Colors, Emotions, and Daily Life

Photography By Mario Lopez Viveros

Photographer Mario Lopez Viveros shares “Masculindad”, a portrait series which explores the male body in everyday life. Mario opens up about being authentic, the process behind bringing each image to life, and his solo exhibition on November 18th, 2023.

Los Angeles, USA

How did you begin your journey as a photographer?

My photography journey commenced at the age of 14, sparked by a humble point and shoot camera from Walmart. Since then, my curiosity has driven me to practice and explore the world of cameras, constantly seeking to expand my knowledge. As a result, I have made it a habit to always have a camera by my side.

What have you learned along the way ?

Every day, I am constantly expanding my knowledge and skills in understanding light angles and working with various gears, whether it's in digital or film medium. I believe in exploring different mediums and not limiting myself to just one.

You are sharing your project, “Masculinidad”. What is this project about?

Masculinidad delves into the everyday experiences and discoveries of the male body. My aim was to authentically capture those raw and intimate moments that men go through in their daily lives.

why is it important for you ?

I hold a special place in my heart for this series as it marks the beginning of many more to come. It's truly amazing to see it materialize and receive the recognition it deserves. I poured my heart and soul into creating it, and I couldn't be prouder.

Tell the story behind one of the photos from the project

It's quite challenging to pick just one image as my favorite because there are so many that I love. However, there is one particular photo that stands out to me. It's a picture of my friend taken in a rundown motel that had a horrible smell.

what was your process behind making “Masculinidad”?

It was quite a journey of learning for me while working on this series. I had a strong desire to create a specific atmosphere for the entire project, so I had to explore various colors and emotions to bring life to these images. I personally connected with each model and shared the complete concept and story behind it. When it came to choosing locations, I aimed for places where my subjects would feel secure and at ease.

What were some fun moments and some struggles during the project?

I had a blast during this series, with countless enjoyable moments like getting to know the models and making them laugh during the shoot. However, some of the challenges I faced was finding a balance between work life and constantly creating throughout this project. Nevertheless, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it.

You are sharing “Masculinidad” in solo show in Los Angeles on Saturday November 18th. How did this happen?

It was quite a journey for me to accept the fact that I would be having a solo exhibition. Despite facing several challenges along the way, I have always aspired to showcase my artwork in my own show. It required a lot of effort, including sending numerous emails and networking in various places, but I am thrilled to witness the final outcome.

What kind of preparation went into this show?

It required a great deal of printing and a lot of perseverance, but it's finally arrived, and I'm hopeful that everyone will appreciate what I have in store.

What’s next for “masculinidad”? For you?

I have so many exciting things in store for this series, and I truly believe it deserves all the recognition. I've poured my heart and soul into it, and it took me months to bring everything together. I have a bunch of other projects lined up, and I'm always working on something new.