A Picture. A Smile. Project

In traditional Andean beliefs, the concept of "Ayni" is pertinent indeed.  "Ayni" is translated as "reciprocity".  Whatever we receive, we give back.  Energy is always in exchange, it can't not be.  Anyone who has been to the Andes knows that the people there are forever generous in their smiles.  In my past journeys to Peru and Bolivia, I have always been gifted the priceless gift of smiles from the locals, and my heart is opened forever more each time, especially with the smiles from the children.

To give back to what has been gifted to me, the A Picture. A Smile. Project is created.  This project welcomes all photographers around the world who wish to perpetuate the beautiful gift of SMILES and GIVING to participate.

With a background in fashion and styling editorial for the last 14 years, my wish is to collaborate with different photographers to capture some smiles in the Andes through their camera and their hearts, and in return these smiles will be used to create opportunities for the locals to help themselves.  The work of the photographers, hopefully, can also be our channel to share Joy, Love and Beauty, eventually through a book.

A genuine smile is a gesture which when gifted, opens oneself fully and unconditionally.  When received, it translates into an experience of munaycha, that is, beauty and loving kindness deep from the heart.