Landscape scenes, rodeo action inspire local photographer’s images

Native American Culture

by
Carolyn Sostrom
05/29/2018

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Gabe Lopez with his wife, Salinda Lopez

Photographer and Ak-Chin Indian Community member Gabe Lopez enjoys capturing landscape scenes and rodeo action through his lens. Gabe’s work is currently displayed at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino and the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle.
Intrigued by photos from National Geographic magazines, Gabe became interested in photography when he was in grade school. He enjoys the idea of the story behind the photo, especially the stories of indigenous people.
Gabe also credits photography as therapy for him, taking him away from everyday life. “Being out in the elements is always refreshing and rejuvenating,” Gabe said. “I also think it helps me in my everyday life, by not being narrow-minded and looking at the whole picture.”

His personal history is one reason why Gabe enjoys taking photos of landscapes and rodeo events. “I grew up on the Ak-Chin Indian Community, and I’ve seen many sunrises and sunsets,” Gabe said. “Every one of them is unique. My rodeo photos are because I’ve been a rodeo contestant, and I recognize the determination and the physical and mental ability from rider and animal.”
Gabe notes his uncle, Alonzo Lopez, as his first inspiration. His uncle was an artist, photographer, and poet who showed Gabe his drawings. This later encouraged Gabe to take first drawing and then photography. As a youngster, Gabe almost always had a camera with him, whether at Little League games or while roaming his neighborhood. Gabe also credits his high school art teacher, Mrs. Cecile Shaw, who suggested he take a photography class.

Photo credit: Gabe Lopez

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum photographer Eric Long taught a photo workshop at the Him-Dak Eco Museum, where he met Gabe. After reviewing his photos, Long encouraged Gabe to get serious about photography. Gabe also found inspiration from longtime friend Ric Anderson, 2016 recipient of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Excellence in Rodeo Photography. The two friends have enjoyed photographing and following rodeo events together.
While Gabe likes to get an idea of an image in his head before he starts taking photos, things don’t always go as expected in photography. Sometimes, this works out for the best, according to Gabe. “You see the image in your mind, capture the image and produce the image,” he says. “Sometimes, you get the best images when things don’t quite work out as you planned.”[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”42638″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” title=”Photo credit: Gabe Lopez”][vc_single_image image=”42636″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” title=”Photo credit: Gabe Lopez”][vc_single_image image=”42644″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow_3d” title=”Photo credit: Gabe Lopez”][vc_single_image image=”27253″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://apple.news/Ax9MuAu_hQgyzjUa7CXvXHg”][rev_slider_vc alias=”akchinslider”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Last Updated on 01/25/2019 by Carolyn Sostrom

About the Author:

Carolyn Sostrom

Biography:

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather, Zumba, and the Western lifestyle.

She attended Saguaro High School in Scottsdale and then Arizona State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Similarly to the protagonist in *The Devil Wears Prada*, Carolyn moved to New York City right after college. She started working for the fashion magazine company Conde Nast but never transitioned to the dark side. After a few years, she left New York in the rearview mirror and returned to her home state, taking a reporter job at the *Apache Junction Independent*.

With over 30 years of freelance writing experience, Carolyn especially enjoys writing about community events and profiling individuals who are making a difference in their communities. She had the pleasure of interviewing a variety of cowboy personalities for an article she wrote for the *Scottsdale Independent* about the history of DC Ranch and its roots as a working ranch. Now, her Western adventures with CLN have her diving into the rugged automotive scene, exploring the trucks and rigs cowboys rely on for work, home, and play, a niche where grit meets horsepower.

She works at Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit resource center for families of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. Carolyn also volunteers with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix.

Carolyn believes that everyone has a story, and she loves connecting with others to hear their stories. She’s dedicated to ethical journalism and accurate reporting, which shines through in her storytelling.