Isabelle Leon

Isabelle Leon is a photographer based in Baltimore, MD, and is currently pursuing a BA in Photography at Loyola University Maryland. Taking a meditative approach to her practice, she wanders with her camera letting the scenes and angles speak to her. Isabelle feels this approach gives her the chance to connect with the subjects in an intimate, authentic way. She has traveled with her camera throughout South American, with a special focus on Ecuador (where her father is from), recording moments that speak to her heart. Isabelle creates moments where she engages with the world around her, focusing on nature, the mundane and spirituality.

“#18.20” from As of Now

As of Now? explores absence through the interplay of light and shadow. Shadows, like our emotions, are complex, appearing to be straightforward at first glance, but when you think about it, it seems to be involved with various layers. Initially, the shadow has an absent element, yet there is also a sense of wholeness. Suggesting that the object is just out of reach yet still elusive. If you are looking at the shadow of a flower, you know the flower must be close, but the flower can never exist in its own shadow. The shadow belongs to the flower, but does the flower belong to the shadow? Through this exploration of absence, I am also asking the question: how we hold onto our memories.

“#18.20” from As of Now, Silver Gelatin Print, 6” x 4”, 2025