Drawn to Ibiza&rsquo;s natural beauty and sense of freedom, Dutch photographer Eric&nbsp;van den Elsen was inspired to go back to basics with his recent book.&nbsp;

How did your interest in photography develop?
I saw the work from the Dutch&nbsp;photographer Anton Corbijn when I was 18 and I knew I wanted to become a photographer. It inspired me to study the craft further and at that time we were shooting on film and I really enjoyed the process of developing my photographs in the dark room. I started assisting a photographer for almost five years and then a magazine saw some of my work and gave me my first job in Los Angeles and from that moment, I started travelling and creating stories for fashion magazines and brands.
Which publications do you work with?
I have worked for magazines such as Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire in&nbsp;Italy, Germany and Holland for almost 35 years. I really enjoy working in Italy - I like the mentality there - very creative and open to new ideas. They also have a relaxed way of working - arrive in the morning, drink an <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/food/how-to-make-honey-cinnamon-coffee-latte-shades" target="_blank" rel="noopener">espresso</a> and then see what we're going to do.

What is your relationship with Ibiza?
Over the years many of my clients have sent me to<a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/5-must-visit-places-in-ibiza-to-enjoy-before-the-summer-crowds-arrive" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Ibiza</a> for photo shoots, I love the light and the energy of the island. But I also love to come to the island to relax as well. 
Could you explain a little about your project, Alma Desnuda?&nbsp; 
The project started as I wanted to capture the essence of natural beauty, so no make-up, no styling and in the end no clothes. I just wanted to go back to basics. I chose to shoot in Ibiza because I always feel free there and I get a lot of inspiration on the island. I started with different models but in the end I worked with the same one for almost five years. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gabribellavelvet/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Gabriella </a>was born on the island and always felt completely comfortable, even when other people were around. We had a great connection and every shoot was an amazing&nbsp;surprise. I showed the pictures to a great gallery in Amsterdam and&nbsp;immediately they said that we had to make a <a href="https://ericvandenelsen.com/alma-desnuda" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book out of the project.</a>

What are you working on now?
I&rsquo;m busy now with a&nbsp;documentary project in Havana, pictures of women on the streets, capturing real moments, like in the book by <a href="https://www.moma.org/collection/works/111084">Garry Winogrand &ndash; Women are Beautiful</a>. I have spent a lot of time in Cuba over the years and it's comparable with Ibiza - the way of life, the relaxed feeling, the people and the beautiful light. I love to be alone with my camera walking the streets and taking pictures &ndash; to capture a moment in time.
<a href="https://ericvandenelsen.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://ericvandenelsen.com</a>
Images from Alma Desnuda will be on display at Atzar&oacute; Agrotursmo Hotel from 21st August until 30th August and at Aubergine by Atzar&oacute; from 8th October until 30th October

Alma Desnudo: a new photography book uncovers Ibiza’s naked soul.

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