THE DOLPHIN

At 18, I graduated from school and embarked on my first major solo trip, traveling to Mexico and Guatemala. By then, I had already been carrying a camera for several years, and it had become both a companion and a friend—helping me communicate when needed and offering solace in moments of solitude.

During this transformative journey, I found myself in a place in Mexico called Laguna Chakawa. A friend I met along the way told me there was a dolphin living in the lagoon, and if I was lucky, I might get to meet it. I hired a charter boat and navigated through the mangroves to the center of the lagoon, where I settled in to wait.

The fisherman who was guiding me encouraged me to keep my camera ready, warning that the dolphin could appear at any moment. Then, as if on cue, the dolphin suddenly leaped before my eyes, right at the perfect magical hour. I pressed the shutter and knew I had captured the moment exactly as I had envisioned.

Over the years, I’ve returned to this image time and time again. It serves as a reminder of what photography means to me and of who I am as a photographer. I dive into it, searching for new details and playing with it in different ways, always remembering the endless possibilities it holds.