We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sonsira Yindriska Espinal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sonsira Yindriska, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents, celebrating 35 years of marriage, share a remarkable bond shaped by their shared pasts. At tender ages, my mother lost both her parents at 13, while my father embarked on a search for his own father at 14. Despite these early hardships, their meeting marked the beginning of a promise: to be ‘good parents.’

Defining what makes a good parent varies from person to person. For me, it’s the unwavering presence of love and acceptance that my parents exemplify. Coming from both Dominican and Venezuelan backgrounds, we immigrated to New York City from Caracas in 1995, forging a tight-knit trio. I went everywhere with them!

From a young age, creativity RAN through my veins. Armed with a Kodak S-Series camera, a gift from my mother in 1998, I became the family photographer. Each click immortalized moments, compensating for the absence of my mother’s childhood photos. (She shared that detail later on with me, she does not own a single picture of herself from her youth. Which is why she would snap a picture of me whenever she could)

Meanwhile, my father nurtured my artistic spirit, encouraging me to pursue my passions independently. His sketches of Gothic churches ignited my own artistic journey. ‘Go to school for yourself,’ he’d say in Spanish, ‘your education and passion are solely for you.’

Through trials and triumphs, including graduating from NYC’s Fashion Industries High School and studying Graphic Design at CUNY’s Bronx Community College, I explored various creative mediums. Watercolors and linear work led to photography, where I found solace in freezing moments.

My parents, although supportive, began to question my ever-evolving path. As a first-generation immigrant daughter, navigating uncertainties was par for the course. Yet, they remained steadfast in their support, emphasizing that my happiness and well-being were paramount.

Today, at 34, I continue to pivot and explore new ideas. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been enriched by the unwavering support of my parents. As an immigrant forging my own path in a new land, I’ve come to appreciate the resilience instilled in me by my upbringing.

In the pursuit of my artistic dreams, I’ve learned a new language, built a community, started ” THE VEILED WOMYN PROJECT” series and embraced the challenges of freelancing with an LLC. While mistakes are inevitable, I’m gentler with myself, knowing that every hurdle is a testament to my resilience and the support of my parents, who navigated this journey with me, armed with love and determination.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I proudly identify as an Afro-Latina Woman, a first-generation creative, and the first daughter in my family, each facet of my identity instilling my journey with significance. My trajectory began in the fashion scene of SoHo, New York City, where I immersed myself in the retail world, surrounded by other fellow creatives balancing their “9-5” jobs. Through roles in visual merchandising and e-commerce, I crossed over a path that ultimately led me to the world of self-portraiture, igniting a profound vision for my artistic expression. While my artistic endeavors initially spanned across fine arts, including watercolor paintings and mixed media, my heart always gravitated towards visual arts in photography. With the support of a mentor—a friend with connections to Fujifilm—I obtained my first professional camera, courtesy of Fuji, marking the inception of my career in photography.

Navigating through bouts of imposter syndrome, I battled with the notion of being solely labeled a photographer, despite my multifaceted creative abilities. However, I realized that by compartmentalizing my talents, I was unintentionally downplaying my potential. Embracing the broadness of my creativity, I shed the confines of a single label and began to own my multifaceted nature. It was then that my photography journey truly began to flourish, as I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to honing my craft, instilling each shot with the same passion and dedication as my other creative pursuits.

My photography style revolves around capturing intimate moments in my clients’ lives, whether they’re in motion or engaging in their craft. Specializing in black and white photography and photo editing, I find joy in the intricate process of magnifying images, despite its often tedious nature. There’s a unique satisfaction when I witness the transformation of photos on a desktop, where the endless possibilities of editing unfold. Additionally, my role extends beyond photography to include creative consulting, where I assist clients in bringing their visions to life. Drawing from my background in visual merchandising, I excel in conceptualizing set designs and crafting environments tailored to each photoshoot or visual project. My ability to provide resources and inspiration, coupled with my knack for execution, allows me to seamlessly translate clients’ ideas into tangible, visually captivating realities.

I take immense pride in the versatility I bring to the table, proudly wearing numerous hats within the world of creativity. Previously, I had concerns about being pigeonholed into a singular category, fearing it might imply a lack of focus or direction. However, I’ve come to embrace the multifaceted nature of my talents and skills. It’s incredibly fulfilling to excel across various creative domains without conforming to just one single label. Embracing my authentic self has been a journey marked by overcoming fear of judgment and self-doubt. Interestingly, the more I openly discuss my diverse skill set, the more admiration I receive from others. As an artist, things like self-critique and comparison often looms large, but the freedom to explore without constraints is truly liberating. This sense of self-assurance and creative autonomy didn’t materialize overnight; it’s a product of introspection, grappling with my tendencies to overthink, and seeking therapeutic guidance. Today, I stand tall, content with the knowledge that my capacity extends far beyond the confines of any single trade or description.

What distinguishes my approach is my commitment to authenticity, regardless of the context or individuals involved. I prioritize fostering genuine connections with my clients, a quality that resonates deeply within my work. My photography encapsulates raw intimacy, inviting viewers to experience genuine emotions. To my core, I really enjoy capturing people during their most vulnerable or poignant moments. I take great pride in creating an environment where individuals feel safe to express their vulnerabilities, often resulting in profound emotional releases. The profound impact of witnessing someone feeling heard and seen through my lens is something I cherish deeply. It’s a symbiotic exchange of vulnerability and empathy, leaving both the subject and myself enriched by the experience. Each captured moment serves as a poignant reminder that amidst life’s flux, memories endure. While our individual experiences may not be entirely unique, they are undeniably significant, each deserving of acknowledgment and preservation. Through my lens, I strive to amplify these narratives, ensuring that every voice is not just heard but immortalized.

Starting THE VEILED WOMYN PROJECT, was so important to me because of that. This ongoing project explores the enigmatic beauty and strength of women through veils. Each photograph in this series unveils layers of mystery, grace, and resilience, capturing the essence of femininity in diverse cultures and settings. From the subtle play of light on delicate fabrics to the intricate details of the veils, this project is a celebration of the power and allure that lies beneath the surface. ‘Veiled Womyn’ invites you to contemplate the artistry of concealment and revelation, shedding light on the profound stories and emotions that are often hidden behind the veils that grace these remarkable women.

Visibility holds immense significance for me, stemming from my extensive period in pivotal ‘back of house’ roles. My liking for behind-the-scenes tasks led me through diverse worlds such as visual merchandising, e-commerce, and production assistance before embarking on my journey as a full-time artist. The transition to freelancing was a culmination of persistent dedication and hard work; a journey I had long anticipated. The autonomy of managing my own schedule and being my own boss is profoundly fulfilling, despite the inevitable ebbs and flows of the freelancing landscape. Embracing a shift in perspective towards success proved to be the most intimidating challenge. While my aspirations initially gravitated towards mainstream recognition and celebrity collaborations, I gradually realized that authentic self-appreciation must precede external validation. Realigning my artistic vision with personal fulfillment brought clarity and purpose to my endeavors. It dawned on me that my artistic pursuits were inherently mine; a natural expression of self. Comparison and external validation, I learned, only dilute the essence of one’s artistry. True fulfillment arises from creating authentically, fueled by an unwavering passion that springs from within.

I aspire for my prospective clients to perceive the photographer not merely as a service provider, but as a trusted friend. Building genuine rapport is paramount to me because I prioritize ensuring my clients feel genuinely seen and heard throughout our collaboration. My aim is for viewers to ponder how I cultivated an atmosphere where individuals are not only comfortable but effortlessly captured in the embrace of light and visibility.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The core inspiration fueling my creativity emanates from within – it’s a profound quest for self-expression. My aspiration is to capture and immortalize the narratives of others through my unique perspective. I yearn for my artistic endeavors to transcend boundaries and resonate deeply with audiences. I envision individuals connecting with the diverse subjects I photograph and the narratives they embody.

I sense a void in our collective consciousness, a lack of genuine community spirit, fostered by our fixation on success stories alone. I firmly believe that there’s immense value in embracing the full spectrum of human experience – the trials, triumphs, and transformations. By shedding light on the struggles we face and how they shape us, we pave the way for genuine connection and empathy. It’s through transparency about the journey’s hardships, not just the accolades, that we forge meaningful bonds and foster a richer sense of community.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I’ve navigated numerous shifts in my creative journey, but none quite as transformative as the leap from fine arts to photography. While all my artistic expressions are interconnected, the transition from manipulating a paintbrush and canvas to capturing moments through a lens marked a profound separation.

Both mediums are deeply personal to me, and I harbor a intense passion for each. Yet, there’s an indescribable quality to photography that resonates on a different plane of reality. Engaging directly with a living, breathing subject, delving into their innermost thoughts and emotions while immortalizing the moment, brings a sense of authenticity that surpasses words or paintings in my own personal opinion.

There’s an undeniable rawness in photographing a real, tangible presence before you, engaging in dialogue, and capturing the essence of their being. It’s an experience that transcends explanation, tapping into something inherently genuine and profound. I take pride and joy when I’m photographing someone or myself.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.syegallery.com
• Instagram: @syegallery is my work page & @syespinal is my personal page
• Other: https://vsco.co/syespinal/gallery

Image Credits
All photography and editing is my intellectual and creative property.