My Encounter with Photography

By: Lone Wolf David

Michoacán Color, Soul, and Heart

My name is David López Ortiz, and this is the story of how I discovered my vocation as an artistic photographer of nature and portraiture.

In 2008, after retiring, I decided to return to my home country, Mexico. I chose to settle in the beautiful city of Morelia, Michoacán, a place rich in architecture, culture, and history—perfect for wandering through its Historic Center at a leisurely pace. As part of my daily routine, I often enjoyed walking through the cobblestone streets, admiring the colonial buildings and the vibrant life surrounding the majestic Cathedral.

It was on a rainy morning when a moment occurred that would change my life. As I passed in front of the Morelia Cathedral, my attention was drawn to an elderly homeless woman asking for alms. Sitting on the sidewalk under the rain, she was trying to cover herself with a plastic bag to protect from the cold while continuing to seek help from the passersby. That scene stayed with me—not only for its sadness, but for the profound dignity and silent strength it conveyed.
I felt compelled to capture it, not as a mere image, but as a reflection of humanity.

I took the photograph and kept that memory with me. Nearly three years passed before I saw her again. This time, I approached her and asked her name — Olivia. With a warm smile and a surprisingly kind spirit, she allowed me to photograph her once more. From that day on, Olivia became my muse and the symbol of my work. Her image has been the cover of several of my exhibitions and has left a deep mark on my artistic journey.

I came to understand that inspiration is born from unexpected moments, from those encounters that move us and transform us. Through photography, I found a way to share stories, emotions, and fragments of life. As the popular saying goes, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” yet when an image carries a soul, it can tell a thousand lives.

Lone Wolf David