Maria Isabel Ruiz. Photographer and traveler
Born in Uruguay and living in Peru, a tireless traveler, she travels the world with her camera capturing wonderful sceneries. Namibia, Iceland, Hawaii, Galapagos, Brazil, and many other places can be enjoyed in her photographs.
Isabel's work has been exhibited at the 17th edition of the ART MADRID Contemporary Art Fair, represented by Nuno Sacramento Gallery (Portugal). She exhibited at the renowned Flecha Gallery, presenting her works in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, France, and Portugal. She exhibited at the Gallery Espacio Lobo in JustLX - Lisbon.
Her work is part of the renowned H.E.F. art collection.
She has published several books, the last one being "Paisaje que soy". This publication has texts by renowned art critics, curators, and art professionals such as Jorge Antonio Fernández Torres, Juan Carlos Moya, and Marie Genevieve and is curated by José Maria Mellado.
Hello Isabel.
The first and inevitable question is always the same: How did you start with photography?
From an early age, I was passionate about photography, in 2010 I decided to develop photography artistically and professionally. My training was self-taught until I had the opportunity to share photographic expeditions with National Geographic and renowned American and Spanish photographers such as José Maria Mellado.
Why landscape photography?
I am most passionate about landscape photography. I always liked landscape and nature books such as National Parks of Peru, where the valley of volcanoes and the most beautiful mountain in the world appear. The snow-capped Alpamayo was awarded several times for its beauty. Books on national parks in Patagonia, Canada, and the United States.
Ansel Adams is a reference for landscape photography for me.
All of this currently inspires me to develop landscape projects in different parts of the world.
This type of photography allows me to create images freely. I like nature to surprise me with its shapes, textures, nuances, and lighting.
How would you define your photographic style?
I consider my photographic style to be free, I think it is more important to develop my own creativity than to take an example from other artists or trends.
How do you choose the destinations where you will do your photography?
The places I look for are usually inhospitable because of the climate and geography.
People never appear in your photographs, do you prefer to compose without them?
When I compose without people I create images with a freer sense.
If I remember correctly, at the Masterclass in Valencia where we met you were carrying a Phase One medium format camera, are you still faithful to that camera and that format?
Yes, I look for my images to have the highest quality possible and I still go for medium format cameras.
Which photographers have influenced you and which photographers inspire your work?
Ansel Adam's photography always had an impact on me, but I prefer not to be influenced by others.
What is your favorite photo and why?
My favorite photo is called Lake Tree, I took it in New Zealand and the moment I captured it was very special. It was a beautiful lake and the story of the tree had an important meaning for me. When I exhibited that photo at Art Madrid I was amazed by the comments from the viewers. It was the best-selling photo and was acquired by an important art collection.
Tell us about the photo you had the most trouble getting.
The photo I had the most problems with was a few years ago when I realized that the lens had a layer of ice on it at a frozen waterfall in Iceland. With a lot of effort, I was able to solve the problem and now it is one of my most important photos.
What are your next projects?
Exhibitions in international galleries, book publications with new projects.
Completion of my current project: "Iceland Uncharted".
What would you recommend to those who are starting with photography?
I recommend them to prepare and update constantly because there are always new techniques that are useful to get the most out of photography. José Maria Mellado's technique books are essential for anyone who loves photography.