“Imagination has always been my playground,” photographer Sage Causie tells the Phoblographer. “Growing up with vivid children’s books and imaginary friends fueled a world of fantastical ideas in my head. That’s still a driving force today.” Indeed, Sage creates some beautiful and wonderful photos that come from her dreams. And though she shoots all her own images, she finds AI to be fascinating because of how dreamy it can look.
All images by Sage Causie. Used with permission. Please check out her website and Instagram @sagecausie for more.
Sage started doing photography in High School while experimenting with different concepts with friends. For most of that time, it was all about playful exploration. In 2016, though, things changed. “Opportunities with networks emerged, and I found myself cultivating a dedicated community,” Sage tells us. “From winning grants to recognition for my work, photography became a true passion.” On her website, you can find just a few of those brands. Sage talks more about her creative vision:
Vivid dreams are a constant in my life. They often spark high-level concepts that I yearn to capture. My “Black Mermaid” project exemplifies this ambition. However, creating these elaborate visions requires time and resources. I believe in waiting until I can execute a project in the way I truly envision it, ensuring it has the impact it deserves. So, yes, my dreams absolutely influence my work, but only when the timing and resources align for the perfect realization.
Sage Causie
To achieve her dreams, she typically uses a Sony a7 II and a 50mm lens. Sometimes, she uses a flash. then she does post-production in Lightroom and Photoshop. Most of her work, however, is sent to retouchers. For her Black Mermaid project, a special effects artist brought the mermaid tail to life. And she also isn’t really afraid of AI. “AI-generated images are fascinating,” she explains. “They possess a dreamlike quality that resonates with my own work. For independent photographers, I see a potential for combining AI elements with our own artistic vision to create truly unique pieces.”
