Interview | Izzy Rael — theVisualVoices.

Could you introduce yourself, your background, where you live, and where you’re from?

I’m Izzy Rael (@commoncomfort). I live in New York City, which is a good home base for me (there’s always so much more to shoot and explore). I’m in my final stages of being a high school student—hoping to end my educational “career” back home in California.

Describe your journey as a photographer.

I turned to photography in a time when I was kind of lost as a teenager, not really sure who I was becoming as an individual. Through art––photography specifically––I was eventually able to find my voice and navigate the new chaoses of New York City (having moved here when I was nine). For a few years of my teenagedom all I wanted to do was art.

What camera do you prefer to use?

I use a big girl camera now: a Sony a7sii for photo and video galore.

What inspired you to pursue photography? What is your biggest source of inspiration?

The city is my greatest inspiration. When I’m having a block, I roam the city by myself. I think being surrounded by such a diverse set of characters and life is so inspirational. Time alone is therapeutic, and most definitely necessary when you’re a teenager.

How would you describe your aesthetic?

I don’t really know what style of photography I shoot. I really stand between this balance of lifestyle, architecture, and minimalism. I love graphic design, architecture, modern art, and New York City individually, and photography is a way for me to harmonize these passions together into my own style.