We were lucky to catch up with Ildely Herrera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ildely, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I first started taking self-portraits as a way to experiment with my photography skills and learn more about my camera. I had always been fascinated with the idea of capturing a moment in time and freezing it forever in a photograph. One day, I decided to set up a simple studio in my room with a backdrop and some lighting equipment, and I started taking pictures of myself.

At first, it was just for fun and a way to challenge myself creatively. But as I continued to experiment with different poses, expressions, and lighting, I began to realize that self-portraits were a powerful form of self-expression. Through the lens, I was able to explore my own beauty, my own flaws, and my own unique perspective on the world.

Over time, taking self-portraits became a form of therapy for me. It allowed me to express myself in ways that I couldn’t with words alone, and it gave me a sense of empowerment and confidence that I had never felt before. Today, I continue to take self-portraits as a way to document my journey and share my experiences with others

Ildely, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve always been fascinated by the Renaissance era and its art, and that fascination naturally extended to my photography . I love the way Renaissance artists captured their subjects with such intricate details, dramatic lighting, and a sense of timelessness.

To get started, I did a lot of research on Renaissance art and studied the works of the great Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. I learned about the techniques they used, such as chiaroscuro, which involves the use of strong contrasts between light and dark areas, to create depth and drama in their paintings.

I also experimented with different lighting techniques and settings to try to recreate that Renaissance feel in my own photography. I would use natural light or soft box lighting to create a softer, more natural look, and I would often use props like fabrics and flowers to add a touch of elegance and romance to the scene.

Overall, getting into the Renaissance photography style was a process of trial and error, a lot of research, and a passion for the art of the time. It takes a lot of dedication and patience to master this style, but the results can be truly breathtaking.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, for me, creativity has always been a way to express myself and connect with others on a deeper level. I believe that art has the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives, and that is the ultimate goal of my creative journey.

Whether I’m working on a painting, a photograph, or a piece of writing, my mission is always to create something that will resonate with others and bring them joy, comfort, or inspiration. I want my art to be a source of positivity in the world, a way to uplift people’s spirits and make them feel seen and understood.

Another aspect of my mission is to use my art as a platform for social change. I believe that art has the power to raise awareness about important issues and inspire people to take action. Whether it’s through a photograph, a painting, or a piece of writing, I want to use my creativity to make a positive impact on the world.

Overall, my goal is to use my creative journey as a way to spread love, positivity, and social change. I believe that art has the power to make a difference, and that’s what drives me to create every day.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Absolutely. One of the most challenging moments in my creative journey was when I experienced a period of creative block. I had been working on a project for months, pouring all of my energy and passion into it, but suddenly I hit a wall. I couldn’t seem to come up with any new ideas, and everything I tried just seemed to fall flat.

For weeks, I struggled to push through the block and find my creative spark again. It was frustrating and disheartening, but I refused to give up. I tried new techniques, explored different mediums, and even took a break from creating altogether to recharge my batteries.

Eventually, I realized that the key to overcoming my creative block was to approach my work with a sense of playfulness and curiosity. Instead of putting pressure on myself to create something perfect, I started experimenting with new ideas and techniques just for the fun of it.

Through that process, I was able to break through my creative block and come out the other side with a renewed sense of energy and purpose. It was a difficult journey, but it taught me the importance of resilience and the power of persistence in the face of adversity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/ildely
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ildely/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ildely/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ildelyh
• Other: Tiktok: @ildelyh