About _rebekka / Rebekka Guðleifsdóttir  

`Carlina says:
"When I saw Rebekka's page for the first time, I literally fell in love with her style. Her creative self portraits show me that taking photos of one's self isn't just about holding the camera with one hand and hitting the button, on the contrary it's indeed art and requires more creativity and work than any other variations of photography.

As I've seen more photographs by her, it soon became clear to me that this woman was indeed born to be an artist. Even her pencil drawings and her 'prjónadót' are magnificent..Her stream of images gets you curious of what's about to come next. Seeing those images is like going on a distance journey to a secret land of mystical creatures.

I do hope this beautiful Icelandic woman with incredible fine art and photography skills will continue to inspire many people in the years to come. Thank you for being generous enough to let us be a part of your splendid journey."

Official Michael Jackson Photostream says:
"I can't find the words. Rebekka is that good."

april-jane in Maine says:
"Simply put...Rebekka is in a league of her own when it comes to photography...you really can not compare her photography to anyone else's...hers are unique, imaginative, brilliant, surprising, inspirational, and more!

And Rebekka's artistry is multifaceted...when Rebekka photographs her " prjónadót" or "knitting stuff", it soon becomes obvious that her work is some of the most beautiful in the world! Her sweaters are so desirable, that even those living in warmer climates would no doubt covet one.

If this wasn't enough, this beautiful mother of two is most photogenic, and without being self-promoting. She is not easily overpowered by whatever else is in her self-portraits...whether it be one of her beautiful sweaters or the awesome landscapes of her homeland.

Her playful side is often evident in her photography...especially in her multiplicity set. And I just love the self-portrait she has drawn titled "grrr".

Oh, I could go on and on...but I am sure it has all been said before...but, I have a feeling that the best is yet to come! Thank you Rebekka for sharing your art with the rest of the world...it is always a joy to see what you are doing :-)"

Miss Aniela says:
"Oh my god! I have not yet written a testimonial for Rebekka who is one of my earliest inspirations on flickr, since I first joined the site three years ago. I was enchanted by the clone series she was building at the time, and she was one of the people whose self-portraiture made me see, for the first time ever, that taking pictures of oneself was quite a respectable thing to do.

Rebekka is indeed a remarkable self-portraitist, but as I was to discover in the ensuing months and years, she is also very well-rounded, not only in pursuing other arts besides photography but also many other subjects within it - from her children, to her friends, to her current series on dolls. Rebekka's images of Icelandic horses, for me, are some of her biggest masterpieces. She has managed to capture such character and mood through her angles and timing that honestly astounds me.

What has always struck me as an accompaniment to Rebekka's technical and artistic skill in her self-taught photography is her confidence and outspoken nature. I always have had the impression that Rebekka is both incredibly hardworking and incredibly nonchalant, to be able to put her often conceptually-complex work out there and let it do different things for everyone. Rebekka has inspired me not only with her actual work, but her attitude. Her achievements outside of Flickr are proof that it is not Flickr that makes someone a star, it's their creativity, and persistance to be push the envelope time and time again, eventually to carve out one's own unmistakeable brand and niche."

Diana Debord says:
"rebekka's photostream is one of the first i've met here on flickr, and obviously one of the best. her photographs are unique, and they talk about the beautiful icelandic landscapes, people and animals. every new picture is a new trip, a new concept, a new fantastic vision.

she is a master of long exposures and a really creative artist."

Andri Elfarsson says:
"The art of photography requires two fundamental skills: a. Choosing a subject (imagination). b. Balance (technical skills). Rebekka has gradually become a master of both. While her main subjects are nature and portraits her most amazing work is when she does both at once. Rebekka Gudleifsdottir is one of two Icelandic photographers that I have great respect for in that field, the other one being Ragnar Axelsson.

Nevertheless Rebekka has her own unique style where she is both the photographer and the main subject. Her courage I admire. She often plays difficult parts in her theater – dramatically and physically.

Having been to one of her exhibitions I know how important it is to view her work in true size so if you ever get the chance don´t pass it by. Whenever I need inspiration or I´m in doubt about processing balance I come here. Her being a self-taught brilliant photographer encouraged me to take my first steps."

oskarpall says:
"What can I say about her ....

She is a wonderful photographer and a great person. One of few people that I would love to give some space on my wall to !"

_tomanthony says:
"Rebekka is a creative photographer with a great artistic vision. I love watching her photostream.

Rebekka, your photographs touch the deepest of my heart, your "ride the breeze" blows my mind, and "An exercise in futility" makes me a better person. You are a good fairy and I am grateful for that!"

A.N.A.N.D.A says:
" WOW!
I could spend hours looking at rebekka's incredible photos ,amazing photographer and model!! is one of the most creative photographer that i have seen ..she's always give me beautiful images full of ART...
She's got a perfect sense of the moment and she is a huge inspiration to me with her beauty and her style..
She is a complete chameleon.. She°s perfect & so Beautiful...
TINA"

Soller Photo says:
"I am compelled to express my awe of Rebekka's talent.

I have been on flickr in one account or another for over 2 years and have seen many thousands of people's photos. I have been doing my own photography for over 45 years (as a hobby). Not only do I feel that I will never achieve the high level of art that seems to come so naturally to her, but I believe she is one of the best photographers on flickr, and certainly in the top 20 of all photographers currently alive that I am familiar with.

Don't ever stop taking photos - it would be a loss to the world."

Ash Imagery says:
"Inspiration: An agency, such as a person or work of art, that moves the intellect or emotions or prompts action or invention.

You inspire me. Thank you."

BamaWester says:
"What is there to say about Rebekka that hasn't already been said? She's the biggest star on Flickr and deservedly so. Her work is always original, well thought out, clever, technically and artistically perfect and beautiful.

I can't count the times I have been talking to someone about Flickr and the amazing photographers that are here....and have then sent a link to Rebekka's work for them ooooh and aaaahh over.

Rebekka, you are an inspiration to me and just about everyone who is lucky enough to come across your photos. You're career as a photographer is already much larger than Flickr and I believe you are destined to be a major star in the world of photography. :-)"

Isola! [with SD14] says:
"Rebekka is absolutely Giant"

Federico Erra says:
"
I love the art of this woman. its photos are pure emotions ,
every time that I see one its image I take a life piece .
who gives dreams goes always held in the heart....."

mariarenee says:
"The first time I saw an image appear on a piece of paper inside a tray in the darkroom, I knew I was meant to be a photographer, it was the first time in my life I felt magic was real and close. This might not make any sense in this digital world, but when I look at Rebekka's images I feel that same way, a magic rush through my eyes, not only I want to look some more, but it also makes me get up my seat, take my camera and look through the lens one more time. Your work has been an inspiration to me, and I'm sure to many others. Thank you so much. Maria."

chuckdarwin says:
"Rebekka has a knack for knowing what to do in order to keep something from being trite or cliché. Even when other photogs have gone for the same shot she manages to make it feel fresh and new. That might be her strongest selling point - the ability to avoid repeating what others have done with such a popular medium. Well, that and the ability to appear in much of her own work without ever resorting to the sort of trite 'myspace self-portrait' image we've all seen 3 million times."

doofusdave says:
"Every time I visit Rebekka's photos, my jaw always drops and I find myself saying "How the heck did she do that?" There are a lot of great photographers on here, but only a few brightly burning stars. Rebba is one of them. Her amazing works keep me striving for that elusive perfection that graces each and every one of her photos."

Extra Medium says:
"Rebekka spent a lot of time in Florida. This should be obvious because her photos reflect the rugged and diverse landscape of Iceland, which is a polar opposite to the flatlands and marshlands of Florida. Her photos of the Icelandic tundra and countryside have a unique touch and are vivid in detail. Her self photos are very well done (evidence by her paid work) and her people shots show personality and emotion. You know every shot she puts up will get several comments, and that's because you know it'll be very well done."

ulibrsrkr says:
"you got style!!!

totally great shots!

love it!

ROCK ON"

100% says:
"A true inspiration. Rebekka keeps you guessing what's next to come. Real talent and lovely shots are what make you come back.

Rebekka, I hope all the best for you and your family :)"

bıtzı says:
"hmmm... do you know that feeling when you have so many things to say but can't really choose one to start with.. this is exactly how i feel right now.. i mean, what could be left to say about rebekka's amazing work.. pure awe!"

m.ajinah says:
"there are a few people that I would consider gifted. rebekka is one of them. flickring through her pictures from the begning till the end, and watching her talent grow by the flick, I could not be more inspired. somtimes her work is too good that i have to go back and forth to a single image many times before i feel that i had a grasp. she is truely gifted, original, and a personal insperation.."

envisage says:
"So creative rebekka i love your touch in the pics"

American-Psycho-UK says:
"I have many Flickr favorites, some pro, some semi pro, some amateur, however i keep coming back to Rebekka's photo's. There must be something about the Icelandic light that the rest of the world doesn't have. Rebekka's shots have a surreal glossyness yet are real life through and through. She certainly has the photographers eye and has a grip of contrast, colour and a fantastic inspiration.

As for inspiration I only have to come to Rebekka's page to feel excited about photography again. May you take photo's for a long time."

brina_head says:
"rebekka's work is amazing. her creativity insprises me everytime i look through her photostream...from her self portraits, the icelandic horses, to her wonderful boys. the world through your eyes is a beautiful place."

Çh@meleon oƒ Arts says:
"Rebekka you're my photographic-hero. You inspire me to want to learn more about photography and express myself better than I can imagine. You speak the language of photographers in such a way that is unique, entertaining and sometimes even amusing. As an artist myself, I learn a lot from you. Your images are always fascinating and leave me wanting to come back for more. I admire everything you do including using the tool of your gift to help those in need. I am a big fan and always will be. Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us, and I wish you continued success in all of your endeavors. It's well-deserved!"

LaraJade says:
"rebekka was one of the first people I came across on flickr & has to be one of the most talented and creative self portrait photographers I've come across in a long time."

Lú_ says:
"Everyone's said it already, but Rebekka deserves the status she's achieved on Flickr. Her self-portraits, her landscapes, her shots of her kids -- all are extraordinary, in concept and in execution."

willster says:
"Where Rebekka leads others follow.
I find her work genuinely inspirational and after seeing so many of her pictures it has fired up my imagination. Looking through her photos has also introduced me to Iceland, somewhere I'd love to visit.
Rebekka is to photography what Bjork is to music, every picture is a work of art. When she finds time for sleep I don't know, maybe she doesn't?"

sam_ says:
"Rebekka's work represents a photographer who isn't afraid to challenge conventions or explore new techniques and ideas. I envy her adventurous spirit and look forward to seeing where it carries her in the future."

LucaPicciau says:
"Rebekka? The best photographer on flickr, simply.
She been my first contact and still that more important, its art teached, teach and will teach all people for ever, its creativity does not have limits, its talent is point of reference for anyone
...they would have to grant them immortality!
Sincerely, LuPi"

Atli Viðar says:
"Rebekka is for photography what The Turtles was for the early nineties, essential, addictive and without any anchovies. Truly a pop culture reference in the making. Also an OK dancer though she has to start thinking up some new moves."

\author{AndReA} says:
"NO DOUBT: THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHER ON flickr!! HER TALENT AND CREATIVITY ARE ENDLESS... EACH SHOT IS A MASTERPIECE!"

SeanR says:
"The most creative artist on Flickr. Enough said!"

Gianmaria™ says:
"Her self portraits and landscape....
are a KIND OF MAGIC to me!"

jon madison says:
"Okay so i haven't seen (much of:) Rebekka's house or car, but if her photostream and physical stature is any indication, this woman is quite disciplined, and intense. Great photography, great post processing, and great editing (she knows how to pick her shots). No matter the subject she tackles, the result is breathtakingly spectacular.

Rebekka absolutely needs to have several folk knocking down her door.

Thanks so much for your presence here on flickr, and for the consistent inspiration."

_Hans van de Vorst says:
"I really like innovative people, people who are pushing the envelope, think differently, have guts, change things. I've found that in Rebekka and her pictures. She's constantly trying to improve her pictures and to re-invent herself. She has the spirit of a true artist and is an intriguing woman."

walan says:
"She's just like God, in Photographyc terms."

SteveFE says:
"I have on occasion thought and said some less than complimentary things about Rebekka, so it's time to redress the balance.

I think to some people R comes across as pretty vain and arrogant, like she thinks she's single-handedly invented photography or something. I've thought this before now, but having taken a long trawl through her stream today, I reckon I was wrong. I believe she's somebody who has worked damn hard at both her photography (although there's a real sense that she enjoys learning and showing off new stuff so much it almost doesn't qualify as work, but she still takes it seriously enough to get the right results), and her self, most notably her own self-image. It's easy to look at the many self-portraits and think "narcissistic blonde", but read all her comments that go with them and you begin to realise just how much Rebekka has had to work at rebuilding self-esteem from a pretty low point somewhere in the past. As a lightweight depressive (the sort that likes to moan a lot but never do anything about it!) I can give her a lot of respect for that.

Do I think she's the greatest photographer on Flickr? No.
Do I think she's bloody good and too often misunderstood? Yes.

Rebekka, provocative but rarely boring."

END LESS says:
"I love her photo and always I visit her page . she is perfect in portrait specially in selfportrait . she is able to compose beautiful images of herselves and her pictures are stunning and wonderful . I am so glad to find her and visiting her imaginative picture . hope she is success in all part of her life"

Anton Leroy says:
"She's a stunner! One of my favs here. Great skills on creating photos, what can I say more... She's smart, openminded, creative. Anybody has already said she's also sexy? Anyway she's a hell of a photographer, would be nice meeting her for a beer and a couple (millions?) of shots.

Anton"

Simon Pais-Thomas says:
"Rebekka is one my favorite selfportraits photographer here at Flickr. She has that crazy and non-understandable Talent wich creates such powerfull images. I have learn from her digital art, and if anyone can teach me without telling me something, that's because that person has a powerfull talent. Rebekka is one of those persons.
Best Luck And Tons Of Effort for you, Bekka.

Simón Pais."

ericulbrich says:
"When I joined flickr, I was sent out some messages to people asking if there were any "interesting" people I should look at, and I must say that every single person who responded had _rebekka on their lists. A fabulos photographer who inspires all with the grace of her images"

good morning stradivari says:
"Rebekka has a unique style of photography. It is her own. Finding your own style as a photographer can be nearly impossible but she has acheived that. What an acheivement. I am always surprised to see how she magically transforms every day occurances and images into the brilliant works of art that she posts here. Her images are breathtaking and tend to pop into my head at any given moment. This woman is a true artist and in my humble opinion will become a historical photographer, recognized for centuries. It is a great honour to watch her succeeding in this competitive and often relentless field."

Tobyloc (again) says:
"Well, amid the sea of comments and previous testimonials that Rebekka gets, I'm not going to say anything that hasn't been said before. In fact I'm not sure she needs any more praise than the bombardment of adulation she regularly recieves. But the fact of the matter is, she's a great photographer and she deserves it.

She really is irresistibly interesting as a contact on Flickr. Every time one of her photos pops up in my contacts I know that when I look at it, I'll come away with something. Whether it's a new technique she's trying, a great story or a new favourite. Often all at once.

If I've learnt anything from her photostream it's that she's very talented, she loves taking photos, she loves her kids and everyone (barring the odd nutter) loves her :)"

Sabbaa7i says:
"_rebekka..

I really can't express myself in full here with these few words i'm going to write for your work is totally rocking me and my world making me think alot more than I used to..

About _rebekka, as a normal person not as a photographer.. I have PMed her several times though I didn't expect a reply not because of anything but I just thought that she is a hell of a busy woman, I guess I was mistaken for she straight away replied back and for this I show great respect to her.. I know how busy she is and what amount of PMs she might recieve everyday.. She's a down to earth person in this sense..

Now, about your photography, here is where I'll lose control writing LOL.. You're my #1 inspiration contact here on flickr.. I try much to learn from your photos.. Acutally I have learned alot.. starting with multiple rebekka in a photo to the water drops technique.. Your choice of colours and angles is just superb, yourself portrait is truly an example for learners though you have mentioned on your profile page that you have learned this by your own.. Besides the portrait being great as a photo, the model is always beautiful..

A simple woman with two loving sons and a camera.. Two thumbs up.. May god bless you three as a loving & a caring family..

Wish I had a quarter of what you have got.. Best wishes..

-SaBBaa7i-"

Pieter Baert says:
"The only photographer I've seen sofar where absolutely every picture pleases me. Greath work."

TurningTide Photography says:
"What can you say - it would appear Iceland breads very talented beautiful women photographers... You have such a wonderful eye for self portraiture."

.Zickie. says:
"Simply the best!"

yuridojc says:
"I was mesmerized seeing a slide show of this lady's work"

silverfrog says:
"I have said it many times in my comments of her images, Brilliant!!! Her work is just brilliant! I have been a pro for nearly 20 years and seen many images and worked for and with many great photographers. Rebekka is in my Top Ten, truly! Great image makers need passion in their work. She oozes passion in every slice that she serves us. A great photographer usually has one thing happen when someone looks at their work. More questions come up in their thought process as they stand in awe when viewing, than any answers being given. They know they are seeing greatness and beauty and everything else that makes photography art. Rebekka is one of the ones that makes my passion of image making a true artform."

Kimi PT says:
"All i can say about Rebekka is that her photos were responsible for me to become an active Flickr user. They are a result of trully inspired work that is allways a pleasure so see."

Ryan Brenizer says:
"In all of Flickr, among the millions of photographers taking, striving, capturing endlessly, there are three … THREE … photographers so good that I make sure I always examine every photo they take. Rebekka is one of them. (and don't tell the other two, but I think she's beating them)"

evanlane.com says:
"Dudes, rebekka is awesome she explores herself through use of the camera. I feel as if her collection is a daily mood chart. She creates a small window into her feelings and interactions with everyday objects. I bow my head to you, pretty and insightful lady."

waynemethod says:
"Perfect! Perfect face, perfect smile, perfect eyes, perfect creativity, perfect pictures. Her photos draw me back again and again. I can learn so much just by browsing through these pictures."

Liganga says:
"I think she is an amazing artist"

_tee says:
"Her photos speak for themselves..the framing / sense of color and light are nothing short of brilliant.

Pay close attention to her work - there is much to learn from her images..."

k2ski says:
"obviously, not just a pretty face; she's got skills yo.

on a semi-serious note, _rebekka has the best self-portraits on flickr. period. not only that, she finds unconventional ways to capture light. plus, she definitely knows how to use a flashlight. the scary thing is she has the potential to be even better."

miravann; says:
"1st thing that i loved about flickr was her page.

amazing talents, (not just one)
her work is simply the best. I hold great respect for her attempts to reach absolute perfection, and she aint that far from it.

P.S. NEVER have I found a photo of hers which seemed to have something (wrong), which has NEVER happened with me yet in flickr, though I browesd the work of atleast a 1000 users.

u have a gift rebekka,
all the best in life."

Mark E Thomas says:
"*****A totally gifted young lady*****"

angelocesare says:
"Her ability? To capture thoughts, emotions and expressions. Steady hand, clear idea, immediate action."