“In photography there are no shadows that cannot be illuminated.”
— August Sander
About Sombra Luz and Vanessa
In English, and translated from Spanish, “sombra” means shadow and “luz” means light. In photography, both shadow and light are necessary to make pictures. And in life, shadow and light are an inseparable dance comprising our shared humanity.
The name Sombra Luz is a nod to the Latina roots that run through my maternal lineage, and to my great-grandparents, Arturo and Angela (also known as Papi and Mami Foto), who opened one of the first photography studios in Costa Rica in the early 1900s.
During university, I courted the idea of studying photojournalism with a conflict and disaster focus, as it aligned with my then interest in visually depicting the complexities of life. Ultimately, I opted for international studies.
For years I chose humanitarian aid work over the camera. And so, it was an organic affair, my camera and I, that evolved over time, much as I evolved with a deepening awareness of the interplay between shadow and light through my professional, personal and spiritual explorations.
I have always been a storyteller. We are all storytellers.
When we cultivate spaces for sharing and self-expression, when we claim our creative center - whether through photography, art, spoken or written word, movement, dance, music or song - connection, healing, increased empathy, meaningful shifts and long-forgotten calls to service can occur.
We illuminate the shadows by working across the spectrum of density, contrast, color and light.
This is how we take pictures, and this is how we walk with life.
To connect, collaborate or work with me, please reach out by clicking on the email link below.
To the women in my family, whose portraits were captured by my great-grandparents long before I picked up a camera, and whose legacy reminds me that we all have stories to tell, worthy of telling.
For the lives lived, dreams dreamt, hearts broken, laughter had, tears dropped, babies made, hugs given.
Gracias, mujeres, gracias.
