Photographer finds beauty in family and faith
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In Mexico and New York, Luis Manuel Diaz photographs his family, using the style of Catholic religious paintings to elevate everyday moments.
Diaz grew up spending time in his grandmother’s home in Michoacán, Mexico, where family photographs and religious icons filled the space and sparked his early interest in the medium. His father worked in the United States for much of Diaz’s childhood, so photographs became a crucial way for the family to stay connected across borders.
After moving to Westchester, New York, when he was nine, Diaz noticed a stark contrast between the vibrant colors of Mexico and the muted tones of the Northeastern United States. He began to intentionally use color in his photographs to counter what he sees as the tendency of US media to portray Mexico monochromatically. Diaz’s series, Canta y No Llores (Sing and Don’t Cry), captures intimate scenes of his family, often drawing comparisons to Renaissance paintings through lighting and composition.
He finds beauty in the bodies of his loved ones, especially when they are at rest, and sees his work as a way to document the passage of time and honor his parents’ sacrifices. He is currently completing his MFA at Yale University, building a portfolio that reflects years of dedicated work.
