Hello!
My name is Paola Flores, and I’m a first-year Biology student at the University of New Mexico. I am pursuing a career as a wildlife biologist and conservationist. Outside of my studies, I enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, playing video games, and painting with watercolors.
My passion for photography began when I was 11, after receiving my first smartphone. What started as a hobby quickly evolved into job opportunities with non-profits. Through these experiences, I learned to use basic DSLRs and later advanced to intermediate cameras, honing my editing skills with the guidance of my mentor, Tio, and my friend, John Acosta.
A fun fact about me is that I danced Folklórico, both recreationally and professionally, for 10 years. As a first-generation immigrant with family roots in Zacatecas and Chihuahua, Mexico, my culture deeply influenced my love of art. Growing up alongside rapidly evolving technology and social media, I discovered many popular artists through Instagram edits and personal research, which further inspired my creative journey.
My Story
I come from a vibrant and diverse cultural background, with two families that were polar opposites in many ways. Growing up, my grandmothers and aunties played a big role in raising me since both of my parents were always busy. I spent much of my childhood with my cousins, who felt more like siblings.
As one of many grandchildren in the house, we loved playing outside together. Whether it was sports, hide-and-seek, tag, or even games we invented, we always found ways to stay active. One of our favorites was “Minecraft IRL,” where we created little rivers in our grandmother’s garden, built fires with sticks, and, of course, made mud pies—a classic. Although, when I was alone, I often turned to TV for company. With just a few crayons and paper to entertain myself, I looked forward to watching PBS shows whenever we had cable. Programs like Wild Kratts, Super Why!, Sid the Science Kid, and The Magic School Bus were my favorites. They sparked my imagination, deepened my love for nature and the outdoors, and introduced me to the wonders of science and storytelling.
As a woman of color and the first in my dad’s family to attend college, I am driven to achieve what my family couldn’t. I want to share their stories and create new ones, along with resources for kids like me—kids who had no one to turn to in moments of need, no paper or pencil to write with, or barely enough food to eat. My goal is to shed light on their struggles, uplift them, and build a sense of support and solidarity. In Mexican culture, family is everything; no one gets left behind. With this value at heart, I want to fight for those kids and for the future, especially as we face environmental decline. From the moment I became aware of the world around me, I’ve always been sensitive. I was an emotional kid—and honestly, I can still be a bit of a crybaby. My family often caught me making faces while watching movies, completely absorbed in the story without even realizing it. As I grew older, my love for movies deepened. I started analyzing not just the story and its message but also the technical elements: the camera angles, colors, and music. Without knowing it, I was developing the skills of a storyteller in film. When I eventually started taking photos and videos, everything clicked into place.
My heritage has shaped not only who I am as a person but also as an artist. Thanks to the internet, my art is influenced not only by my Mexican culture but also by the vibrant artistic communities of other people of color. Their work has deeply inspired how I express myself creatively. I aim to showcase the raw beauty in places where it’s often overlooked. I strive to incorporate the human element into my art, reminding people that life isn’t about material wealth or being “rich.” True richness comes from the people, love, and life we have, even in the simplest circumstances.