Ibarionex Perello

Ibarionex Perello (USA) is a photographer, writer, educator and the creator and host of The Candid Frame, one of the longest-running photography interview podcasts. For more than three decades, his work has revolved around photography — from making images and writing books to teaching, journalism and thoughtful conversations that explore the creative lives behind the photographs.

Ibarionex discovered photography at around the age of 10, when a counsellor at the Boys Club of Hollywood reopened an unused darkroom and invited two photojournalists to teach a group of children how to use a camera, process film and make prints. The first time he watched an image appear on a blank sheet of photographic paper, he was hooked. With the streets of Hollywood just outside, street photography became his natural classroom and has remained central to the way he observes light, people and everyday life.

In 2006, Ibarionex launched The Candid Frame to create the kind of open, in-depth conversations that rarely fitted within the pages of the photography magazines where he worked. Through more than 600 interviews with photographers from every genre and stage of their careers, the podcast has shown that there is no single path toward a meaningful photographic life. Alongside the show, Ibarionex is the author of six books and has worked extensively as a photographer, journalist and educator, helping others develop a more personal way of seeing.

In January 2025, Ibarionex and his wife lost their home and studio in Southern California’s Eaton Fire, along with decades of photography books, prints, equipment and personal memories. In the months that followed, photography, storytelling and the support of the creative community became part of rebuilding both his life and creative practice. Through profound change, his curiosity and belief in meaningful conversation have remained constant — as has his desire to encourage others to find their own path, make work that matters to them and keep growing through photography.