Isabella Bubola, a Pula-based photographer, illustrator and designer of graphic design is also a Croatian national. Isabella graduated in 2015 from the Academy of applied arts, Rijeka. Her photographs are strongly influenced by dreams, colours and the surreal.
Thanks, Isabella Bubola, for accepting our invitation. Please continue reading…
Please introduce yourself.
Isabella Bubola is a graphic designer, illustrator and photographer from Pula in Croatia. I graduated in applied arts from the Academy of applied arts, Rijeka in 2015. My focus was on applied graphics. Every summer, I get a strong sense of wanderlust and am a dreamer.
Isabella, how did you become interested in photography?
I have always wanted to archive things, feelings, and memories. My fascination with photography began with carefully dated drawings and diaries. At the age of 11, I bought my first digital camera. It was a toy-like, lightweight camera with no screen. But it was all I needed to capture my life. I had no plans and didn’t think much about photography. I just shot, enjoying the moment. In retrospect, I see that using a toy to practice with was a great way to improve my photography skills. I had to estimate the distance from the subject, and then experiment with compositions and lighting.
What is your preferred style of portrait photography?
It is a strong emotion. It encourages you to be curious.
Your portraits are so elegant and graceful. Please, a few words?
The calmness of my work resonates most with me. This comes from a different side of me that I show most visibly because I am a friendly, talkative and loud personality. I like to make my subjects feel at ease when I take their picture – I want them to feel that they can express themselves without judgement. The magic happens when the subject feels both confident and vulnerable.
How can you create those dreamlike moments?
By choosing carefully the light and mood that I want to portray. Light is a key factor in my work, as I use colour. It affects the mood and colours of the image.
What has been the most flattering compliment you have received?
When someone says that your work inspired them to start photography, it’s an incredible honour. This makes me very proud, and I think it’s the greatest compliment. Peter Lindbergh, one of my favorite photographers, was on the jury for a group show in which I participated. He was very kind to compliment my self-portrait photos that were displayed at that time.
Who are you if no one looks at you?
The lazy cat, covered in fluffy blankets.
What photographers have you been inspired by?
Peter Lindbergh, Tim Walker, and Francesca Woodman are all inspirations to me. Elizaveta porodina, David Uzuchukwu and other photographers who I met and photographed last summer inspire me. All of them have a sense of intimacy that is unique. It’s difficult to capture a photograph that is intimate and also for the viewer to feel this intimacy, even when taking a self-portrait.
What is your most used camera?
Canon EOS 600d with flippable screen. It’s an excellent choice for self portraits.
What is your favourite music?
I like a wide variety of music from hip-hop and rock to trip-hop. I have seen Massive Attack, Morcheeba and Portishead perform live on two occasions. I hope to get to see Lorde and Portishead too. Currently I’m listening to XX Intro on repeat.
Tell me your hobbies and interests besides photography.
Spending time with my friends, in nature and with my cats as well as reading, writing, exercising, and spending time with me, I also enjoy working out. Travel whenever I can. I spend at least 30 minutes a day drawing. It can be quick sketches, comics, or finished pieces. Fortunately, I have friends that also draw – we find a cozy spot to chill and draw together as soon as the spring arrives.
What final thoughts would you like to share with our readers?
You can always become a better version yourself.
