Dia de los Muertos: A celebration of Color, Culture, and Connection
Each year, the Mesa Art Center fills with color, music, and remembrance as families gather to honor their loved ones during the Dia de los Muertos Festival. This year, I had the joy of photographing @bananacakecosplay, not in cosplay but in celebration of her Mexican heritage.
She had dreamt of doing a Day of the Dead photoshoot for years, and this was the moment we made it happen. Before our shoot, I met up with @bananacakecosplay to get ready. When I got to her house, she painted a sugar skull makeup on me and gave me a matching headpiece that she created. I appreciated her sharing her culture with me in this way and helping me become a part of our storytelling.
Our session began at the Mesa Arts Center, surrounded by altars, papel picado, and marigold displays glowing in the desert sun. Later, we drove to downtown Gilbert, where the murals caught the last light of golden hour, a perfect glowing contrast to the bright florals and traditional details of her look.
We wanted to capture the true culture and meaning of Day of the Dead. It is a celebration of life, of color, and of connection. Through these photos, we wanted to show how joyful remembrance can be.
When I shared the final gallery, @bananacakecosplay told me these were the best photos she’s ever received of herself. Hearing that reminded me why I do what I do, to create portraits that help people see themselves the way their stories deserve to be seen.
Model: @bananacakecosplay
