Dive Into Pink, Sparkly, Confetti-Filled Chaos with Karley Saagi's Photography

Welcome to Hero of the Week, an ongoing series sharing stories from some of the best photographers in the Pexels community.

It's not hard to see why Karley Saagi has almost 40 million views on Pexels. Loaded with sparkles, confetti, and candy-inspired pastel hues, Karley's photos embrace all things kitsch for a perfectly over-sweetened aesthetic.

There are some photographers whose work truly feels like it embodies their personality, and we think it's safe to say Karley is one of them. She can often be found in front of the lens as well as behind it, shooting creative self portraits in front of her signature pink backdrop.

The Toronto-based photographer is also the director of social media at digital creative agency Qode Social, where she brings her creative eye to social media content and strategy. We chatted with Karley about her love of nostalgia, her Y2K-era first camera, and the memorable photo shoot that left her whole house full of candy.

Pexels: How did you get into photography?

Karley: I’ve been a creative human since birth: writing poems and songs since I was nine, putting on theater productions for my family and taking photos of anything that inspired me (which was basically everything)!

I had a wild and free imagination as a kid and I was always (and still am) a super visual learner.

My love of photography sparked as soon as I got my hands on a Nikon Coolpix camera in the early 2000s. I would take photos of my cats, the entirety of my mom’s wardrobe, magazine collages and other DIY projects I created, and eventually started dabbling in self portrait photography.

What camera gear do you use?

I use a Canon 80D with the 18-55mm kit lens, or a 50mm Sigma lens.

What's your favorite type of photo to shoot?

I love self portrait studio shots! Anything pink, sparkly, with lots of confetti and chaos.

I’m a huge fan of visual movement, bursts of color, and anything completely eccentric that exudes joy.

I love self portraits because they give me complete control from ideation to execution—and I have a ton of fun posing for the camera, free of any time constraints or judgement. It’s almost therapeutic and definitely empowering!

What inspires your photography?

My love of whimsical and ethereal aesthetics and obsession with nostalgia: from unicorns to cotton candy, I adore it all!

I’m a naturally curious person who is eternally dazzled by our world and the magic of it all, and find such joy in creating and sharing aesthetically cohesive and fun photos.

Tell us about your favorite photo on your Pexels profile.

I remember finding the Nerds candy at a local dollar store near my house, and instantly envisioned using them in a self portrait. It was a hilarious experiment executing this vision because I had to coordinate the self-timer, pose, and hope for the best that the Nerds would cooperate.

The shoot was exhilarating (and not just because I probably had 1000 grams of sugar running through my veins), but because it sparked my love of creative self portraits and proved that I could create content I’m proud of, all on my own.

After the shoot, my entire apartment was covered in candy and, I swear, I still find Nerds around my apartment to this day. What an absolutely fun mess and I am eternally thankful that this photo has received so much traction on Pexels!

Who are some other photographers or artists who inspire your work?

I am inspired by so many wonderful photographers, and thanks to social media (and Pexels), I have access to a constant stream of absolutely fabulous creators.

I am completely blown away by Matt Crump, the candy-colored minimalist. His psychedelic colourful photos are mesmerizing and he is a true pastel visionary.

Aww Sam is one of the first creators I found on Instagram that inspired me to share my candy-colored content. Her genius dessert ideas and bright DIY project photos never fail to inspire me to create something magical.

What is one goal you have for your photography?

To always stay true to myself and my brand. I never want to create something forced or something I’m not proud of. I strive to always be authentic.

Pexels Heroes is our invite-only community of the top photographers on Pexels. Find out more and apply to join here.