Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabel Tignor.
Hi Isabel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I first picked up a camera when I was 15 years old, it was this dusty beat up Nikon that I found in my family’s garage. I remember holding it in my hands like it was an ancient relic, a discovery that was just for me. My first instinct was to go out into the yard and take pictures of my friends, flowers, trees, anything that I thought would look cute on tumblr. Naturally, I did not know the first thing about adjusting my camera settings or processing the photos. I am a bit of an obsessive person when it comes to my special interests, so I sought out the help of “YouTube University”, my favorite omniscient being, to learn everything I possibly could.
In high school, I took a photojournalism class, which sparked my passion for storytelling in photography. I became enthralled by anything overlooked, untouched, or abandoned; often finding myself somewhere deep in the woods or in an abandoned building searching for anything unfamiliar. My photojournalism teacher was very supportive of my photography journey, and asked if I’d be open to starting a photography club at the school, which I immediately said yes to. My favorite thing about photography is not taking pictures, it’s more about the connections I get to make with people, culture, and nature. I was more than happy to share this journey with others and help cultivate a passion of their own.
My goal at that time was to be a photographer for National Geographic, so when I graduated a semester early, I immediately booked a three month trip to Europe, and shortly after a three month trip to Southeast Asia. Some of my favorite photos I have ever taken were in the mountains of Ha Giang, Vietnam. This travel photography journey was short-lived, thanks to Covid, and if given the opportunity again I would gladly drop everything to explore the world and document it.
After Covid had settled and the world was finally back to its normal pace, I decided it was time to make friends who are also in the photography world. These friends, I feel eternally grateful for, as they encouraged me to start a new journey that includes modeling and styling.
Since then, I have modeled for my favorite shop in KC, styled for a few very talented business owners and designers, and photographed my favorite people.
I now live in New York City, as of May this year. My days here are very busy and fulfilling, and I am grateful that I get to utilize my passions every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the greatest obstacles for any creative are all internal. I’ve had to learn to not take rejection personally. For modeling, my height has been a factor in many rejections; but my favorite phrase when it comes to this is “rejection is redirection”.
It can also be challenging to have patience with the process; I frequently have to refine and redirect with styling and photography, and I know my process will continue to change as I do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Currently, I am a photographer and stylist that specializes in doing Test Shoots for agency represented models who are developing their portfolios. I also love to help brands find their style identity to help make them recognizable just by looking at a photograph.
I’ve done a variety of work through modeling, from fit modeling, to style-outs, commercial modeling, to walking for some of my favorite stores; I love that one job is never the same as the last. Every now and then I get to transform into another person entirely, and it is so much fun to really lean into the theatrics of it all.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a very social kid. I loved pretending with my friends, playing dress up, and I looooved music. I had a very vivid imagination, and always knew I wanted to do something artistic. I was a dancer for 10 years, from 5 years old to 15. I learned how to play piano at 7 years old, and when I was in high school I learned how to play bass guitar and drums. My friends and I started a band, which never went anywhere but we loved playing music together.
I adored my older sister so much, as she was a very talented artist and athlete in school. She is very creative and somehow is able to make something amazing out of nothing; growing up, I always wanted to be just like her. I still do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.isabeltignor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabeltignor/ & https://www.instagram.com/isabelraintignor/
- Other: isabeltignor@gmail.com
