Can we skip to the part where we become best friends?
Hola, I'm Esmeralda (she/her/ella) but you can call me Esme since we are basically best friends now (i'll get started on those friendship bracelets)! I want you to know that your light is welcomed here. I pride myself in creating an inviting environment so that your essence can be captured through images that last for a lifetime!
Growing up as a plus size brown Latina, I quickly became aware that I didn't fit into the conventional standards of beauty (and really anything else) that society seemed to impose. From a young age, I carried the weight of feeling different, constantly trying to mold myself into a shape and image that wasn't meant for me. It was an exhausting journey, navigating through life with a collection of masks that I had created based on societal expectations and guidelines. I camouflaged my essence so that I could feel like I belonged, like I had a seat at the table. I rarely saw anyone who resembled me in the media. And on the rare occasions when there was, it often came with scrutiny, criticism, and shame.
This lack of representation is why I'm so deeply passionate about what I do as a photographer. My job is to provide a visual testament that our differences should be celebrated, not hidden or altered. The power of photography lies not only in freezing moments in time but also in providing a safe space where people can embrace their true selves, free from constraints and pressures. I want to be the person behind the camera who creates an environment where every person, regardless of their shape, size, sexual orientation, age or ethnicity, feels celebrated and seen. It's about capturing the diverse beauty that exists within every individual and showcasing it proudly.
How it all started
Ever since I can remember, photography has held a special place in my heart. From a young age, I was drawn to capturing moments and preserving memories. Instead of asking my Tios and Tias "You got any cool games on your phone?" I was asking "Can i borrow your phone and take pictures of you?!"
I didn't get an actual point and shoot camera until I was 17 and let me tell you, I was obsessed!!!! My first camera was the KODAK Z740 that my mom bought at the local Circuit City (you remember those?!). Looking back, I hold a deep sentimental attachment to those early photographs I captured with my Kodak (below). They mark the beginning of my photography journey and hold a special place in my heart as cherished memories frozen in time. It is through these photographs that I am reminded of the power of photography to preserve the essence of a person, their smile, their laughter, and their unique soul. They are a testament to the enduring impact and importance of capturing precious moments, as they become cherished treasures that we can hold onto forever.
