In the heart of Culiacán's night, my lens ventured into the cosmic embrace of the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex, capturing the intricate details of Orion's Belt. Yet, this celestial dance found an earthly companion in the perfectly mirrored waters of the Mariquita Dike, with the legendary Cerro de la Campana standing sentinel between the dike and the night sky.

As the mountains cradled the secrets of the universe, so did they guard the age-old tale my uncles once shared—a ghostly encounter on the free highway near Cerro de la Campana. Late-night drivers would witness the apparition of a lady seeking a ride, leaving behind a chilling reminder—a forgotten jacket. The return to her home would reveal the undeniable truth: the lady had departed this world many years ago.

On the night of this photograph's inception, as I headed to a photography gig on a secluded ranch, the Cerro de la Campana emerged, bathed in the glow of Orion's Belt, mirrored flawlessly on the Mariquita Dike. Memories of childhood tales intertwined with the allure of the cosmic display, urging me to seize the moment.

In a fleeting instant, amidst the journey home, I paused to immortalize this rare convergence. Echoes of eternity resonated in every pixel—a photograph unparalleled in its uniqueness, capturing the symphony of the universe mirrored on earthly waters. This image stands as the sole relic of that night, a testament to the synchronicity of the cosmic and the terrestrial.

This is not just a photograph; it's a narrative woven into the fabric of an unexpected moment. A tale of Orion's Belt reflected on Mariquita's mirror, entwined with the ghostly echoes of a highway long traveled. It's more than an image—it's an invitation to explore the extraordinary in the ordinary, to embrace the rare and the magical that unfolds when the realms of myth and reality collide.

About me

Alfredo Juarez, a renowned photographer, first gained recognition through his captivating Astro photography work in Sinaloa. His celestial masterpieces have graced exhibitions across four countries and adorned the pages of prestigious magazines and newspapers. However, this year, as he delved into storm chasing, he discovered a new calling, a profound mission that could become his lasting legacy.

In the heart of Sinaloa, where the most powerful storms ever recorded brew, Alfredo found his purpose—to use his storm chasing art as a catalyst for change. He recognizes the critical need for more weather stations to gather crucial data for accurate forecasts and, ultimately, to save lives. With unwavering dedication, Alfredo aims to be the one who fully documents the raw power of the Sinaloan Monsoon and uses his art to raise awareness for this pressing matter.

Alfredo's career is a kaleidoscope of passions, from being an art and sunset enthusiast to an accomplished Astro photographer with international acclaim. Now, as a storm chaser about to showcase his art, he embarks on a journey to inspire others through his lens, leaving an indelible mark not only on the art world but also on the lives he can potentially save.

License

Extended Editorial License: Can be used to display privately, or in commercial and non-commercial settings, or in groups with an unlimited number of participants. The License includes unlimited use and display in virtual or physical galleries, documentaries, and essays by the NFT holder. Provides no rights to create commercial merchandise.