ADVENTURES IN DUSTYLAND FAIRYTALES
German (EU) | South African
Creative Director | Director | Photographer
📩 hello@ingridirsigler
My distinct visionary style of colorful, bold storytelling and portraiture has been commissioned and appeared on billboards, in magazines, and in above-the-line (ATL), below-the-line (BTL), and Out of Home (OOH) campaigns globally. I have earned the title of the 'Queen Of Colour' due to my expressive use and love of color, which has become synonymous with my work. Inspired by my travels in and around Africa, I am driven by a passion to create a global stage for African design and talent, aiming to make the world a more beautiful and fantastical place.
As a commercial photographer and director, I specialise in crafting compelling, colorful, and beautiful images and short-form motion films across various brand channels, particularly within the luxury market space. With a focus on aviation, travel, hospitality, equine sport, fashion and beauty. I have integrated my love and passion for travel, horses, and design aesthetics into my work. This commitment drives my personal mission to make the world a more beautiful place and promote inclusion in fashion and beauty, bridging the age divide in advertising. My story-driven, colorful work sets me and my creative work apart.
I have collaborated with a diverse range of clients, from large-scale companies to low-budget scrappy startups, consistently delivering high-quality results that align with their needs and budget requirements.
A few of the notable clients I have had the pleasure of working with include Neptune Hotel Group, Dentsu, African Fashion International, Fashion Without Borders, Universal Music Group, Force 1 Records, J. Walter Thompson Singapore, Ogilvy, Saatchi & Saatchi, 3Verse, Unilever Global, Phillips (Germany), The De Beers Group, Bravo Zulu, Rituals Cosmetics, Chrissi Cosmetics (Italy), and Steyn City, along with campaigns for renowned brands such as Lux International, Ariel, Tanqueray Gin, and Weleda Germany.
With a strong technical knowledge and extensive on-set experience, I adeptly lead and manage every aspect of a photoshoot or TVC, from conception and ideation to lighting design and digital asset management. I firmly believe that the best work emerges when trust is established and when a fantastical, fun and calm environment is cultivated.
I am the first South African creative to have been interviewed for publications such as the esteemed French magazine Fubitz and the international heavyweight of all things photography in New York - The Phoblographer. In 2022, my work was exhibited at the contemporary VEEPEE Gallery in Paris, on the largest outdoor media screen in Europe, shown during the inauguration weekend of President Macron.
My recent achievements include being selected as one of nine photographers chosen by the World-renowned Art and Design and History Museum, The Schleswig-Holstein State Museum in Schloss Gottorf, to participate in a humanitarian project for Saatkultur*, representing the creative art of Photography, which was exhibited at the Museum. This project became a top 10 contender for a humanitarian and design award in Germany.
I was also handpicked as one of ten photographers worldwide selected by the Secretary-General of the United Nations and by Sky News to represent Fashion Photography in a campaign for vaccine equality for the United Nations Human Rights. This project was presented to International World Leaders in Geneva and reported on Sky News and The Times in the UK.
Additionally, four of my projects were featured in the official Pantone 2020/2021 color trend book, including inspiring a new Pantone color called Afro Black, and I am recognized as one of Nikon's Top 100 Global Photographers. A career highlight was a feature in the esteemed German Design publication - Page Magazine.
I have had the amazing opportunity to work with some of the most prolific faces on the continent, including Minnie Dlamini, Sylvester Chauke, Mel Bala, Jessica Nkosi, Bonang Matheba, Theo Kgosinkwe, Mafikizolo, Hlomla Dandala, Sandile Mahlangu, and the legendary Noxolo Grootboom, as well as international talent like Kostja Ullmann and Lasse Sobiech.
One of my favourite genres is as a portrait photography, capturing the unique essence of people through my lens.
I am honored to be recognised as a Profoto Ambassador and one of Nikon's Top 100 photographers.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Collaborating seamlessly with agencies and directly with clients, combining marketing expertise with creative guidance to deliver captivating visuals that align with brand goals across fashion, beauty, and hospitality.
Portrait sessions stand out, including travel portraits, personal branding shoots, and talent or influencer sessions. From updated books to editorial content, these shoots deliver impactful, personal, and emotionally engaging images.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Delivering bold, impactful creative solutions, from concept generation to pitch decks.
Collaborates seamlessly within agencies as a freelancer or works directly with clients to ensure flawless execution across campaigns.
Crafts compelling visuals and strategies that align with and elevate the brand, blending creativity and precision to achieve outstanding results.
DIRECTOR
Directing TVCs, campaigns, beauty and fashion projects, travel portrait sessions, and intimate portraits that connect. Skilled in developing creative technical decks, shot lists, and visual treatments to bring a cohesive vision to life.
Each project focuses on impactful storytelling, precision, and an emotional connection that elevates the final outcome, including elevated event videos and photography for luxury parties.
Workshops & 1-on-1 Sessions
The Psychology of the Set
Build confidence in working with models and navigating professional shoots.
Light It Right
Master lighting techniques, from simple setups to complex multi-strobe configurations.
Portfolio Boost
Elevate your portfolio with stunning models, expert styling, and creative sets.
1-on-1 Mentoring
Refine your skills, enhance creative direction, or build a standout portfolio.
Full Campaign & Production Services
From concept to execution, Ingrid and her team deliver:
- Creative Direction: Bold visuals that captivate.
- Photography, Video & Drone: Seamlessly blending stills and motion.
- Production: Location scouting, casting, and assembling top-tier teams.
- With over 20 years of expertise, the team handles both large-scale and budget-friendly shoots, delivering stress-free, high-quality results. Streamlined productions maximise creativity, ensuring a seamless process and stunning outcomes.
For full-service campaigns, visit Dustyland Fairytales.
Mentorship
Portfolio & Instagram Audit
Refine your portfolio and optimise social media for maximum impact.
Retouching & Workflow
Enhance your editing and streamline your process.
The Pitch Document
Create winning pitch documents with ease.
Working with Big Clients
Discover strategies to secure high-profile projects.
Available in person or via Zoom. Click below to book.
INGRID IRSIGLER
Cape Town: 084 742 2402
London: 0 736 735 8384
Ingrid’s passion for travel and her deep connection to Africa inspire every aspect of her work. Her creative journey has taken her across the plains of the Serengeti, the enchanting romance of the Mara, the lush jungles of Uganda, and many other countries across the continent, with Ethiopia holding a special place in her heart. Beyond Africa, Ingrid has embraced the vibrant energy of London, the timeless romance of Paris, and the warm sienna hues of Milan and Florence. These experiences shape her unique perspective, bringing depth, colour, and storytelling to all her projects.