Some people find their passion early in life, and if that passion remains strong enough they are able to stay with it through thick and thin. Everything might not always go smoothly, but the determination to keep doing what they love keeps them going. Gypsy Westwood’s father is a photographer, and when he gave his young daughter one of his cameras it opened up a whole new world for her. That was the beginning of a long road that eventually led to that young girl becoming the pre-eminent wedding photographer in Ibiza.

Gypsy’s parents were artistic free spirits who left England in the mid 70’s, to become part of the eclectic expat community on Ibiza. They drove down with their young son Jake, and a daughter who was still in her mother’s womb. Not long after getting settled, Gypsy was born into the wild and wonderful world that was Ibiza in those years. Her father was a photographer and her Mother was a very creative dress designer, so Gypsy grew up surrounded by artistic people and the free spirited energy of Ibiza. It was a perfect environment for her to express herself in many creative areas, especially with her cherished camera. 

When she was 15 it was time to explore those talents on a deeper level by attending Fine Arts College in London. Gypsy flourished in that environment as her painting, drawing and other skills reached new levels. But the camera was still her best friend, so upon graduation she took the next step in that direction as the assistant to her father and other professional photographers in London. There she honed her talent and self-confidence by learning how to use her creativity in a practical commercial setting. After travelling for two years, Gypsy returned to Ibiza, but the opportunities for a novice photographer were slim. The only job she could find was as a ‘holiday photographer’ - going to restaurants and asking customers if they wanted to have their picture taken. This meant going from table to table with the ever-present expectation of both embarrassment and rejection. 

The restaurant gig was a true test of whether Gypsy would persevere in pursuing her passion. She could have given in and settled for a career that was more secure, but she chose to continue doing what makes her heart sing. Every possibility to take photos – whether of people in a restaurant or in the beautiful nature of her beloved Ibiza – gave Gypsy an opportunity to develop the mastery of her craft. Artistic mastery does not always translate into commercial success. For that you need a lot of perseverance, and perhaps a bit of luck. 

Gypsy has a pocketful of perseverance, and she also benefitted from a famous bit of wisdom that is credited to Winston Churchill: “Luck is the residue of design.” This means that “luck” often comes to those who put themselves in the position to be able to take advantage when good opportunities arise. So when Ibiza suddenly became the place where it seemed like everyone in the world wanted to have their wedding, Gypsy was perfectly prepared to step into the new career that awaited her: Ibiza’s leading wedding photographer. I imagine that many photographers jumped at the chance to be part of this Tsunami of marriages, but it was Gypsy Westwood who rose to the top. 

The years of developing her artistic talent and professionalism, merged with her natural sensitivity and love of Ibiza, to create photographic magic. What makes Gypsy so good at this? It is best understood in her own words: “Relaxed, beautiful, soft, feminine, natural, documentary and candid. Full of feelings, organic and real. These are all words that have described my Ibiza wedding photography. It fascinates me to be with and observe someone. To be able to draw their beauty and find their true character.”

Gypsy’s journey has always been tethered to her love of Ibiza and its timeless beauty. Throughout the years she has taken countless photos of the most memorable places on the island, and now she is sharing some of her favourite images with the public. The site is aptly named “A Love Like No Other”. It speaks to the many people who have experienced the special energy of Ibiza. People who feel love for the freedom, the beauty and the magic of our island. This is an opportunity for all who have had these feelings to relive them every day.

https://gypsywestwood.com/      |     https://printsofibiza.com/