Ya Estoy Aqui
By Arturo Vazquez
Ya estoy aqui
Catrina inspired makeup for Day of the dead photo-shoot in a prickly pear patch.
I have a fascination for folklore, traditions, celebrations and colors of our human race. Mexico’s Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is one of my favorites.
Several years ago, I put this celebration on my travel/photography list, but in different attempts to visit Central Mexico during the celebration, my plans were frustrated. I decided that I was going to make my own celebration, and tribute to the Day of the Dead, by creating beautiful portraits, trying to recreate the Mexican essence and landscape, and using as many original elements as possible during the creative process.
I reached out to other creatives to collaborate in this special project. There was only one day available to do the photoshoot/collaboration. Berta Adaen Jimenez, an amazing Makeup Artist, and her daughter Scarlett who volunteered to model, drove more than two hours from Los Angeles to the Prickly pear patch location, in Ramona. Bertha also provided a beautiful white dress from the state of Veracruz in Mexico. In addition, a friend of mine, Roxanna Guzman owner of Donashi Boutique provided clothing and accessories from the state of Oaxaca, and also volunteered to model.
Prickly pear patches are abundant and part of the landscape in many places in Mexico, so I felt the location was ideal to give shape to my vision. Artists Adam and Gaby Tinkoff allowed us to use their home/Art studio where we could do makeup and dress up the models, and from which we could also walk to the patch. Both, Adam and Gaby also helped us a lot during the photoshoot. It took a lot of effort, planning, and coordination to make the photoshoot. I am very thankful and in deep appreciation with Bertha, Scarlett, Roxanna, Adam and Gaby for their talent and support to make this photoshoot possible.
Canon 5D mk IV | Canon 24-70 mm @ 53 mm | ISO 100 | f3.2 | 1/800 sec
Price: $247.00
About the Photographer:
Arturo is a multifaceted, and multicultural artist, an admirer of nature, cultural diversity, and all forms of creative expression. Photography to him, is a way to create, make magic, capture beauty, tell stories and express himself.
Born in Mexico City, Arturo made San Diego his home when he moved to town back in 1989. Since childhood, he has been exploring, playing and creating, using different mediums and forms of art, such as drawing, painting, wood carving sculpture, and photography among others.
Although he started taking photos when he was a little, it was not until the early 90’s that he learned how to use a fully manual film camera, and to develop the images in a dark room. It was then when he took his first formal, photography class in college.
Arturo loves nature, fine art, and portrait photography. He is constantly trying to learn, observe and grow as an artist and as a person.
Instagram:@arturov_lovesphoto
Email: arturovs777@gmail.com