Embarking on a journey that will span several years and thousands of miles, my photography project—“La Fuerza de Nuestra Lengua: Raíces, Fortaleza y Rostros de Habla Hispana”—is not just about taking pictures; it’s about capturing the power, pride, and resilience of our community. It’s about you. The faces, the stories, the heritage that shape our present and future. But achieving the goal of 3,000 portraits and stories is no small task, and the road ahead will require all of my heart, time, and effort.
The Scale of the Task: A Vision of 3,000 Portraits
Imagine the richness of 3,000 unique individuals. That's how many stories I aim to tell by July 2027. That's 3,000 faces reflecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and journeys that all contribute to the incredible mosaic of our Hispanic and Latino communities. Each face is a powerful reminder of resilience, strength, and cultural pride.
The project is grounded in the idea that our stories matter, that our communities deserve to be seen and heard in their full complexity. Each participant's portrait and interview will contribute to a visual and narrative legacy that will transcend borders and generations.
But this monumental task doesn’t come without its challenges. Balancing this passion project with everyday life, managing my real full time job and meeting the personal and professional obligations, and a storyteller is no small feat.
Mapping Out My Current Availability: How I’ll Achieve 3,000 Portraits
With the goal of reaching 3,000 stories, I’ve meticulously mapped out my availability over the next 2.5 years. Time is precious, and making the most of every hour is key to reaching this ambitious target.
Here’s what my current weekly schedule looks like for the next couple of years:
Wednesdays (6 PM - 8 PM): 2-hour blocks → 1 session
Fridays (5:30 PM - 8 PM): 2.5-hour blocks → 1 session
Saturdays (12 PM - 8 PM): 8-hour blocks → 5 sessions
Sundays (12 PM - 8 PM): 8-hour blocks → 5 sessions
This results in 12 sessions per week on my regular schedule. While this is a great start, it’s clear that I need to maximize my time to hit the 3,000 mark.
The Plan for Increased Availability
To make the task more achievable, I’ve decided to extend my availability for two weeks every year, where I’ll work from 9 AM to 7 PM (10 hours per day). This increased availability will give me a much-needed boost. During these two weeks, I can schedule:
6 sessions per day (1.5 hours per session)
Over 14 days, that’s 84 extra sessions each year—an invaluable addition to my overall goal.
The Importance of Your Story
This project isn't just about me capturing your image; it's about how your story can inspire others. I need your story.
Whether you're a teacher, entrepreneur, artist, immigrant, or simply someone who’s walked a unique path, your story is important. The struggles, the triumphs, the moments of joy and the times of pain—they all matter. They shape who we are, who we become, and the legacy we leave for the next generation.
I’m not just looking for people to fill the frame—I want to capture your spirit. Your “fuerza” (strength) and “fortaleza” (resilience) shine through every smile, every glance, every gesture. Through this project, I aim to reflect not just the faces, but the heart and soul of our community.
How You Can Be Part of This Journey
This project is all about you. I want to hear your stories. I want to capture your essence in a portrait that reflects the strength and pride of who you are. Your voice and your face can make a difference in this project.
If you are ready to be a part of this monumental task, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we will build a collection of stories that honors the diversity, resilience, and culture of our Hispanic and Latino community.
Why Your Participation Matters
Your participation isn’t just about the portrait. It’s about making a statement. It’s about saying that we deserve to be seen, that we matter, and that we can collectively tell our stories in a way that shapes the future.
By contributing your voice and image, you will help me reach the goal of 3,000 portraits. Every story shared, every face captured will add to the richness of this cultural legacy, honoring the strength, pride, and unity of the Hispanic/Latino community.
As I set my sights on the goal of 3,000 portraits and stories, I know it won’t be easy, but it will be worth it. Together, we can bring light to the countless faces and voices that define the vibrancy and diversity of our community. Your participation matters, and I can’t wait to capture your story.
Are you ready to be part of this monumental journey?
Let’s share our stories. Let’s show the world the fuerza and fortaleza that lives in each and every one of us. Help me fill my calendar and make this project come alive - Register Here!
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