‘My father is an incredible photographer,’ says Gypsy Westwood, ‘and from the day he gave me my first camera when I was 14, I was either by his side in the darkroom or out taking photos of whoever and whatever would let me!’
With her flamboyant curls and free spirited nature, Gypsy Westwood is a true Ibiza baby, born to English parents on their little white island paradise. After moving to England and graduating in 1999 from Middlesex University with a degree in fine art and photography, Gypsy headed to eclectic London, successfully specialising in fashion and lifestyle photography.
Not long after - and quite fittingly - in a classic case of Gypsy vs. The World, the talented photographer spent a year travelling with husband Hayden, capturing the many amazing colours, cultures and characters of India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Australia. ‘I love photographing people,’ she confides. ‘It’s such a joy to bring out their true character through the lens of a camera’.
But the ruby slippers – or in Gypsy’s case, ruby trainers - were blistering away and it was only a matter of time before she realised there was no place like home and returned to Ibiza, a decision she didn’t need to think about twice.
Since returning to her homeland in 2001, Gypsy Westwood, with her authentic local knowledge and natural affinity with the island, has established a thriving photography career working on literally hundreds of projects ranging from weddings, family portraits and interior design shoots to working with villa rental and sales companies, luxury bars and exclusive restaurants.
Gypsy is one of the most popular photographers in Ibiza and when you see the way she captures her subjects, you’ll understand why. In Gypsy’s case, her pictures really do say a thousand words.
This story was published on March 29, 2008