After wrapping up a commercial shoot for a tourism project, I found myself drawn to the tranquility and beauty of Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, the lake felt like a place suspended in time, where the sky meets the water, and everything in between seems to hold a secret waiting to be uncovered. It was here, in this sacred landscape, that I began to explore a new idea—one that would become a cornerstone of my work.

Introduced to a local host family by a friend, I saw an opportunity to see Lake Atitlán not as a tourist, but through the eyes of those who called it home. The family welcomed me with open arms, embodying the warmth and hospitality that the people of Guatemala are known for. We spent days wandering the narrow streets of their village, their children leading the way, guiding me through the bustling markets, quiet alleys, and the vibrant shores of the lake.

With cameras in hand, we explored their daily lives, capturing moments that spoke of both the ordinary and the extraordinary. The children’s laughter echoed against the mountains as they snapped photos of fishermen casting their nets at dawn, women weaving intricate textiles in the bright afternoon sun, and elders sharing stories in the fading light of dusk. Through their lens, the lake wasn’t just a place—it was a living narrative, rich with tradition, community, and a deep connection to the land.

As we walked and photographed together, the children shared with me stories passed down from their ancestors, tales woven into the very fabric of their lives. They told me about Ix Chel, the Mayan goddess of the moon, love, and fertility, who watches over the lake. It is said that Ix Chel wove the universe together, threading stars into the night sky, much like the women of their village weave their colorful textiles. In their stories, the act of weaving was not just about creating cloth—it was about creating connections, binding people, nature, and spirits together in an unbroken tapestry.

This narrative mirrored our journey with the cameras. Each photo we took was like a thread, linking their daily experiences to a broader human story. I learned that storytelling is deeply rooted in the Mayan way of life. The children showed me that every person, every place, has a story worth telling, and sharing these stories is an act of preserving not just memory but identity and culture. In their photos, I saw a reflection of the lake, not as a destination, but as a living entity, infused with the essence of those who inhabit its shores.

It is within this sacred landscape, where the lines between past and present blur, that our project was born. Inspired by the connection between the Mayan people and their beloved lake, we set out to capture the essence of life at Atitlán—not just through the lens of a camera, but through the eyes and hearts of the local children. By empowering them to tell their own stories and share their unique perspectives, we hope to weave a new chapter into the ancient narrative of Atitlán, one that honors its sacredness and seeks to protect its future.

This project is a call to remember the teachings of Mukta Tu’ul—to recognize that the health of the lake reflects the health of its people, and that every action we take, every story we share, has the power to shape the destiny of this sacred place. Through photography, storytelling, and community engagement, we aim to uphold the ancient balance, ensuring that Lake Atitlán remains a source of life, inspiration, and cultural heritage for generations to come.