Today we’d like to introduce you to Yellenie Mateo.
Hi Yellenie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Yellenie Mateo, I am from Puerto Rico and photography is my passion. In this writing I will take you through my life, but first, let me show you my photography equipment, which is more than essential to me.
Here is my favorite camera, a gift from someone who meant a lot in my life.
Despite adversities, it left me something that changed my destiny forever. Thanks to this camera, I discovered my true passion. Photography is not only my art, it is my path to self-discovery.
Every image I capture is like a window to a world full of possibilities, where I can be authentic and true. This gift that God gave me is more than a hobby, it is my connection to something much bigger. Although no one else in my family is dedicated to this, that makes it even more special to me. So join me on this journey through light and art…
One of my favorite days to take photos is on cloudy days. I love how soft, diffused light highlights every detail, creating a magical and melancholic atmosphere. On those days, I feel like I can capture the essence of emotions more deeply and it gives me the opportunity to be the light in those dull moments.
On those days, nostalgia envelops me and I feel more connected to my memories. I start to remember moments that I wish I could relive, how sad they are, and it is in those moments that I enter inspirational mode and start creating.
The memories that come to me are mostly happy, and those moments are a reminder of the person I was, who I am, and who I will be. Every photograph I capture is a tribute to those memories, a reflection of my growth and transformation.
In addition to photography, I write poetry that elevates my creativity. Each word is a spark that ignites my imagination and leads me to capture moments through the lens, merging the art of words with visual art.
My poems guide my photography, creating a dialogue between what is written and what is seen, uniting my two passions in a unique way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say that it has been an easy path, but it has been necessary and rewarding. From a very young age I was taught that all success involves great sacrifice and that is why I have always been and consider myself a woman who works hard after her dreams. I have had many falls, because it is completely normal, but there have been more successes, smiles, good times… Many of these difficulties encountered along the way were delicate but personal situations, it is difficult to give 100% when your mind is elsewhere. This was my biggest challenge…
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty is unique photography, where I seek to observe what many consider boring and everyday with a new perspective. I focus on finding the great, interesting and beautiful in the everyday, since everything depends on the way we look at it. My biggest challenge has been editing, since I prefer my photos to look natural and good without having to constantly edit them. Aside from photography, I also direct videos of all kinds.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite moment was meeting my dad again after not seeing him for so long. Hearing my mom’s voice for the first time when I bought my hearing aids and got my first camera thanks to their efforts. My grandfather’s morning coffee and my grandmother’s laughter. Also the first time I discovered photography, I was only 12 years old, and I insisted that my mom make me a Facebook page just for the photos, then I discovered tumblr and I never stopped taking photos until I was 16 years old and I dedicated myself completely to photography, I started taking photos with an iPhone 5 (my grandmother’s) I took photos of my entire family, at events, birthdays and on any occasion. I looked for a chair or even a pair of shoes that I could look pretty in a photo even if it wasn’t that exciting for me, it was. My grandfather was also an important part of my childhood since my grandfather is an artist in every sense of the word, I admire how he does everything so dedicatedly and with so much love. He makes crafts out of wood at home, in schools, and draws and paints incredibly well. I admire him so much. Thanks to him I acquired a part of the love for art, I love all colors and I like to play with them through my photos. He is my inspiration.
Pricing:
- $100 x 3 photos
- $350 x 12 photos
- $600 x 30 photos
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/yellestudio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yelleniemateo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yelleimages
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/yellerivet
Image Credits
Yelle Studio (Yellenie Mateo) and Joel Meléndez
