This series of four photos explores the fragmented nature of self-reflection and the struggle to see ourselves fully. Focusing solely on hands and feet, with no body or face present, the images symbolize the incomplete ways we often understand ourselves. The mirrors, with their sharp reflections and multiple angles, represent the process of self-reflection distorted, incomplete, and fractured.

The yellow lighting casts an uneasy tone, evoking a sense of negativity or dissatisfaction, reflecting the critical lens through which we sometimes view ourselves. By removing the face and body, the series emphasizes how fragmented self-perception can feel, especially when we focus on parts rather than the whole. These images invite viewers to consider how their reflections both physical and emotional can distort the truth of who they are.

This series of seven images explores the evolving relationship between self, solitude, and connection, set against the shifting landscape of a park. Each photograph captures me beneath the shadow of trees, an interplay of light and darkness that reflects the emotional gradient of loneliness. The images are arranged sequentially, with increasing saturation to signify a journey from isolation to self-acceptance and fulfillment.

The park, with its serene expanse, represents a shared yet deeply personal space, mirroring the internal dialogue we carry with ourselves. In the first images, muted tones and shadows convey a sense of detachment, a visual metaphor for loneliness. As the series progresses, colors become richer, mirroring a growing vibrancy within, culminating in two key images where I am seen shaking hands with myself a gesture of reconciliation and self-recognition.

The progression of saturation across the series symbolizes the shift from isolation to connection, demonstrating how embracing oneself can transform solitude into a state of empowerment. Through this work, I aim to convey that the journey toward self-companionship is both personal and universal, resonating with the human experience of finding light within our shadows.

This proposed series visualizes consumer culture and the interconnectedness of global commerce by assembling images of various shopping bags into a composite "mega-bag." Each image will highlight the logos, textures, and materials of shopping bags from diverse retailers, creating a visually striking and thought-provoking commentary on consumption and its cultural impact.

The proposed series explores the intricate and multifaceted nature of identity and human connection by creating composite portraits that overlay multiple faces to form a single visage. Each piece in the series will blend the facial features of different individuals representing diverse cultures, ages, and emotions—into a unified, layered image that reveals the shared humanity beneath surface-level distinctions.

This photos are going to be a series that give an illusion of the photographer coming out of the bag with a mirror or monitor displaying the camera and hands. While the mirror is in the bags.

Gaze Pressed Coins Typology Photo Series
By Sergio Aguiniga

In Gaze, each pressed coin represents a chapter in my life, a tangible memory of where I’ve been and what I’ve discovered. These coins are more than souvenirs; they’re reminders of moments that have shaped who I am. Each one holds a story—a connection to family, heritage, and experiences that have left their mark on me. Each photo has a unique coin that I acquired in different background with illustrations I made representing objects and images I’ve seen in each location.

The coin from the National Constitution Center, with “We the People” engraved on its surface, takes me back to a school field trip in Philadelphia. I remember the awe I felt as a young student, discovering the history of our country and the ideals that hold it together. That day, I began to understand what it means to belong to something larger than myself, and this coin is a small reminder of that feeling.

The peso from Monterrey brings me close to my roots. It holds memories of visiting family, of the warmth and love I feel when I’m with them. When I see this coin, I think of my grandfather, my cousins, and the laughter that fills my family’s home in Mexico. It connects me to a part of myself that feels grounded and whole.

Then there’s the coin from the San Diego Zoo, stamped with a panda, my mom’s favorite animal. I spent so many afternoons at the zoo as a child, exploring and marveling at the world’s creatures. This coin is like a little piece of my childhood—a reminder of the innocence and wonder I felt back then, of being carefree and curious, and of the bond I share with my mom.

The Balboa Park coin brings me back to my hometown in San Diego. That place was always an escape, a source of inspiration. I remember wandering through its gardens and museums, taking in the art and architecture. Balboa Park is where I felt most connected to my surroundings, and this coin holds the comfort and inspiration I found there.

Finally, there’s the coin from Sedona, Arizona, engraved with its red mountains and rivers. This one marks a new beginning. I got it soon after moving to Arizona, while exploring the awe-inspiring red rock landscapes. It’s a reminder of stepping into the unknown, of finding beauty and adventure in a new place, and of the possibilities that lie ahead.

Together, these coins tell the story of my journey—of family, discovery, and the places that have shaped me. I hope that in viewing these photos, others can feel the same connection to their own travels and experiences, and remember the joy of holding onto memories, one coin at a time.

"Desert Mosaic" is a photographic series that constructs a vast desert landscape by seamlessly stitching together multiple individual photos. Each image captures a unique section of the desert, from undulating dunes and rocky outcrops to patches of sparse vegetation and open horizons. When displayed together, these photographs form a continuous, panoramic view of a desert landscape that appears vast, varied, and endlessly expansive, while revealing the subtle diversity and beauty within the desert’s seemingly minimal environment.

Circle in Line" is a photographic series capturing circular monuments from diverse locations, each photographed from the same angle to showcase their shape, symmetry, and significance. The images will be presented in a straight-line sequence, creating a striking contrast between the linear arrangement and the circular forms within each photo.

The series will consist of multiple photographs featuring the same individual walking through various landscapes, presenting both a narrative of movement and a contemplative exploration of place. Each image will depict the same person, moving through each landscape frame by frame, giving the illusion of time and progress while grounding the viewer in the beauty of stillness.