A portrait of a grandmother. A baby girl sitting on her mother’s shoulders. A youth picking at his afro outside his building. A woman getting her hair braided. Scenes so familiar and evocative of home, as captured by Dominiyorker photographer Flordalis Espinal. Born and bred in The Bronx, Flordalis, also known as “Dalis”, uses her lens to document her community intimately through portraiture, immortalizing moments that transcend time. Introduced to photography through her mother’s love of documenting family moments, Dalis’ passion for her borough has led her to use the camera as a conduit of storytelling, challenging preconceived and stereotypical notions of the Bronx and its residents.

Cultural pride is evident in Flordalis’ photography and all that she does. As the founder of Girls Who Shoot, Flordalis uplifts women of color in photography through providing spaces for opportunity, collaboration, and curating moments of gathering across the Bronx and New York City. Rooted in an ecosystem of creativity, Flordalis’ work stands in a lane of its own. For this edition of Café con NuevaYorkinos, we spoke to the Flordalis about being from the Bronx, the magic of photography as a creative medium, and the importance of representation.

*Self Portrait, 2024. Courtesy of Flordalis Espinal.*

When did your relationship with photography begin?
My relationship with photography began with my mom. She always used a point and shoot film camera to capture family memories like birthdays, graduations, and trips. This instilled that desire in me to document moments too.

As a medium, what does photography offer you as a means of creative expression that other artistic tools don't?
Photography allows me to alchemize how I see things or people in my mind, which I think can be done with most artistic tools. But what makes photography special, especially portraiture, is the connection you build with your subject. It’s a vulnerable and intimate experience to witness someone’s essence unfold in front of the camera and to mirror that vulnerability yourself as you’re shooting. I’m honored to capture these moments and provide an opportunity for subjects to see themselves in a different light and uncover parts of myself in the process.

Shooting on both film and digital, how do you discern what medium is best fitting for your subjects?
I usually gravitate towards film first. It slows me down, helping me become more intentional with each shot while giving both me and my subject the time to ground ourselves. Film also creates time and space for openness, so the subject can ease into the shoot, and show up as their authentic self in photos. Lately, I use digital mostly as a backup or when a job requires it.

Many of your personal projects marry flowers and women of color. It brings to mind a quote by Christian Dior, "After women, flowers are the most divine creations." What do you see as the correlation and connection between women and flowers?
There are so many parallels between women and flowers. In my project Blooming in the Boogie Down, I wanted to celebrate Bronx women by giving them their flowers—both literally and figuratively. The project honored their strength and resilience, as well as their ability to remain soft and tender despite the challenges of growing up in this borough and navigating the world as women. This mirrors the unwavering tenderness of flowers through seasons of change and how they thrive when properly cared for.

*Rebekkah, from the series,* Blooming in the Boogie Down. Courtesy of Flordalis Espinal.

Like women, who have often been photographed through a particular gaze, the Bronx too is a subject whose beauty has been overshadowed by one-note narratives the media portrays. Being a Bronxite, how does your community influence your artistic expression?
Being a Bronx native, my community is deeply ingrained in my artistic expression. Growing up here, I was surrounded by raw, unfiltered beauty; from the vibrancy of our streets to the richness of our culture. These elements have always been a source of inspiration for me. Through my work I’m shifting the reductive narrative often seen in media, by highlighting real stories, faces, and moments that make our borough unique. And ultimately, I feel a responsibility to make sure that the stories I tell remain true to my community, representing us as we are, not as the world wants to frame us. My art is not just about documenting the Bronx but about celebrating its depth and humanity in ways that resonate with those who live here, and inspire those who don’t to see it through a different perspective.

When looking at other visual media, what do you think people still get wrong as it relates to stories about women and the Bronx?
People often box narratives into stereotypical frames to make them relatable, but that isn’t realistic. Women’s experiences are unique and should be captured individually rather than shaped to fit societal norms. The Bronx, too, is often portrayed in gimmicky, watered down ways. There’s so much more to us; our stories, our resilience, and the deep sense of community here.

One of the most striking photo series reflective of your artistry is Rooted Reimagined. In it, you focus on African braiding and Dominican hair salons in Harlem and your personal journey of self-reflection and self-acceptance. What greater discussions on hair, identity, and Blackness and Latinidad do you hope this photo series sparks for the community?
I hope this series inspires people to do a deep exploration of their ancestry, that can uncover truths about their roots, and may help them define who they are and who they strive to be. I also hope it can spark meaningful conversations that can educate anyone who is misinformed or disconnected from their history.

Across your catalogue, from personal projects to editorial work, your lens conveys intimacy; your subjects radiate serenity, softness, and tenderness. What is your creative process when photographing? How do you approach your subjects with such care?
My creative process is always evolving, but it starts with me. Lately I try to ground myself before shoots by meditating, breathing deeply so I’m in a space to care for my subject the way I care for myself. I try to ease them into the shoot instead of rushing, asking questions and intuitively gauging their comfort. I never push past their limits, which allows me to capture them as they are.

*Harlem, 2022. Courtesy of Flordalis Espinal.*

In 2020, you founded Girls Who Shoot, a community providing spaces and opportunities for women of color in photography. What led you to create this project?
I created Girls Who Shoot because I was tired of being in creative spaces that were male dominated. Too often, women are overlooked or not given the same opportunities to showcase their talent, especially women of color. I wanted to carve out a space where women could not only thrive and grow as creatives but also find sisterhood and support in the process.

Through portrait pop-ups, photo walks, workshops, exhibits, and in-person gatherings, Girls Who Shoot embodies unwavering camaraderie. Why do you choose to curate these events for the community?
I curate these events because I believe that community is needed to thrive. Being an artist can sometimes feel isolating, especially for women of color navigating an industry that doesn’t always make space for us. These events are about creating environments where people feel supported, inspired, and seen. It goes beyond photography, it’s about building trust, uplifting one another, and creating a sense of belonging. Curating these events is my way of giving back to the community and making sure that women of color feel empowered to express themselves in spaces where they’re valued.

*Girls Who Shoot team for the To Many More and Nike Women NYFW Block Party. Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, 2023. Courtesy of Flordalis Espinal.*

You're the co-owner of Powered by Us, a South Bronx-based creative space. How did this space come to be, and why was it crucial to root it in the Bronx?
Powered by Us was created by me and my partner, Canvas, as a way to combine our passions into a creative hub. Canvas is a music artist and he organizes impactful community events for youth and adults. And I bring my experience as a photographer and event organizer through Girls Who Shoot. Together, we envisioned a space where creativity and community could thrive hand in hand. It was very necessary to root Powered by Us in the Bronx because our borough has always been a source of inspiration for both of us. We wanted to create a space that nurtures local talent and fosters authentic connections, beyond the pressures of industry expectations. For us, it’s not just about providing resources or a workspace—it’s about creating a healing environment where individuals can explore their creativity, grow in their craft, and show up as their best selves. We believe great artistry starts with a strong foundation of self, and Powered by Us is here to support that journey while celebrating the Bronx too.

As you continue to build and grow as a creative, what legacy do you hope to leave behind for little girls from the Bronx who want to explore their creativity?
I hope to leave a legacy of someone who chose her own path. Everything I do is an extension of the love I’ve fostered within myself. I hope every little girl from the Bronx learns to love and honor herself first. When you do that, everything you create becomes a reflection of that love.

Hometown Glory: Channeling Creativity with Photographer Flordalis Espinal

(ES) La Gloria: Sobre la expresión creativa con fotógrafa Flordalis Espinal