Preparation

I’ve begun researching placed in New York City where I can begin meeting potential participants. I plan to start with people I already know who identity as Mexican, then expand through community connections.

I’m also planning to visit Little Mexico in the Bronx and, fittingly, to La Sirena, a Mexican folk art shop. I’m interested in not only finding people, but seeing new spaces where Mexican culture lives in the city.

I want the sourcing process to be relational rather than transactional.

I’ve already received my first yes!

Her name is Bridget Magyar, a queer Mexican vintage clothing store owner, photographer, and sex worker with an incredible sense of style. I came across her through a TikTok she made for a Latina Valentine’s Day Market meetup. I’m so grateful she said yes. It feels like the project has officially started.

Studio Preparation

I already have my hand-painted canvas backdrops ready: blue, purple, tan, and green. I’m thinking about using these not only during the shoots but also on the floor of the exhibition to liven up the room with color and texture.

I have a test shoot scheduled next week to experiment with lighting. I want to feel fully prepared before bringing in participants.

March 7th is blocked out for five hours. My goal is to photograph at least three models that day, shooting back-to-back with grace time between sessions.

Prop Sourcing

I plan to reach out to the Barnard Theatre Department to see if I can borrow a prop table. I want a central table in the space dedicated to live rounds of Lotería. The table feels symbolically important and it anchors the room.

Technical Research

I’ve started learning more about depth cameras, specifically the Microsoft Kinect V2. However, I have a lot more to learn.

Timeline

Exhibition dates are finalized:

• May 2nd, 1–2 PM

• May 3rd, 6–7 PM

This gives me time to:

• Research and source participants

• Photograph at least two people before spring break

• Begin building the interactive tech elements

• Schedule reshoots if needed

• Experiment with still lifes

• Refine installation details