Photos taken in Oruro, Bolivia in 2011 with the first camera I ever owned, a Canon PowerShot SD780 IS.

La Patria brings to life the richness in culture that Carnaval in Bolivia represents through the various dances and ornate costumes that are native to the country. Each photo captures a moment in time that reflects the joyful expressions of the dancers and the euphoric feelings that this annual celebration represents for Bolivians.

The Caporales dance originated in Los Yungas in the 1960s and was inspired by the Afro-Bolivian Saya dance. It is one of the most active Bolivian dances and involves many sudden jumps and turns to the beat of the music.