Cinematic Afterglow

I thought I’d share some pictures taken at a great event thought up by two great really talented people, photographer, graffiti artist, graphic artist and body painter Nate Smith otherwise known as Unek and Lauren Ivy Aguilar, a smart, beautiful, accomplished graphic designer and model.  Elaborate Collaborate  is a successful photography meet and greet workshop for models, makeup artists, hair stylists photographers and fashion designers.  It is a blast and a great place to meet new people, network and become better at what you already love to do!

We’ve been to the first 2 and are hoping to attend number 3 in July.  These are some of the photos we’ve taken at the Elaborate Collaborate Events.

This photo was shot at Elaborate Collaborate II in Albuquerque, NM at Black Market Goods Gallery of model Lindsay Otero, MMA Fighter and King of the Cage Gerald Lovato and Lauren Aguilar.  I actually stole a few shots of this shoot by photographer and artist David Medrano, who currently has his artwork up at Flying Star Cafe at the Railyard in Santa Fe, NM.  If you get a chance, stop in and see some of this work!  (That’s him on a photo shoot below)

It was a joy to photograph Lindsay.  We didn’t have very much time together, but just every shot was amazing!  As you can see she is very beautiful and quite talented.  This girl will go far.  I’d love to have the opportunity to work with her again.

Another lovely young lady we had the good fortune to work with was Jennifer Abeita.   We got some really great images from our photo shoot together, I couldn’t have been more pleased.  It was great meeting and working with Jennifer.  We are looking forward to another photo shoot with her next week!

Below  is another model we were fortunate enough to work with.  Dionne had a great attitude and was really fun to photograph.  Her images were easy to edit and I was very pleased with her natural ability in front of the camera.  This girl is a true beauty

This is model Erika Garcia and DJ Justin Gonzales in the background.  …what can I say?  Erika is a strong, smart and beautiful woman who knows what she wants.

We didn’t spend too much time together, but Erika was great to photograph.  She has a great look !  Did I mention she’s a very talented makeup artist as well as a beautiful model?

Well, that’s is for tonight folks.  I am so very behind on blogging.  I have much more to add.   So much to share, so little time!

MeShall Quintana designed the gorgeous scarf and hat.

Come back soon for Part II!

Another of our Seniors, Class of 2010~

Working now on finishing up Rosemary’s order, can’t wait to get her prints to her!  She also ordered some great Rep Cards I’m going to work on right now.    Joe is working on her video from the photo shoot, those are so much fun to shoot and to edit.  Everyone is always super excited to see their video.  Here are a few of the shots we took that day.   …hoping we can share the video too!

Congratulations Anthony on all your achievements to date!            …Have a great senior year!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We did this photo shoot in Anthony’s hometown, Las Vegas New Mexico.  There are some really great places to shoot there.  Can’t wait to go back!

Fashion shoot at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  The model is April Winters and the designer is Patricia Michaels of Taos, NM.  It was a pleasure photographing Patricia’s beautiful clothes with some amazing artwork and a beautiful model!  Here are some of the shots taken that day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

You can see more of Patricia Michaels’ designs at  http://www.pmwaterlily.com/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All photos are copyright Denise Avila and may not be used without permission.

 Cinematic Afterglow has been working with the Santa Fe Fiesta Council this year.  It is a venture we are proud to undertake, and we are very excited to be photographing the Fiesta Council, Board Members and Royalty.  The Santa Fe Fiesta Council each year undertakes the huge project of the Fiestas de Santa Fe, which is the celebration of the peaceful reoccupation of the City of  Holy Faith in 1692.  The Fiesta Council holds fundraisers throughout the year and raises the money to hold the annual Fiestas.  It is not a city sponsored event as some believe.  The Fiesta Council is responsible for everything to do with the Fiestas, working closely with Monsignior Jerome of the St. Francis Basilica and the Archdiosese as well.  The only part of the Fiestas they’ve handed the reigns over for, is the annual burning of Zozobra, which typically starts off the Fiestas de Santa Fe.   For dates and times of the Burning of Zobra go here:  http://www.zozobra.com/    To learn the history of Zozobra:  http://www.zozobra.com/history.html

Many people are unaware of the true meaning of the Fiestas de Santa Fe.  It is not only a time to celebrate, it is a time for the faithful people of Santa Fe to thank the Holy Mother, dubbed La Conquistadora (for her intercession in bringing a peaceful end to the revolt and allow for the peaceful reoccupation of the territory now known as the City of Faith~ Santa Fe).  In May of each year a contest is held to choose who will portray Don Diego de Vargas Zapata y Lujan Ponce de Leon y Contreras (born 1643, died 1704) the Conquistador who accomplished the peaceful re-entry into the City of Faith through intercession from the Holy Mother.  The contest is also held to choose who will portray La Reina de La Fiesta.  In June a Coronation Mass is held to crown La Reina and Don Diego de Vargas.  A procession from the St. Francis Basilica is held immediately after that mass to take the 29-inch wood carved Marian statue, La Conquistadora to the Rosario Chapel where Novenas will be held twice a day for 1 week until the procession to take La Conquistadora back to the Basilica.  The Coronation Mass will be held on June 21 of this year at 3:00 at the St. Francis Basilica.  It is a beautiful mass and the procession to the Rosario Chapel is a beautiful show of faith.  Cinematic Afterglow will be on hand this year to photograph and film the mass as well as the procession.  It is something we are honored to do, to document the City Of Faith’s tradition of honoring our heritage and faith.  (Pictures of the Mass and Procession will be posted next week) 

Learn more about the history of Fiestas here:   http://www.santafefiesta.org/History%20of%20Fiesta.htm

The people pictured in the photo above and below are the members and board members of the Fiesta Council.  They are the backbone of the annual Fiestas de Santa Fe.  Thank you Santa Fe Fiesta Council for your dedication and hard work. 

For a schedule of events follow this link:  http://www.santafefiesta.org/Schedule%20of%20Events.htm

   2009 Fiesta Council Board Members

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Santa Fe Fiesta Council   http://www.santafefiesta.org/

  

 

 

 

   article and photography by Denise Womack-Avila

 

I’ve found,  or should I say, a great non-profit organization has found me and my photography.  I met with Alice Loy, the co-founder for the Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship (GCCE) in the United States, and I am now working with them to photograph their entrepreneurs!  It’s a great organization and I am thrilled to be involved in such a great project.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship mission/vision:    “We envision a world in which cultural entrepreneurship creates cultural value and economic wealth, self-determination, and cultural diversity in communities across the globe.   Their vision :  We envision a world in which cultural entrepreneurs are catalysts for cultural innovation through their cultural enterprises. Toward this vision, we are creating the globe’s first networked community of cultural entrepreneurs, cultural investors, and cultural entrepreneurship educators.    I have been lucky enough to meet 2 of the entrepreneurs and photograph them.  They were both great to work with, and I feel I have benefitted just by experiencing an afternoon with them.

The following photos are shots I took of Johnathan Sims, a filmaker from Acoma Pueblo.  He is a bright individual with some great ideas!  He is currently working on a documentary about the Native American language.  Very interesting stuff.  You can also check out some of his work on Myspace, www.myspace.com/noreservationsproductions it’s a great site.  Plenty to see.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We met at Cross of the Martyrs in Santa Fe to do our photo shoot.  It was a great day, the only thing missing was the great white billowy clouds I love so much!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnathan also teaches students and seniors (citizens that is) how to use the editing software Final Cut Pro, which is very impressive!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Johnathan Sims was the second Entrepreneur I had the pleasure of meeting and photographing.  The Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship sure does have some great people they are working with!

Below are photographs I took of  Ceci, a wonderful woman from Africa, who is now in New Mexico starting her own business as a caterer.  She is a lovely woman and a great cook.  Ceci also cooks for the New Mexico Folk Art Market, a wonderful event held each year.  Something you definately should experience, and …while you’re there, stop by to visit Ceci and try her great food!  You can contact Ceci this summer at SpanAfric International Market and Catering,  505.577.4010.  1964 Cerrillos Rd. Ste. E

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the 2009 Entrepreneurs the Center is working with.  Our next “adventure” with an entrepreneur will be in an orchard in Velarde, New Mexico.  I can’t wait!

Follow this link if you would like to learn more about GCCE!   http://www.culturalentrepreneur.org/

 

We did a photo/video shoot with Danielle on Friday at the Glorietta Conference Center Prayer Gardens in Glorietta, New Mexico.  http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/mainpage/0,1701,M%253D201127,00.html  It was a nice day, just a little breezy, which was great for the effects in the video we are doing!  Danielle was a lot of fun to work with.  She brought a few outfits to change in to, and her great attitude.  Danielle has an awesome smile, and an inner beauty which shows through in her pictures.  We are still working on the video, and can’t wait to post it.  It will feature Danielle and the shots she took.  It will be something she will always have, and hopefully look back on our day and her senior year with fond memories!

The video we are working on will be set to music, and Danielle’s personality.  It’s something she can show at her graduation party, and send copies to family, instead of just a picture!  It’s something original, and as far as I know, we are the only ones offering this service with our photo shoots.  Stand out from the crowd.  Show your unique side and your personality.  Show off a little your senior year! 

  Danielle, we wish you the very best in your future!

  

 

 We hope that we’ve added to your great senior year experiences, and we can’t wait to deliver your prints and video to you!!  Congratulations!  ~Joe and Denise

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 Danielle Class of 2009!!!!
Class of 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about our senior video/photo shoots, please visit our website for our great senior package!  www.cinematicafterglow.com look under the packages section!

 

I was lucky enough to be featured in New Mexico Free Press, a local weekly newspaper.  I was so excited to be chosen, and really proud.  I always loved taking pictures!  I feel that it enhances what I see through the video camera, and that shows through in my video work.  My husband also has a great eye, and together we are a great team.  We push each other to learn more and become better every time we pick up a camera, be it for still shots or video.  I think that having my photos in New Mexico Free Press opened my eyes even more to the possibilities of life behind a camera.  It’s a great periodical and the people were so nice, we decided to run an ad for Cinematic Afterglow with them.  Look for it in various locations around New Mexico (actually, here’s a link  http://www.nmfreepress.com/locate.shtml so you can find yours).  If you pick one up, and it’s got our ad, let us know how you like it.
 New Mexico Free Press February 4, 2009 Edition page 12 Denise Womack-Avila, Cinematic Afterglow