My love of the arts, both performance and visual, began at home with my family. My grandmother and grandfather played showrooms across Southern California in the late 60s and 70s. My mother was the artistic director of a Mexican folklorico dance troop, and my sister is one of the most gifted singers and dancers I know.
It’s no wonder that I followed in the family footsteps, and for more than 20 years I danced professionally around the world. It was during this time, that I developed a deep love for photography. While the countries changed, the one constant was my camera.
It started with 35mm black and whites of dancers amongst the diverse architecture of Tokyo's skyline in the mid nineties. I have always found the dancer's body beautiful. It emotes both a calmness and strength that has captured my imagination, respect, curiosity, and my love.
Digital photography changed the way I approached my art. The limitations of traditional film disappeared. When I wasn’t on stage, my eye was stuck in a view finder. I played with light in ways I had never thought possible, and I began to use the camera to explore the simplistic beauty of the face.
When not shooting dancers’ bodies in motion, I shot their exquisite features and expressions. I used natural light as my filters, and slowly developed the “minimalist” style that has become the hallmark characteristic of my photography. Even the slightest variation of light is enough to bring out my clients' joys, strengths, fears and insecurities.
I am intrigued and inspired by people, and my joy as a photographer is helping my clients understand how beautiful they are. Please spend some time exploring my portfolio. My hope is that you will understand as I do that photography is more than just point and click, but an emotional experience.
With love and gratitude,
Gabriel
