Celebrating heritage
Today is Dia de los Muertos and also sweet Simon's first birthday! His parents are both Hispanic, mom is Panamanian and dad is Mexican. Mom did a Dia de los Muertos themed maternity shoot, then newborn shoot when he was born, so of course they wanted to keep the theme for his first birthday photos.
Simon's mom, Allyson, is a wonderful photographer, so you know the pressure was on when she reached out for a session. I really struggled because she gave me total artistic freedom, which I love, but it was also challenging as I knew she wanted to keep it culturally accurate. Allyson was so patient with me and all my questions. I created and redid the alter probably 12 times. I asked her to bring pics of their loved ones to add to the alter and I hand painted a few of the skulls in the background. This is definitely one of my top favorites for many reasons, but I knew I was able to bring her vision to life.
Dia de los Muertos is a holiday honoring ancestors and families celebrate the lives that brought them here as well as the ones to come. It is a beautiful and special holiday that is to be celebrated, not mourned. Hence the pops of fun colors!