Photoshoot + Interview: 'Where the Wild Flowers Grow' by Ana Isabel

Ana Isabel is a conceptual fine art portrait photographer currently residing in London, UK.

Originally born on the naturally stunning island of São Miguel in Portugal, the talented photographer explains that she has inherited a "paradisiac view of the world".

We were lucky enough to ask Ana a series of questions about her photography, as well as to feature one of her latest and greatest series, 'Where the Wild Flowers Grow'. Check it out below!

Q. This shoot is stunning! How did you arrive at the concept?

A: Karin (Rouge Pony) had created some wonderful mermaid headdresses, and she asked me to photograph them. Karin knew of a beautiful location with water, which she wanted to use. I love mixing fashion with fantasy and I already had an idea of how I wanted to edit the photos even before the session, by trying a new technique that I had recently learned, that made the skin look somewhat like a painting. So the visual style was already in mind. The model Gingerella and Karin, brought along some garments and we picked which to use together.

I hadn’t visited the location beforehand, thus on the day I simply selected different parts of the location, as I saw them, which complimented the pieces of clothing and headdresses. It was very much an “on the moment” thing, which is pretty much how I usually photograph: I come with an idea (choose the model, the clothing, make-up, props, etc.) and then on the day, work with the location around me, the way each part “speaks” to me. Nature transforms itself all the time, and so I kind of work with what I have at the time and the light available.

Q. You describe yourself as a conceptual photographer - what does that mean to you?

A: I am not really a studio portrait person, in the traditional sense that a client comes in and you just “do your job”. For me, each photograph I create has to tell a story, a concept. With my images, I hope to create an impact and open the viewers' mind to imagination. I love reading and also writing, for me photography is just another way to convert words into an actual image. I think this is why I bring so many fantasy and mystical elements to my photoshoots: An image can tell a thousand stories.

Q. Can you tell us more about your relationship with nature in your work?

A: I think my relationship with nature began in my childhood. I was born on one of the islands of the Azores, São Miguel, which is one of the most beautiful natural places in the world. It is such a magical place, that the Azores were rated one of the top 5 island destinations by National Geographic.

For a long time, this relationship with nature was not something I really thought about, it was something natural, something I had been born with. However, when I started photographing, I learned very quickly that it was within this magical world that I wanted to create my portraits.

For me, nature helps me tell that story that’s in my mind in a much better way. It makes more sense to me than being surrounded by four walls. And on top of that, I hope to create some awareness to the importance of our natural world, and the need to protect it.

Q. What media inspires your work - books, paintings, films?

A: I think music plays a big part in my inspiration, but mostly my work is inspired by ancient paganism and animism.

So many people hear the word “paganism” and they are scared or apprehensive by it, due to the fact the word has been so wrongly used throughout the centuries. Yet,it’s just a word to refer to pre-Christian religions and ancient cultures. I love the power that was given to women in many of these cultures. We were as important and strong as men: joined them in battles and at the same time we were put in altars as Goddesses of love and healing.

In addition to this, I believe they had much more intrinsic relationship with nature, which you can still see in various tribes. It both fascinates and saddens me, how much of this we have lost. With my art I am just trying to bring this connection back.

We want to thank Ana for taking the time to answer our interview questions and we encourage you to check out more of her amazing photography by visiting her website and following on both Facebook and Instagram (@ana_isabel_photography).

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Full credits: Photography & Retouching: Ana Isabel | Model: Gingerella (@itsgingerella) | Headdresses & Accessories: Rouge Pony (@rougepony) | Make-up Artist: Kari Roberts (@_kariroberts) | Gold Satin Dress: Wonderland Clothing (@wonderlandclothingxo)

Interview by Cecile – Cecile Blackmore is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.