About Mimi
Thank you for visiting my website and I hope you enjoy the images of people, places and things I've had the pleasure of photographing over the years. Taking pictures has always been an integral part of my life, but for many years I didn't view photography as a possible career choice. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in speech communication, I found myself surprisingly drawn to computer-related interests including database design and website development. I soon became a serious "computer geek" and grew to value what technology brings to our lives. Capturing special moments remained a strong interest, however; and for those of us who love technology as much as photography, the marriage of the two that produced the digital photography age became an exciting time. As a young single mother years ago, my budget only allowed me the luxury of owning a one megapixel "pencam"– my first digital camera. Today, owning a camera with megapixels in the double digits, a collection of fast lenses, and a computer with a suite of imaging software is a blessing I feel obligated not to let go to waste. I hope that you'll continue to visit the website and follow my work and growth as an artist. I also hope that you will allow me the privilege of being your portrait and event photographer.
In addition to being a freelance photographer, I am also the proud mother of a twelve year-old son challenged with autism. One day I hope to exhibit my work as a means of increasing awareness about the disorder. Autism is in the news more and more these days, but many of us still encounter people who have never heard of the disorder or know very little about it beyond familiarity with Dustin Hoffman's character in the movie "Rain Man." The more people take the time to learn about what has become a growing epidemic, the more likely we are to build tolerance and ultimately understanding for those living with autism. I hope to contribute in some way to that goal. In the meantime I will do what my son does so effortlessly- greet each day with courage and lots of laughter.
Influences
I'm on a personal crusade to make African-American photographer, James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) a name known to everyone I know. If you've never heard of him, you're not alone. Although he was rediscovered in 1968 at the age of eighty-two, until then, many were unaware of his importance in American history. Van Der Zee just happened to have a photography studio at Lenox Avenue and 129th Street in Harlem just as the black middle class was emerging, and folks like noted author W. E. B. DuBois, and Madam CJ Walker (the first black female millionaire) happened to be around to pose for him. Back then, before the advent of the personal camera, Van Der Zee was the only one in his neighborhood with a camera and he had ample clientele. His techniques were technically advanced, his style innovative and his images historically important as the most thorough account of the lifestyle of his era– the Harlem Renaissance.
Only a few years ago I ran across Van Der Zee's story and found an artist for whom I immediately developed an affinity. In the days long before Photoshop, Van Der Zee was known for retouching images sometimes to the point of making subjects unrecognizably flawless. He frequently took so much time and care with clients that photography sessions might last for days. He was passionate both about his photography and his people, and took great care to compose images that reflected his clients' pride, independence, success and dignity.
I'm a native Honduran– an American transplant from a place far away from and much different than 1930's Harlem. Nevertheless, having rummaged through many a family photo album filled with snapshots of my relatives dressed in their stylish duds, I see the same hint of pride in culture and success born of humble roots. And, much like Van Der Zee, I strive with a passion to portray the very best in each and every one of my clients in this, our own notable era in America's history.
