokes a lot of passion from people (mainly women) who believe men & women can and should be equal within the Islamic framework. Women are fighting to preserve the rights of other women. It really also made me think how lucky I am, in terms of the freedom of expression that I have been able to have, without fear of negative consequences.

Are you still doing interviews on your blog with artists or are you completely focused on photography now? I saw your last blog interview entry was in May..

I would love to do another interview soon but I just haven’t had the time. I feel like I’m doing mini interviews with people I meet on a daily basis but I just haven’t had the time to put pen to paper and get it all down. I am just really just concentrating on photography at the moment, however by the end of this year I want to have at least done a few more interviews with some amazing people for Sirius Mode.

You love going to events, concerts and exhibitions for inspiration. I feel that there is so much choice nowadays for everyone and a lot of interesting stuff happening, but at the same time it makes it hard sometimes to stay focused or even find the time for your own projects. Do you find it difficult as well sometimes to not lose the focus on your own stuff with so much distraction and fun things out there? Especially in a place like London…

I do enjoy going out to music events and seeing performances. I try to make it relevant to my work by bringing along my film camera when I go out, so I can capture pictures for Sirius Film or photos of my friends to post to help me out. I never really do lose focus because anything I take a photo of contributes towards my art in some way shape or form. There are some mundane things I have to do for example, I always have so much editing to catch up on, updating social media and creating my website, which I probably would have done already if I spent more time at home. But in terms of taking the photos, that’s something I’m always doing so that’s not a issue.

How does life feel like in London these days.. I am asking because so many people currently seem to move away to Berlin, saying that Berlin is more free and of course much cheaper..

I don’t really know much about life in Berlin so I can’t really answer that question properly, however I know that London is a very expensive city to live in, especially in terms of going to university. I’m starting this year and the the thought of having to pay back over £30,000 worth of loan money at the end of my course is daunting.

Best thing about having grown up in London?

Opportunities. There’s always somewhere cool to go or something to do for everyone. It’s easy to take things for granted because everything is just there. There’s a shop round every corner when you’re hungry, Transport can take you almost anywhere you need to go, the list is endless. What I love most about London is that it’s so diverse. There are so many different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs, it’s actually been inspiring towards my art at times. You learn so much from the people around you.

Favourite music track?

Probably ‘She’ by Tyler the Creator.

Favourite book?

The Twilight Saga. I’m a sucker for romance and vampires.

Do you have any role models…professionally speaking or just for your private life?

As I mentioned in my last interview still my mother and Frida Kahlo. Both my parents are amazing but particularly my mum is an everyday inspiration in my life. She is always pushing me to work harder and encouraging me to be the best I can be. Frida Kahlo is more along the lines of my spirit animal aha. Her story inspires me and in some ways I’ve felt like I can relate to her. So many people inspire me but in terms of role models I’d say those are the top 2.

Could you live without the internet?

I could definitely live without the internet but honestly it would be a real struggle. My phone is constantly in my hand whether it’s answering emails, messaging my friends or checking my social media so I’m forever active online. Also the Internet has really helped me show my art to the world so it really is a useful tool.

What´s your aim for the future?

Right now my main focus for the next 3 years are to get through university, get involved in as many exciting projects as possible that will give me more experience and exposure, improve my skill and styling etc. But ultimately to see my art everywhere! Billboards, posters, magazines, the Internet etc. Oh, and also not forgetting to travel the world! To put it simply, I just want to live comfortably doing what I love.