Still in Winter

Jan 22, 2022, Media, PA

My entry into the world of photography was, let's say in this way, accidental. The truth is that I grew up in a family where memories were (and still are) face-to-face. Besides, I was such an active girl that I found boring to stop for the typical souvenir photo.

I have an excellent photographic memory. However, when my children were born it was another story... I became the hunter of how and when they smiled and how many different faces they made. At some point I got tired of seeing similar photos and well... here I am.

This is a town where I was working while understanding step by step the science behind a beautiful photo. I don't work there anymore, but I still come back eventually, maybe to prove to myself how much I've learned.

Winter.

Jan 8, 2022 Art Museum, Philadelphia, PA

For a Caribbean woman, winter is a paradoxical season: It is beautiful, there is no doubt about it. The intense cold tries to reduce our usual gatherings (many) during the holidays, but it can't with our hot blood.

The sky, the air are so clean... The colors, the silence, the sound of the snow being stepped on... Everything is so different from the Caribbean!

“How like a winter hath my absence been
From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen!
What old December’s bareness everywhere!” W. Shakespeare, Sonnet 97

Enjoy it! (And take a picture!)

Ahhhh Play Ball!

Sep 23, 2021 Philadelphia, PA

I do not know in other latitudes, but in the Caribbean we have a very particular attachment to Baseball. From the games broadcast on radio and TV, the fans in our families that push us from one side to the other, the games in the children's schools, and, of course, the US MLB (Major League Baseball).

With that being said, and following that old song “Cheap seats’ from Alabama band,

“We like our beer flat as can be
We like our dogs with mustard and relish
We got a great pitcher what's his name
Well we can't even spell it…”

It does not matter if we know the names of the players or their stats. Enjoy a good game whenever you find it (and take a picture!)

Silhouttes

Dec 25, 2021 Coral Springs, Florida

Pause
(Inner dialogue)
Stop and enjoy the simple things: Breathe and look around you . Wait! Look at the silhouettes. Set the camera, quiet, quiet! Are you ready? Wait a second, check the setting again. Ohhh, breathe ... Don't shoot yet, wait for the group to break up ... Don't move, patience! Patience! Aha, the group disperses ... Nice, don't move a muscle. shhhh don't breathe now, wait for the fellow photographer to point to Jupiter. Yes! Now, NOW! don't hesitate, shoot!

Dancing Ball

Aug 21, 2021 Mooretown, NJ

Pause

Sometimes, involved in daily life solving complexities, it is difficult for us to recognize the simple.

One of my motivations to enter into the photographic world was to capture the passion of soccer, beyond the goals scored. I have become a hunter for the expressions of the players, the speed with which they play, their wonderful balance.

And while I was waiting for a game to start, these guys started to warm up: With a lot of laughter they decided to play in a space so small that they collided with each other.I watched fascinated as the ball came and went ... And I decided to photograph the protagonist of the game.

Oh, the places you’ll go…

Aug 3, 2021 Venice Beach, CA

The truth is that my arrival at Venice Beach was sudden and very fast: It was a beautifully unexpected trip, prepared in a short time and a stay for just few hours. Ever since I knew I was going to LA, I just thought "I'll do my best to visit Venice Beach." And I could do it!

Nature was very splendid with Los Angeles: A flat city with a spectacular wall of mountains and the immense coastline I didn’t have enough time to travel it.

I Walked with "my inner girl" on the surface: With wide eyes, trying to memorize each place traveled. The vibe of the people is so friendly that it surprises.

“…You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.
Just never foget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left”…

And of course, Dr. Seuss was totally right!

I’ll be back. You can swear it.

Meet me in Seattle

Jun 18, 2021 Seattle, WA

You can see pictures, you may have watched it in movies and TV shows, you may have imagined yourself drinking a coffee in Seattle, maybe a friend described very detailed the city to you… Everything falls short when you go to Seattle.

My city, Caracas, is in a valley: My reference is the mountain that separates the sea from my city. When I moved to Philadelphia, I spent a few weeks trying to locate myself geographically. After 20 years I got used to the plain of Philadelphia. From the mountains of Caracas you can see the sea and reaching the beach takes less than an hour. Since I live in Philadelphia, I only see the shore during the summer. In Seattle the view of the sea is constant, perennial, omnipresent.

However, the change was not abrupt: Little by little I was discovering the wonders of Seattle drop by drop, like a good wine: The pure air, the closest sky, the friendliness of its people.

The fresh air, the sea breeze, the steep streets, the vegetation (oh the vegetation!), the sky almost at your fingertips, everything made me feel at home the very first day.

Meet me in Settle.

Chihuly Garden & Glass

Jun 18, 2021 Chihuly Garden and Glass, Seattle, WA

I have to confess that I did not have high expectations when I decided to visit the Chihuly Garden & Glass: Maybe because my great wish was to get to Seattle ... Such a big mistake!

Entering the Museum is, literally, another dimension: Each room is an explosion of creativity and color that leaves visitors in awe. As a photographer, the challenge was to decide at every single step which angle you want to take.

I thought that having taken the photos, I was done: When I got home and with a fresh head, it was time to choose the best picture that represents the profound impression that Dale Chihuly's work had caused me. And again, another big mistake! I spent more time deciding what that photo could be.

I hope I was not wrong.

Oculus

Apr 11, 2021 Oculus, New York, NY

The Oculus ... Nothing prepares you for the moment of being in front of it: It is located in the World Trade Center, the place is perceived as "Holy Land". It takes a few minutes to recover from the feelings it produces.

Then, as a photographer, you are overwhelmed by the feeling of haste, and taking it home, going through it again and again and again. Only after you take the first photo you are able to organize your ideas and get the best shot.

And then those magical moments happen, the dream of a street photographer: That your best friends (and their teenage son!), after hours walking in the rain and enduring the endless stops in the best style "One second, I want to try this composition" , give you their best expression!

Somewhere over the rainbow…

Apr 10, 2021 Lincoln Memorial Cir, Washington D. C.

Tell me the truth: When you see a rainbow ... do you pause to admire it? I do, no matter what I am doing or who I am with.

I enjoy many of the manifestations of nature, others terrify me and with some others I am ambivalent: Lightning and lightning hypnotize me but thunder scares me, how crazy, right?

We were in a hurry to get to the Lincoln Monument, we were late and wanted to take advantage of the sunset light and suddenly, surprise! The rainbow gave us an unexpected pause to enjoy the moment, the space and the company.

If I have to name the photo, what better than "Seize the moment"?

Street Chess

Mar 6, 2021 Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

In a few days it will be the 1st anniversary of the Covid 2019 quarantine: 2020 was a difficult year for everyone. We will remember it as the year we realized how important personal contact with our loved ones is. Technology, in some way, has given us the illusion of having the world at our fingertips. However, nothing can replace the laughter shared by a mischief, a coffee with our close friends or a strong hug in the best Venezuelan style.

We get used to seeing few people on the streets and avoiding congested spaces. Scenes that were very common before, now surprise us, like this one from the street chess game.

I don't know about you, but I felt it as a promise of life: No matter how long the storm takes, we will be fine.

When you're on South Street, you can't sit down…

Feb 21, 2021 South Street, Philadelphia

One of the brightest and most active streets in Philadelphia is South Street, from restaurants, clubs, theaters, shops, galleries, sex shops, corner stores, tatoo stores ... ufff! The list goes on and on and on.

Its story is very interesting: Named Cedar Street in William Penn's plan of Philadelphia, South Street was the traditional southern boundary of Philadelphia's city limits, grew up with the city and from the 1960's began to have a life of its own. I met her in the 2000's; always innovative, always full of people at any time of the day and night.

But we are in times of pandemic ... and it is winter ... I could not help but be surprised by the solitude of its streets and the number of empty stores.

2020 was a very tough year with strong tests for everyone. In one way or another, we all have scars to heal. South Street will heal too.

Barefoot on the beach

Nov 26, 2020, Puerto Rico

As I mentioned earlier, this photography thing started with my children (Thanks kids!). Since then, my initial love is still present: Sports or action photography.

In times of quarantine due to Covid-19 (November 2020) and taking all due precautions, my daughter and I traveled to Puerto Rico. With almost all the beaches closed, it was quite an odyssey to enjoy a beautiful sunny day in that paradise. However ... we were able to do it.

The beach we found is a place for surfers, ohhhhhh! And it woke up the photographic fever Zzzzzs! And of course, I had to see them in action first: As wave hunters, they are on their boards waiting for "The Big One" while warming up riding medium waves.

As they waited for the perfect wave, the sunset was fast approaching, my heart started beating like crazy because I didn't know if I would have another chance. What to do? While I thought it was a crazy idea, my fingers combined action photo techniques with long exposure: This is how you can see the silky texture of seawater with the movement of the surfer. It's not a perfect photo ... but I love it.

Rittenhouse Square

Jan 24, 2021 From Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia

Rittenhouse Square is one of the five original open-space parks planned by William Penn and his surveyor Thomas Holme during the late 17th century. Originally called Southwest Square, Rittenhouse Square was renamed in 1825 after David Rittenhouse, a descendant of the first paper-maker in Philadelphia, the German immigrant William Rittenhouse.

Rittenhouse Square is a first-hand witness of Philadelphia's changes over time: It has seen it grow and transform into the city that it is today. The park is home to many cultural institutions as well as home to many public arts.

Every time I visit Rittenhouse Square I fall in love with something different, but this time I decided to look up a bit more, maybe looking for the sun because it is winter. I came across the architectural history of the city! Impressive right?

In Old San Juan!

November 21th, 2020, Old San Juan, PR

Puerto Rico surprises you, excites you in a superlative way and floods you with its smells, flavors, colors, landscapes ... I fell in love with the island just after walking 10 steps, discovering new things every single moment.

There is so much to learn in Puerto Rico! Visiting San Juan is an indescribable experience: I had the fortune to walk its cobbled streets day and night, with the sound of the sea in the background and its lit lanterns. I could see and feel my tropical happiness reflected on the faces of everyone we met along the way (even with a face mask due to the 2020 pandemic).

The photo, how do you feel when you see it? Isn't it an invitation to enjoy the cool afternoon wind, with a cup of coffee and your dearest friends?

Valley Forge, 2020

November 14th, 2020, Valley Forge, PA

After living over 18 years in the area, I must confess it was my first visit to the Historic Park: Valley Forge is the symbol of suffering, courage, and perseverance. It is sometimes called the birthplace of the American army because, after living in precarious conditions during the winter 1777-1778, by June of 1778, the weary troops emerged with a rejuvenated spirit and confidence as a well-trained fighting force.

The encampment demographics is a faithful representation of what this great country is: It had a high percentage of racial and ethnic diversity, since Washington's army comprised individuals from all 13 states. About 30% of Continental soldiers at Valley Forge did not speak English as their first language. Many soldiers and commanders hailed from German-speaking communities, as with Pennsylvania-born Brigadier General Peter Muhlemberg. Still others spoke Scottish or Irish-Gaelic and a few descended from French-speaking Huguenot and Dutch-speaking communities in New York. Local residents sometimes conversed in Welsch. Several senior officers in the Continental Army originally came from France, Prussia, Poland,Ireland and Hungary.

Nearly 10% of Washington's effective force consisted of African American troops but there is no statistics about the total number of African American and Native men because they served the Continental Army as drovers, waggoneers, and laborers.

I was impressed with the place and its importance in history when I saw this young father walking with his children, who between games and laughter and according to their age, spoke to them about the place. Wonderful, isn’t it?

Open your eyes!

October 3rd., Philadelphia, PA

One of the many challenges that photography has is capturing unique moments. The headache of my colleagues is to be prepared for when that moment arrives (as it is in life).

And so we go out with our camera, with the instinct of the active hunter, with a mixture of emotions and with a cold head to act accordingly: Do not interfere in the scene, anticipate the movements, be at the right moment and that nothing and no one come between the lens and the camera.

Bah! I'm exaggerating (just a little bit). Here in Philadelphia it’s very common to find photographers and recently married couples in the parks. I have found brides who smile and pose for me when they see my camera, their happiness is very evident. Other couples are nervous and smile shyly. The difference in this case is that the couple did not know that I was behind them, listening to their laughter and enjoying their joy, so much so that I almost forgot to take their picture. And although seeing the graffiti on the columns almost made me give up the photo, don't you think the contrast is great?

The Notorius RBG, Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Her Legacy.

October 3rd., Philadelphia, PA

“She was a force of nature. Ginsburg wanted to be remembered as “someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. And to help repair tears in her society, to make things a little better through the use of whatever ability she has.” She has certainly succeeded, having a significant impact on law in the United States, and inspiring girls and women everywhere.” Melanie O’Brien, OpinioJuris, Sept. 23, 2020.

A few days after the death of the Great RBG I went to the park to take action photos, my favorites. For a long time I watched kids of all ages and levels take turns using the different ramps. And gradually the girls began to arrive, some shyly, others with confidence.

The older girls watched first and leisurely tested the track. Serenely Towards their row, mixed with the boys and both genders applauded each other and commented on their performances equally.

I have no doubt that we will see the same panorama more frequently and in all areas: Boys and girls interacting under the same conditions, giving each other support. Thanks RBG!

Yeap! That’s me…

August 16th, Philadelphia, PA

Yes, I am a photographer. Yes, I chase my children and torture them to photograph them every time they allow me (and when they don’t, I do it anyway!). I also torture my friends. But personally ... I've never had the patience or attitude to be photographed. Sometimes I "try to beat myself" and pose (I think) gracefully, but there is no way that is natural.

I have pending work ... I'll keep working on it.

…’Cause we are the champions of the world!

August 16th, Philadelphia, PA

The passion of soccer in its most genuine expression: There is skill and enjoyment. Time stops to admire the deed of the partner and try to copy the trick. For sure, each of them will be practicing day and night until they achieve it.

Dream and action in just one shot. They made my day.