October – “The Bridge”

About this shoot:

It was one morning, that I concocted a silly notion to take photos at one of my favorite places. I had called a friend of mine that does fx makeup and I shared my idea. She was on board and we reviewed some make up ideas for our very first photo shoot. Since halloween was coming around the corner, We wanted try out the beautiful art of Sylvia Ji’s “Dia de Los Muertos”, in a simplistic form.

We were happy of the results.

MEET THE MODELS

Bridget Morell – Paraplegic T10/L1

I have been in a wheelchair my entire life and have had to overcome many challenges along the way. I feel that it has made me become the outgoing and idependant person I am today. I am a single mom of two wonderful girls who mean the world to me. I have recently started taking up tennis lessons this past year and I love it. I enjoy surfing, sled hockey and spending a day at the beach riding hand-cycles. I enjoy meeting new people to show them that anything is possible, if you put you mind to it.

Cynthia Ramirez – Paraplegic T12

On June 1st 2008, shortly before my 30th birthday, I was involved in a car accident that change my life forever. I suffered a spinal cord injury leaving me paralyzed from the waist down. Life as I once knew, was over…or so I thought. Because of my disability, I have a deeper appreciation for the simple things in life and I have learned to live life “In the Moment”. I have an 11 year old daughter and it is such a wonderful blessing to be her mother. I am physically active and I enjoy all outdoor activities, but one of my biggest passions is photography. Through my triumphs and tribulations, I hope to help and inspire other women with disabilities to live confident, happy, productive lives. “Be You. Be Beautiful. Be Bold.”

Kenza Kadmiry – Quadri”awsome” (her words) C5-C7

Only one month and 5 days after my 18th birthday, my much anticipated adulthood independence for the upcoming year took a 180 degree turn after sustaining a cervical level, spinal cord injury. As I made my way on my bike into a local crosswalk with flashing lights, I was hit by a car and the impact of the hit lead me to be rendered a quadriplegic. While the physical and lifestyle changes were most apparent, changes in my spirit and positive disposition could have well been labeled unaffected. I don’t take complete credit for this, however. My friends and family had provided the most incredible support system for me that I will remain eternally grateful for. My goals are set, not for the moon, but rather the stars. I look forward to continuing my education at California State University Northridge and make sure to dissolve the limits that society may attempt to put up for individuals using wheelchairs.

MAKEUP

Bobbie Eller – Freelance Makeup Artist

Bobbie has been creatively painting faces for more than 5 years. She enjoys what she does and is ever so fulfilled when a subject is turned into a work of visionary art. DLM want to give Bobbie much thanks and gratitude for contributing her time and her talents to create the “Dia de Los Muertos” montage for our models.

Contact Bobbie: Mozla1@aol.com

PHOTOGRAPHY