Shooting Her Imagination

Photographer and Bronx native Sandra Ayala exhibited some of her work in September at the Poe Park Visitor Center. Photo: My Two Fridas (Story by Pamela Valencia)

“The center was interested in putting this kind of work here because of the children that come to the center so we got together and decided to put a show together that revolved around children and young adults,” said Ayala. Photo: Spiders in the Attic

The exhibit's work was perfect for the upcoming season of Halloween, dark and eerie. Photo: Awaiting His Return

Ayala's son Nathaniel is in many of the pictures featured at the exhibit such as ‘Say No to Bullying’ that centers on him getting bullied in school (those are her hands photo shopped into the image.) He is also in ‘A Scene from his Movie,’ ‘The Protector’ and ‘Spiders in the Attic.’

When she first started shooting, Ayala took pictures of landscapes and flowers. But, after shooting some portraits, Ayala decided that people were more interesting subjects. Photo: A Scene from His Movie

Ayala has only recently begun to show her work publicly. Photo: Yours to Release

The Poe Park Visitor Center on the Grand Concourse.

Sandra Ayala with her son.

Ayala says that one of the many reasons why she loves taking pictures of children is because they are fun to work and take directions rather well. “They’ll be open to anything,” she says. Photo: Imagine Knowledgable Innocence

For newbies with an interest in photography, Ayala suggests just starting with any camera at your disposal. “Don’t be afraid. Just do it. Grab a camera; it doesn’t have to be anything amazing. Go out there and shoot whatever.”

When it comes to taking pictures of her family, Ayala says that her oldest daughter can be more difficult because she’s more into fashion and models for other photographers. Nathaniel, she says, is more interested in modeling for her pictures. Photo: Her Quest for Beauty

That’s how ‘The Master of Books’ canvas came to be. “Once I saw how great he was I said we are going to throw [some] stories around and he has the same imagination as I do," says Ayala. "We kind of clicked when it came to that and we started creating.”

Felsenthal Harry, whp goes to Zumba every Saturday morning at the center, decided to check out the event. “I like how detailed they are,” said Harry. Photo: The Angels Last Response

Student visitors to the center.

Ayala also works as a nurse and a case manager for Health First at Lincoln Bronx Hospital. Photo: Little Red

Like a true New Yorker, one of Ayala's favorite places to take pictures is the city, especially the Bronx. Photo: I Solemnly Swear

This photo, 'Radiant Maiden' is shot outside of the Edgar Allen Poe cottage.