View the world through the eyes of a budding photographer, as she creates stunning visuals that leave us gazing.

You might’ve heard the saying that a pictures’ worth a thousand words. And Isabella Palma López’s photography captures moments in time and depict stories with an alternate view through her lens, giving us much more than just words. Her images capture splendour in the mundane and reflect an alternate reality in the most beautiful edits and forms through her perspective. As she often breaks away from traditional photography, her portfolio captures a range of genres, delighting all eyes. Her relationship with film photography began 20 years ago amidst her grandmother’s albums and her great grandfather’s passion for the visual arts. She’s come a long way from her grandparent’s darkroom and is currently exhibiting at multiple venues in Qatar

Tell us about the inspiration behind your photos?
I believe I have multiple sources of inspiration, and they’re constantly revolving, and readjusting themselves – but I can definitely say that human behaviour and how unpredictable people can be is one of them. There is always an element of surprise when you walk down a crowded street.

What photographers influenced you, and how did they influence your thinking, photography, and career path?
Ed van der Elsken, Vivian Maier, Elizaveta Porodina, Dora Maar, Lula Hyers, Daniel Arnold, the list is never-ending. I really like how raw their work is. I also like when artists dare to experiment with their work which is something I have been trying to incorporate in my pieces as well.

Wolverine CAMERA

What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
How you will never stop learning and perfecting the craft. Having technical knowledge is not as important as knowing how to translate a given emotion when you’re capturing a moment. Sometimes people won’t understand the emotion you’re trying to display and that can be frustrating.

Do you have formal training as a photographer, and have you worked in a professional studio before?
I was lucky to study in a place where I got constant exposure to cameras and equipment, but everything I know about analogue photography I’ve mostly learned by myself through trial and error.

What’s your favourite camera to use?
Whichever I am in the mood to use that day. Is there a particular photo that you wish you had photographed? Looking back, I’ve had many moments that I would’ve loved to capture. I think it’s a thought that plagues any photographer’s mind. For me, it’s the period of time when I was living in South Korea.

What motivates you to continue taking pictures? Economics, politics, intellect, or emotion?
Emotionally, what drives me to continue taking photos is the connection you have with people and places while doing so. Analogue photography in contrast with digital photography helps you slow down since you only have a limited amount of shots. I love the intimacy it gives me to what I am photographing.

What is your favourite subject to photograph?
I love taking pictures of strangers and friends alike.

How do you approach photographing strangers? How do you make a connection with people?
I try to approach them in a way that will make people feel comfortable being photographed. I’ve gotten rejected many times, but that’s part of the process.

Your images encompass a range of genres, and we’re particularly fond of your neon prints. What prompted that inspiration?
Growing up my parents would listen to 80’s music religiously and I have always felt a strong connection to music and what it makes me feel. The colours are my interpretation of that music and what it makes me feel while listening to it.

What exhibitions have you done so far and where can we find your work?
I am currently showing my work in an exhibition organised by the Latin American Artists in Qatar and the Mexican Embassy in Katara. The exhibition is an experimental series of my home (Honduras) reimagined. I also like to sporadically post my work on social media.

What do you see in your future, or what do you hope to see?
Hopefully, more experiences that can help me become a better photographer, as well as more opportunities to put my work out there. Doha is a great place to be for an upcoming artist. This place has introduced me to many possibilities and memories that I will cherish forever. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @ISAAPL ON INSTAGRAM TO VIEW MORE OF HER WORK.