People of Ibiza: Rosa Scipion

These influences have shaped Rosa into one of the island’s most renowned local photographers. Her work stands out for its sensitivity and deeply feminine perspective, capturing the essence of her subjects with an intimate and ethereal touch.

"I grew up in a creative household; my mother is a painter and fashion designer, while my father is a leather craftsman. From an early age, I was engaged in creative pursuits, using them as a way to experiment and learn. My parents, alongside other islanders, helped shape what are now the most renowned hippie markets. We travelled extensively, and I was always surrounded by nature and various cultures, which initially led me to aspire to become a National Geographic photographer—until I discovered my true photographic purpose.

I have always been surrounded by creative individuals, starting with my parents. I suppose art has always been something that naturally attracted me.

Being immersed in nature is something I have never taken for granted. I will always be an island child, and nature remains my greatest source of inspiration, offering the ability to ground oneself and listen more attentively to intuition. At around 16, I got my hands on my first digital camera and spent countless hours experimenting, capturing colours and photographing animals. I sensed there was something special about it. Then, at 17, I was given my mother’s analogue camera, which became my most treasured possession for the next few years, allowing me to document meaningful moments in time.

Ibiza's nature remains one of my greatest inspirations. I am incredibly grateful to have grown up amid such breathtaking landscapes—it is where I feel most at home. Anyone who has set foot on this island has felt it. There is an inexplicable energy here. Ibiza is captivating, magnetic, and has a unique ability to bring people together from all over the world. It is an endless source of inspiration.

Beyond that, I was fortunate to move away from toxic femininity at a young age and instead found genuine sisterhood, which remains a significant part of my life. My sisters mean the world to me; they inspire and energise me. I find each of them uniquely beautiful, and from the very beginning, they have fuelled my passion for exploring and celebrating the concept of the Divine Feminine through my work.

Ibiza exudes a deeply feminine energy. She is wild, free, and nurturing. I believe this essence is reflected in my photography through the use of soft lighting, the connection between my subjects and nature, the soulful interactions, the earthy tones and fabrics, and the safe spaces I create for the women I work with. My work also explores the island’s mystical and spiritual aspects, further reinforcing its feminine essence.

I love working with local muses—many of whom are close friends—creating a space of absolute comfort and ease during shoots. This familiarity allows for a natural, effortless dynamic that brings out the best in our creative collaborations. At the same time, I genuinely enjoy meeting new faces, not only to diversify my personal portfolio but also because I thrive on building new creative connections. These encounters often blossom into lasting friendships and open doors to fresh artistic opportunities.

I take great joy in witnessing the artistic growth on the island, particularly among younger creatives. However, what fills me with the most pride is seeing my sisters establish their own creative businesses and flourish in their endeavours. Ibiza is home to an extraordinary community of talented individuals, and being part of this ever-evolving creative landscape is truly inspiring.

My work is deeply intertwined with themes of empowerment, authenticity, and storytelling. With my focus on natural light and film, my aesthetic leans towards a more organic and intimate style, which aligns well with the sustainable fashion brands I choose to work with.

As a self-taught photographer, I have always worked with natural light in outdoor settings, gradually mastering its nuances throughout the day. This understanding allows me to adapt seamlessly to different environments and conditions, capturing the ever-changing interplay between light and landscape.

Ibiza’s light is truly mesmerising, and I am particularly drawn to its sunrises. In those quiet early hours, when the world is still asleep, the island feels untouched, offering vast, open spaces to explore freely and create without distraction.

My connection to film runs deep, as it was the first medium I used when I began photographing. I am drawn to its aesthetic and appreciate the time it saves in post-production. More importantly, film compels me to slow down and be deliberate. Each roll has a limited number of exposures, making every frame intentional. Unlike digital photography, where thousands of images can be captured instantly, film demands precision and thoughtfulness, ensuring that each shot holds real significance.

In Ibiza, I am particularly inspired by the "little calas", especially the way sunlight dances on the water’s surface. I could spend hours mesmerised by the way the sun reflects off the waves. 

However, I also love immersing myself in different landscapes when I travel. One environment I have recently come to appreciate is the desert. Its vastness and unique beauty are unlike anything I am accustomed to, making it a fascinating and refreshing source of inspiration.

The island’s free-spirited, bohemian essence has naturally shaped my work over the years, becoming an integral part of both my life and creative journey. Its organic, soulful aesthetic has always drawn me in. However, after spending so much time immersed in this environment, I have felt the need to expand my artistic horizons. Travelling to new destinations allows me to step beyond my comfort zone, experiment with different styles, and embrace fresh sources of inspiration, while still preserving the authenticity and free-spirited essence that define my work.

When I travel, I always seek out places I have never visited before. Recently, I have been particularly drawn to locations that are less commonly used for photoshoots, adding a sense of uniqueness to my images and making them even more distinctive for the brands I collaborate with.

Since 2022, Zanzibar has truly become my second home. It feels as if I was always destined to live on islands. In many ways, it reminds me of how Ibiza might have been decades ago, with a similarly powerful energy that continuously draws me back. Each time I return, something special unfolds, whether it be a renewed sense of freedom, joy, or adventure.

From a photographic perspective, I relish the opportunity to incorporate such a strikingly different landscape into my portfolio. The contrast between these two island worlds not only enriches my creative vision but also allows me to explore new artistic dimensions and perspectives.