Capturing the Soul of Mexico
“A New Canvas for My Art”
From the portrait to the landscape, each image celebrates the richness of Mexico, its traditions and the talent of those who make it unique.
After 5 years creating Catrinas that tell stories through makeup, I felt a growing curiosity to capture them through my own lens. Today, I work with my Sony 24-70mm G Master, a ZV-E10II body, and a Godox AD200 Pro flash tools that allow me to explore every detail with precision and emotion.
Thanks to my experience piloting drones, I learned to color grade and edit videos, and most importantly, to reinterpret photographs from other artists who entrusted me with their RAW files, allowing me to experiment with my own style. This helped me improve progressively, even before I had my own camera.
I also owe a special thanks to Gus Mejía, a photographer originally from Mexico City, now based in Los Angeles, California. Traveling with him for five years and observing how he handled his camera and flash taught me to master techniques and settings that now form part of my own visual language.
In 2024, I acquired my first professional camera, marking the formal start of my journey as a visual creator. While my main goal is to develop as a filmmaker, photography has become an essential part of refining my artistic vision and capturing the essence of every story I want to tell.
My first photo session was a defining moment: I was able to explore portraits and environments, highlight details that often went unnoticed, and give a voice to artists and craftsmen whose talent deserves recognition.
Every photograph is a tribute to Mexico: to its hidden corners, its people, its traditions, and the magic that makes our culture unique. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, and each image is a step closer to my dream of creating Catrinas entirely on my own, from design and fabrication to photography and video.
Aqua Catrina – My First Photography Journey
My first photography experience came from our Aqua Catrina project. Although we have our official underwater photographer, Fran Reina, I wanted to take the opportunity to learn and capture my own images. We know that sometimes she couldn’t join us due to work commitments, so I decided to develop my skills to ensure that every trip allows us to create professional and meaningful content, preserving the essence and magic of our Catrinas in every shot.
These photographs were taken with a Sony 50 mm prime lens, one of the most basic yet powerful lenses, which allowed me to focus on details and composition to convey the emotion of each moment.
Gratitude & Reflection 2025
In 2025, I wasn’t very active, as I dedicated my time to learning a new tool for my craft. I want to sincerely thank all my sponsors for continuing to support me, but above all, for patiently waiting while I improved my process. I also want to express my gratitude to all the designers I currently work with, the models who trusted me during this first stage, our jewelers, florists, and every creative hand that has contributed to crafting high-value Catrinas for 2025.
There is still much to learn, but the hardest part is behind me the learning curve is gradually shaping into my own style. Every challenge has been a step forward, every effort a brushstroke in my evolving vision.
To all brands interested in collaborating with me and exploring my journey in the audiovisual world, please reach out at catrinas@alesuart.com. I am open to partnerships that will strengthen my growth as a photographer and filmmaker.
“Art is a journey, not a destination; every step we take, every hand we meet, colors the path we walk together.”
