CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO CREATE A SECURE SHOPPING CART AND SELECT YOUR PREFERRED PRODUCT
Quality prints available at reasonable prices with framing, matting or without any wall hanging. Order now to meet Christmas and Holiday gift preferred shipping dates.
Collectors and art investors can also order by clicking on the image BOVE FOR a signed, numbered, archival museum quality print, reviewed personally and shipped with care and packing.
Isn’t it true that growth comes from unexpected experiences.
It is spring after all! Here’s to new growth sprouting up in the most unlikely places.
[photoshelter-img i_id=”I0000v73e0ycweE4″ buy=”1″ caption=”‘New Growth in the most unlikely places,’ 2011, photograph by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR (Catherine Herrera)” width=”600″ height=”441″]
The New Purple, #1, 2013, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR
So, how did the Danzon Series come up?
Recently, a person I met through Facebook invited me into the group ‘New Color.’ Its been a lot of fun to be part of the group, to meet other photographers and see excellent photography from people around the world.
One of the most important thing for a photographer is to study and learn from other photographers. Back in the day, one might subscribe to Life, Geographic, the papers that really took photojouralism seriously.
Although I still subscribe to many sources in my study of good photography, I’ve found this medium – and perhaps you will as well – and the social element of the photography groups have reignited in me a renewed sense of joy and passion.
The Journey in Photography is at its core about connecting with people. Whether across the world, or right at home.
I’m also experiencing a lesson in the global photography world, marveling at the skill and talent of so many photographers from around the world.
I welcome this daily exercise and reminder to grow more as a photographer, and then, grow again.
‘Resting Stop for a Butterfly,’ 2013, design-photograph by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR
Over the last several years, my photography has shifted once again, as I’ve written, this Journey in Photography really is a document too of one’s self.
‘Bee News,’ 2013, photograph by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR
For the last 10 years, since moving back from Toronto, I’ve been in California.
‘oh so bright,’ 2013, photograph by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR
In these 10 years, I’ve completed many client assignments, and, my personal work deepened.
My latest personal work has been shifting, currently, very focused on nature, which has had the side benefit of being quite healing.
‘Irresistible Beauty,’ 2013, photograph by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR.jpg
Today in Journey in Photography, I want to share that when I speak of a journey, I do not mean necessarily mean one must leave, travel or going elsewhere.
The photograph below was taken when I was in college, on an assignment that my friend Jona Frank shared with me, always encouraging me to overcome my internal fears, worries, doubts to believe that I too could be dream of being a photographer. That day, I was sharing the dream!
I am grateful for the early lessons on just how much photographers can exchange and give back in their work, and indeed, that sharing is very joyful when both parties are happy.
Sharing the joy of photography! 1988.
Today’s selections can be seen in closer detail by clicking on the image, and prints can be ordered from the Daily Foto by Catherine Herrera Gallery – as always, our online print ordering process is secure through Photoshelter, and archival prints can be made by ordering directly by emailing orders@catherineherreraphotography.com with the print title, desired size, and email address. I will reply to you directly so we can finalize the print details before shipping.
‘In a Row,’ 2013, photograph by Catherine Herrera, Intl CR.jpg
‘Todo en El Dedo,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photo by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR. *Scanned copies of prints are featured in this blog. Prints are made from the original black and white negative.
Nothing is simple on the Journey in Photography, as much as one is documenting another, the photographer will find their work is somewhat a document of themselves.
Its in this spirit that I am sharing some images from my Danzon Series taken in 1993 in Mexico City at Salon Los Angeles. (For more of the Danzon Series, see below).
Photography has shaped me as a person, and, my time living and creating in Mexico played a tremendous role in my creative development.
For more reasons than time, I will simply say, I owe more to that time and experience in Mexico than words or images can convey.
When I returned to the United States in 2001, I was surprised by the tensions that had developed after that Fall, when tensions regarding immigration had engulfed collaborations of cultural and social nature, sidelined in the now sudden need to take up immigration.
So, suddenly collaboration in the NAFTA era was ‘suspect’ and considered part of a cultural scandal, to be used to judge and classify.
‘Gracia, Grace,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photo by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR
Looking back on the Danzon portfolio, I think about the spirit of those times in 1993.
Enough people were ringing warning bells about NAFTA that ‘cultural’ and ‘social’ were thrown in to soften and inspire NAFTA passage.
As NAFTA moved forward, spurring increasing cultural and social exchange – as a side, to the main attraction of economic exchange, yes – I was inspired by a sense of being free of being required to ‘chose’ – like a child – between cultures. Instead, it seemed, I was walking into the real world which, does, in fact, require a great deal of collaboration and understanding, when combining together so many different cultures, beliefs and opinions around the world.
When I mention how documentary photography reflects oneself as much as what one documents, I share this from experience.
As travel and living outside one’s country inevitably brings a readjustment of perspective, I had to open myself up to admitting not knowing something, and cultivate a willingness to learn. Often, I failed and I had to try again.
I learned so much about Mexico, its history and culture and people, and, there was a lot about myself I’d uncover too on the journey.
My personal projects at the time developed from my artistic process, at that time, turning the camera as I did on others, on to myself. Much of my personal photography projects focus on notions of ‘home,’ identity and belonging, topics I was exploring within my own family, community and self.
Of course, the learning never stops, and today, I can look back on my earlier work, documentation and see its brightness, and as well as recognize how I’ve grown, and what I still have to learn.
I carry that enthusiasm into each new assignment even today, and embrace the journey of wonder, excitement, and learning to capture and create bold, compelling visual statements that serves the assignment better than even the client expected.
‘Asi! es como bailar juntos, 1993,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR.
In the end, I am left with the idea that what I once saw as Globalization – the connecting of people by common – represents a flow of energy, a circle of connection between people. That connection can be used to inspire collaboration, understanding and greater friendship, or, it can used to spread fear.
The world has witnessed both approaches over the last twenty years.
‘O.K. Si, toma la foto!,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR. *Please Note: Scanned copies of prints are featured in this blog. All prints ordered will be printed from the original black and white negative.
Looking back on my intention with my work, and how that shaped my professional career, I wanted to cover subjects that were beyond what seemed like the repetitive stories on Mexico – the Big 3 acceptable subjects: immigration, violence and corruption.
It was traumatic returning back the United States to find that the cultural and social exchange had been axed in favor of fear, and suddenly, any interest in Mexico was suspect of some larger play in a theater of never ending drama.
Looking back on 20 years since 1993, and these photos of Salon Los Angeles, I really wanted to highlight the gratitude I feel in having lived and documented for seven years in Mexico, when the door was still swinging in the direction of what was visioned as collaboration, greater understanding and benefiting all.
‘Bajando el Calor, Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photograph by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR
Let’s just say that ‘Real Women have Curves’ spoke for a lot of Latinas when making such a bold body statement as – ‘yeah, I got curves, and so what!’
‘Movimiento Dulzuro, Flow, Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR.
Back in 1993, a few years yet before the magazine ‘Latina’ was launched, I arrived in Mexico City with a serious complex about my own curves.
Maybe it was growing up in fashion and movie star influenced Brentwood, where my type were rarely seen, and often never heard.
Now, more mature (say I!), I realize those misconceptions about my body were most needing change within to learn to accept my body.
‘Es todo en la pie, 1993,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR.
Salon Los Angeles cured me then and there! The joy and happiness – regardless of the size – was a turning point in my journey of learning about Mexican culture, in learning more about body acceptance, and freed me to learn more over the last 20 years about the mind-body-spirit connection.
‘Alegre Pura,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR..jpg
I visited Salon Los Angeles several times over the course of a few months after arriving in Mexico City in 1993, inspired by my teacher at the Escuela de Arte Esmeralda, who took me out of the classroom, and into the street, helping me find confidence as a photojournalist student.
‘Mano con incendador, 1993,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR
That it took me moving to another country to explore further my love for photography is another story for another time.
When my photography teacher at the Esmeralda Escuela de Arte asked me what I was, asked me if I was an artist, if I was a photographer, I looked back at him and many others to tell me where I was.
Did someone hire me for an assignment? Did someone ask to my CV? To exhibit my work? Ask to purchase and hang my art in their home?
‘El Soul del Noche,’ Danzon Series, Salon Los Angeles, 1993, photography by Catherine Herrera, Flor de Miel Fotos, Intl CR..jpg
I was surprised at my weakness not knowing from within, which set me down a path of discovery in photography, and, as a person and artist, a journey in photography that extends to today.
I am deeply grateful 20 years later, and this blog is written to share with the millions of people around the world who have access now to cameras and exploring their own passion in life!
I don’t want to sound like photography can cure a disease or anything, yet, my enthusiasm rests in knowing that when I faced a serious health condition, right along side me was the love of photography, helping spur my spirit towards regenerating my mind and body.
A Journey in Photography is written with the answer now in my heart, and always Open to learn, grow and share with the larger photography loving community!
As a professional photographer, those key questions above are important questions to answer, and business planning and preparing is essential to people working in creative fields, in right balance with the inner strength and knowing – the hope of every artist is their art will resonate and impact clients, commissioning patrons and customers.
If you have a chance to stop by – there is still a month ahead to catch the exhibit up at City Hall, with each District contributing images to better illuminate the character of each neighborhood. As part of an ongoing series, District Six – Tenderloin – several of my photographs were selected to exhibit at San Francisco City Hall, room 270.
Green at the Hotel Essex, At Dusk in District Six, 2012, photo by Catherine Herrera
If you’d like prints of any images, click on the photograph to be taken to a secure site for purchase. or visit: www.catherineherrera.photoshelter.com.
Distict Six Series exhibiting at San Francisco City Hall May-Sept 2012, photos by Catherine Herrera – Flor de MIel Fotos
Projects are brewing, a moment’s break yesterday, stepping outside on the landing at sunset, I felt overpowered by the beauty of the sky, the colors and shapes of the clouds. I felt a deep appreciation to the power and wonder of Mother Nature.
Today, downtown San Francisco is alight with firecrackers and the sound of powerful drums that beat the welcoming of the Lunar New Year Water Dragon. I feel fortunate that this city is such a melting pot of cultures and people. Imperfect, sure, every city is in its unique way.
I’ve been deep in my research for the next project, set in three-time zones of history.
Looking towards the sky, time suddenly seems so relative to consider how many generations of people have come and gone under this very same one.
Yet, 2011 presented an amazing year in terms of developing as a photographer, and an exciting year of journey into the art of photography.
Limited as I was physically, I tried to develop regardless. One year ago exactly, I started the series ‘From my Window,’ and, spent time on developing an online gallery.
Studio work has grown to be a bigger part of my tool kit as I once again sought ways to grow as a photographer, despite physical limitations. This year, I collaborated with an author to produce the cover image for her book. Not only was I delighted to try my hand at working in the studio space where as I am so used to being out in the streets, I really enjoyed the creative collaboration.
I am now actively seeking more authors and creatives that seek classic photography for innovative projects to share on traditional and new media products.
Its been many years since I’ve gone into a lab to print a customer’s order. I miss those days in the darkroom, I didn’t know why or how, but I loved that darkroom space, and the joy in seeing the image appear from the developer. This year, I began collaborating with a local, quality print shop in San Francisco. Dickerman Prints brings back the darkroom experience in the anticipation of opening that box to see the stellar work of the printers in every printed photograph.
I am now able to offer clients a trusted, museum-quality, archival professional print for all orders online or on assignment.
I can now trust that even the non-archival prints and products are printed for affordable prices at premium quality too by way the easy online ordering process for Catherine Herrera prints and products.
The new print system has opened up another area of unexpected joy in seeing which photographs people are most drawn when ordering prints, which moment they most connect.
Last but not least, in my work close to home, I’ve begun working as a specialty wedding photographer for clients venturing to City Hall for their special day.
I am enjoying this shift in photography, from a purely documentary/photojournalism approach, to expand into new work processes, new clients and new growth as a photographer.
I had an inkling that photography was a never-ending journey with many roads to travel, and its that eternal growth process that keeps me engaged these 20-odd years later.
I have not stopped the documentary work completely. I am continuing a portrait series of urban Native Americans residing in the Tenderloin of San Francisco. I am seeking funding to continue with the California Missions project, a series of photos to accompany poems about the Missions written by the Cherokee poet, Kim Shuck. Last but not least, I am archiving my photographic work from the last 26 years.
It’s hard to believe so much time has passed when it seems only yesterday I was starting out, struggling to overcome the admonishing from outside to not see what I saw with my camera, and even more difficult, the internal reclamations to overcome regarding the right to dream of being a photojournalist/photographer. Now, I work committedly to improving my craft, and refining my approach as a photographer.
I am so excited to continue this journey of exploration in 2012! I hope you’ll join me…
If you are interested in supporting any of the Catherine Herrera Photography projects, please donate $10 or more today to Catherine Herrera, a fiscally sponsored project of Fractured Atlas. A secure, online donation can be made by clicking the Fractured Atlas link in the sidebar.
catherineherreraphotographydotcom.wordpress.com 
You must be logged in to post a comment.