I believe that often times, photographers find themselves lost, having made a turn into a style they may not ultimately love. I started feeling very lost this past year. Everything I’d photograph felt mediocre, I realized that I was spending more time wanting to please the audience than myself. I knew ultimately I needed to change that because if I didn’t, I’d hate my work so much, I would probably stop photographing all together.
Being in school has definitely helped push me to new styles of photography I hadn’t considered. This past year I went to Cuba for the first time with my grandmother. Such a wonderful feeling going to the land from which your family came. To go and see the upbringings of my mom, of my grandmother, of my great-grandmother. Although I was a stranger to them, I was welcomed with open arms. I’d spend hours just photographing everything. Documenting moments and things that seemed unreal to me. How did this country remain in the past?
The little town from which my grandmother is from seemed like something out of Nat Geo. Abandoned buildings, architecture falling apart with people still living in the homes. It was then that I wanted to come back with photographs that would show the poverty, the solitude, but somehow the life these people still had in their hearts to keep going. My narrative turned into that of my grandmothers sister. Quite possibly the strongest person I’ve ever met, lacking so much in life, there was nothing that could stop this woman from going about her day-to-day. Not even the lack of food.
Upon my return, I found myself very emotionally attached to this series. I knew then, Narrative Photography was the route I wanted to take. Such a beautiful feeling when one photo can tell an entire lifetime of stories. When that same photo can bring you to tears.
This is the story of Anita, from Perico Cuba.
Website: http://www.denisediazphoto.com
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