About

I was introduced to photography by my father, years ago. I started with film cameras, the only game in town in those days. Working mostly with black and white film, I loved the soothing feeling and the serenity of working in the dark room. I was fascinated by the magic of light: seized on film and coming to life on a piece of paper. 

I have always been intrigued by the way taking pictures allows me to connect with other persons and unfamiliar environments—even from behind the protective shield of a camera— and how through the revealing viewfinder, I could find and touch—even if slightly— the essence of my subjects and the emotions they transmit.  I enjoy taking pictures of people and places. There is so much to discover, if we only take the time to see when we look.

It has been a vastly gratifying experience.   Caught by the digital revolution, I no longer work with film, but black and white remain my favorite colors.

If interested in purchasing my work, prints of my photographs are available from https://1-ana-cortez.pixels.com

Exhibits:

• Newport Beach Public Library, Newport Beach, CA, juried group show, “Aging as Art”, November 9 - December 20, 2022.

• Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, CA, juried group show, “Aging as Art”, September 1-15, 2022.

• Honorable mention, “Aging as Art” 2022 competition by the Council of Aging -Southern California.

• Brooklyn Waterfront Artist Coalition, New York City, juried group show “More Art of Coney Island”, July 30 - August 21, 2022.

• Soho Photo Gallery, New York City, juried group show, July 5-22, 2017.

• United Nations, New York City. “Moments and Movements” (with Wagner Santiago and Lazar Zarupski), organized by Leitmotiv Arts, May 2-6, 2016.

• United Nations, New York City. “Road trip, Death Valley”, organized by the United Nations Portuguese Language Society, September 9-13, 2014.

• Gertrude Ederle Recreation Center, New York City. “It takes two to tango, and then some”; slide show with Caroline Kessler; readings by Nancy Green; organized by Manhattan Recreation, June 30, 2014.

• United Nations, New York City. “Parading in NYC”, organized by United Nations Photographic Society, June 28 -July 2, 2004.

Work also displayed in the following websites:

• Council of Aging of Southern California (https://www.coasc.org/events/aging-as-art/2022selects/ )

• Dance Indo-American Arts Council, Inc. (http://www.iaac.us/IAAC_dance_fest2016/photos8.htm)

• Friends of Argentine Tango (https://www.friendsofargentinetango.org/gallery)

• Tango for All (http://tangoforall.org/)

Publication:

• “Tango: Embracing New York City”. May 2017. Available from http://www.blurb.com/b/7967327-tango-embracing-new-york-city.

Education:

• International Center of Photography. Getting Closer: Intimacy and Portraiture, with Sara Hylton. August 31-September 28, 2023.

• International Center of Photography. Portrait Lighting on Location: Natural and Flash, with Bobbi Lane. July 24-28, 2017.

• B&H Portfolio Development Program, November 2016-April 2017.

• International Center of Photography. Mastering the Portable Flash and Portable-Studio Lighting Kit, with Nelson Bakerman. August 8-12, 2016.

• International Center of Photography. Essential Components of the Portrait: Lighting, Composition and Subject, with Ken Collins. Fall 2005.

• International Center of Photography. Photography III, in Black and White, with Kristin Lacombe. Fall 2004.

• International Center of Photography. Photography II, in Black and White, with Kristin Lacombe. Spring 2004.