GRACE ALMERA DE LA PEÑA

BY JACLYNTRUSS

gracealmera.com

Come and daydream with me

An autodidact photographer based in Denmark, Dela Peña’s stunning and ornate masterpieces leave you further agape once you discover she is but a hobby photographer. Having just finished her Master’s degree in International Business Communication, she currently works as a PR/Marketing intern, orchestrating elaborate photo shoots in her spare time.

Dela Peña “accidentally” stumbled upon photography 3 years ago, fell in love, and it has been her passion ever since. With dreamy, painting-like images, spiced with alternative fashion and accessories, it is difficult to tell where reality ends and the daydream begins. Dela Peña desires her photographs to tell stories and share the embellished worlds of her fantasies - her themes displaying a strong reflection her personal innerworkings.

INSPADES Magazine wanted to get a closer look at the inside heart of this pensively pictorial sorceress, in the hope that she would reveal how she conjures her magnificently magical world of make-believe.

“I am so lucky to have met a lot of amazing models, designers and other creatives. So, each photos that I’ve created are dear to me.”

“I use Photoshop for post-processing. I usually add more hair to give my images more drama. Most of my images are edited to look like a painting, so I paint over the images sometimes and add light leaks on PS to give my images a fantasy look.”

“It’s mostly trial and error. Before the actual shoot, I do a lot of research, how I want the models to pose, the location etc. I watch a lot of YouTube tutorials. The more you take photos the better photos you will create. It’s all about practice and your willingness to learn.”

“There are so many talented photographers that I admire. I like the work of Brooke Shaden, Tim Walker, Emily Soto and Zemotion. Each have their own style and way of telling stories through their images. They influenced my way of taking photos in that it’s not just about taking an image with your camera, it’s about telling a story, finding ways to be creative and pursuing one’s passion.”

“Don’t be afraid to ask people if they want to collaborate with you. The worst thing that could happen is you get a “no”. If it’s a “no”, then move on. Don’t linger on it and feel bad about yourself not being good enough. It takes time. Just enjoy and do your thing.”

“I make moodboards and I always try my best to communicate efficiently with my team so they know exactly what to expect and what to do.”

“The best feeling is planning a photoshoot; collaborating with amazing people and watching the story you all created together unfold.”

“My ‘Werifesteria’ series is all about one’s relationship with nature. It is about one’s curiosity and longing for something that you do not really know or understand. So, you wander longingly, walking for hours through the forest, in search of mystery. Daydreaming and meeting enchanted creatures.”

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