Latin America is in the news again. Today, it’s Venezuela. For the first time in its history, the South American country has two presidents, and each one has fierce support on the country’s streets and in neighboring and distant governments. Images capturing local unrest are once again captivating a global audience, but most of the photos broadcast and published in mainstream media, not unlike coverage of turmoil across Latin America and the Caribbean, are being taken by foreign male photographers, not locals or women, whose critical and varied perspectives during crises like this rarely attract international attention. For five years, Foto Féminas, a platform promoting the work of female photographers from the region, has been fighting to change that, and its efforts are increasingly important.

Created in 2014 by Venezuelan photographer Verónica Sanchis Bencomo, Foto Féminas is elevating a long-overlooked demographic. Through its website, Bencomo features a different Latin American or Caribbean female photographer, sharing their work and story through monthly interviews. On Instagram, these visual artists also have the opportunity to engage with Foto Féminas’ nearly 10 thousand global followers through takeovers that expand their audience beyond the confines of their home countries. The founder also uses this platform to help emerging Latin American women photographers, those who might not yet have the experience or acclaim as her monthly features, but whose talent, too, deserve to be recognized.

“We are all of different ages, backgrounds and come from different countries, but we all share photography and feel that’s what’s most valuable, that we are a community and know about each other and discovered each other’s work,” Bencomo, 32, told FIERCE.

(Courtesy of Foto Féminas)

In recent years, the digital space Bencomo has cultivated, which is now 50 members large, has also expanded into the material world, with Foto Féminas hosting several international exhibitions, photography festivals and gallery speaking events, collaborating with art and photography institutions and creating the first-ever library of photobooks by Latin American female photographers, Biblioteca Foto Féminas – María Cristina Orive.

After working in the industry for about five years, as a photographer, editor, writer and archivist, in cities across England and New York, Bencomo was hungry to discover women photographers in Latin America and interested in seeing the way these locals were covering the stories she was reading about overseas.

“Maybe it’s because I felt slightly or somehow isolated because I was in the UK and New York, and most of the people around me were of other backgrounds. The works I saw were interesting and great, but I wanted to know about our women. That’s why I was always searching,” Bencomo, who now lives in Hong Kong, said.

The photographer, it seems, has been seeking this representation since she first fell in love with the art as a teenager in Caracas. An avid reader of National Geographic, she was drawn to the way photography could be used to inform communities and provide them access to different parts of the world. But in the region she resided in, photography jobs were limited to weddings and events, not the journalism she enjoyed. After graduating high school, her father, urging her to learn English, encouraged her to move to Brighton, England. There, her English teacher, who also spent some time living in Venezuela, suggested that she stay in the country, where she could take courses and even earn a degree in photography. She heeded his advice, first getting a bachelor of technology for photography and later a degree in photojournalism.

(Courtesy of Foto Féminas)

During her time in university and in the industry, Bencomo was introduced to numerous esteemed photographers. Some of them even told her about visual artists in Latin America. Her interest was piqued, and she felt an urgency to discover more. During a three-year gig at Ventana Latina, the art and culture magazine of the oldest Latin American NGO in the United Kingdom, Latin American House, she was given the opportunity to highlight the works of Latin American photographers with monthly interviews for the publication. But soon she realized her features were overwhelmingly of men.

“I researched a lot, but I realized while I was doing this that it was so hard to find women photographers. I was more mature and understanding gender issues, so I began to be more conscious about that,” she said.

Bencomo eventually left England for New York, where she began working as a library assistant at Manhattan’s International Center of Photography, a museum for photography and visual culture and a photography school. While sifting through countless intriguing archives on the job, Bencomo had an idea that could bring all of her interests — gender, Latin America and photography — together.

“I wanted to do something about this, a project, a website, where I could archive and share the content of Latin American women photographers. Everything slowly came together,” she said.

(Courtesy of Foto Féminas)

That’s when Foto Féminas was born. Knowing the barriers that exist for female photographers in Latin America, from being overlooked for assignments that are deemed too dangerous for women or not having the funds to take trips where they can show their portfolio or apply for international awards, Bencomo wanted to create a platform that recognized these women’s work. Additionally, she wanted to use this space to highlight the way local female photographers were telling stories that the world usually sees through the lens of foreign, white men.

According to Bencomo, if this is the only perspective people have access to, they will never have the whole truth. “I left home and there’s a lot of negative news about Venezuela. There’s a lot of truth to that, in Venezuela and elsewhere, but I also come from a family that, despite the struggles and the problems happening in the country, have made things work. There are other more positive and inspiring stories or moving stories,” she said.

In addition to images that highlight state violence and civil unrest, she wants to see photojournalism that captures the spirit of mothers who work two jobs or leave their homelands to provide for their children or that show what it’s like for women to carry a nonviable fetus to term because of stringent abortion laws.

(Courtesy of Foto Féminas)

“The photos we see, the stories we hear, that is one side of the truth, but it’s not the entire picture of Latin America. There can also be other stories to tell,” she said. “I’m interested in seeing variety. I want to see variety. I grew up knowing Caracas is dangerous, but there are other sides as well, and I believe it has to be the same in other countries, too.”

In Hong Kong, thousands of miles away from Latin America, continuing the work of Foto Féminas isn’t always easy. Funding this project with her own pocketbook, she doesn’t always have the means to take flights to the Americas for exhibitions and events. But it’s her passion to break barriers, create opportunities, establish community, shift narratives — including those around the ongoing upheaval in her own nation — and leave a legacy for Latin American and Caribbean women photographers that keep the work afloat.

“It’s all motivation. It’s really motivation that’s the drive,” she said.

Read: In Atlanta, Peruana Curator Monica Campana Is Creating Space For Public Art

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Getting into shape is about as easy as resisting a free box of Krispy Kreme donuts. Yeah, it’s really, really, hard. And, it’s even harder when you feel like there’s no right sport out there for you.

Chances are, you just need to find the right kind of workout: one that’ll get your heart pumping, the sweat pouring, and leave you looking forward to next time! We’ve consulted your zodiac, and it turns out that there are still some unconventional exercises out there for you to try.

Read on to find out what you’ll be doing, next!

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Instagram: @nicolas.torres.z

If you’re an Aries, you need to do something that will really set your inner flame alight. You thrive on competition and adventure. As far as you’re concerned, when it comes to exercise, if there’s no thrill in it, why bother with it in the first place?

Instagram: @geovannikihonbjj

Contact sports, like martial arts, are great for someone like you – from karate, to taekwondo, to boxing and mixed martial arts, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. With your fire-y attitude, Aries, you’ll be fighting like Jackie Chan in no time.

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Instagram: @frazpoz

Taurus, you’re known for your stamina, and endurance. Some might call it bull-headedness, but once you’ve committed to something, you’ve got the dedication to see it through. Being an earth sign, you’re at your peak when you exercise outside.

Instagram: @kelshizel

Have you ever thought about playing Quidditch? Yes, it’s the same sport from Harry Potter. Quidditch for muggles is like a mix of football, dodgeball, and tag, all played on the one field, while the players keep a broom between their legs. It’s high time you gave it a try, Taurus, and embraced your inner witch.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Instagram: @sunjournal

Your idea of exercise involves moving your mouth, Gemini. For you, exercise works best when you can socialise with everyone around you. Of course, it’s even more motivating when you can wrangle a buddy into coming with you, so you can work up a sweat together.

Instagram: @m.pritchard.mono

That is why wife-carrying is perfect exercise for you, Gemini. It’s not complicated; it’s a sport that is exactly what it says on the tin. And, let’s face it, half of the battle is mental, with this one. It’s about being able to support your other half when you compete together. Gemini, with your gift of the gab, you’ll be in the perfect position to give your partner in crime that bolster they need to cross the finish line.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Instagram: @spiritualrenegade

Cancer, we know that you like to get in touch with your feelings, no matter what you do. And, your exercise routine is no exception. For you, exercise is really about experiencing the endorphin high that a good workout brings.

Instagram: @archbuzzer

Let’s face it, Cancer, the best way for you to burn those calories is to get hot and sweaty with another gorgeous soul in bed. A solid bonk ticks all the boxes for you. Exercise? Tick. Intimacy? Tick. Bragging rights over your newfound sex life? That’s a bonus.

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Instagram: @starlight_ballroomdance

Exercise for a Leo isn’t just about getting fit – it’s about the performance of it all. You’re confident, courageous, and you like showing that off. You’re all about being at the centre of attention, and that doesn’t change when you exercise. 

Instagram: @dance_kangoo_jumps

Dancing fits you and your style, Leo. The more energetic, the better. For you, this could be as simple as bounding around the house, shaking it all out. Or, getting some structure into your routine and taking classes. The point is, you’ve got the energy and vivaciousness needed for showing off some serious moves.

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Instagram: @gizlibahcelerimiz

Virgo, you’re one organised soul. Exercise, for you, is about making sure it fits into your routine. If you were really honest, you don’t mind doing the same thing, day in, day out – as long as it gives you the results you’re looking for. After all, you’re a perfectionist at heart.

Instagram: @blackmenwithgardens

As an earth sign, you’re pretty comfortable gardening. And, don’t get us wrong, we’re not just talking about just pulling out weeds. Hauling big plants, and shovelling mountains of dirt really gets you breaking a sweat! It also gets a routine going, since you’ll have to give your green babies attention every day. And, you’ll be seeing visible results in no time – both in your body, and in your rejuvenated garden.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Instagram: @zestylife.ca

As the sign of the scales, you excel at balancing activities, Libra. You’ve got a sense of poise that some people can only dream of. You’re not too fussed over the competitive aspect to some sports, so you’re usually happy just working up a sweat.

Instagram: @extreme__mtb

Libra, mountain biking is your style. More often than not, you’ll stay on the bike when other people would fall off. And, as an air sign, you’ll thrive on the fresh mountain air when you go biking.

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Instagram: @moinyoungor.k

Scorpio, your ideal exercise routine incorporates some intensity. You like to get in touch with your competitive side when you’re getting sweaty. But, let’s face it, you’re really in your element when you embrace your more seductive side.

Instagram: @angelina.polerina

Pole dancing incorporates everything you’re looking for in a workout, Scorpio. While most pole dancers make the art look easy, it’s anything but. You’ll start doing pole dancing for sexiness of it all, but stay to prove yourself in the championships.

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 21)

Instagram: @wearevertigobelfast

Cheerful and optimistic are two words that best describe you, Sagittarius. And, part of maintaining that upbeat outlook is having a workout that makes you happy. Since you’re a free spirit with a lot of energy, you need an exercise routine that reflects that.

Instagram: @craigiehighpe

The perfect way to work up a sweat for a Sagittarius is to go trampolining. Let’s face it, it’s hard to not feel happy after bounding your way through an exercise session.

Capricorn (December 22 – January 20)

Instagram: @beingabiker

As an earth sign, Capricorn, you thrive on competitiveness in your exercise routine. You’ve got the ability to endure, so for your workouts, you need something to make you break a sweat, and then continue to break a sweat. Your determination to succeed means that you’ll never let a hard session get the best of you.

Instagram: @rollerballthailand

Have you ever tried zorbing, Capricorn? Some would describe it as an extreme sport – after all, it involves getting inside a gigantic plastic ball, and rolling your way to the finish line. It takes considerable strength to control where you want to go, and we know that you’ll be up for the challenge.

Aquarius (January 21 – February 18)

Instagram: @theminionfit

Aquarius, being the intellectual you are, you thrive most when your exercise routine engages both your body, and your brain. Your love of technology definitely influences your workouts. Variety is what keeps you engaged when you exercise – routines can kill your enthusiasm for getting fit. 

Instagram: @life_of_fee

The internet is your best friend when it comes to putting together an exercise program for you, Aquarius. We know that one day you’ll be scouring an app to get in touch with your inner yogi, and the next you’ll be firing up Youtube for a solid HIIT session.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Instagram: @aquajogclub

For Pisces, you need a workout that meshes with your sensitive personality. Since you’re drawn to taking care of the people around you, it means that you need to let off some steam more regularly than most. You benefit from the stress-relief exercise can give you when you’ve had a good session. 

Instagram: @runnersar

Being the sign of the fish, anything involving water is good exercise for a Pisces. Have you ever tried aquajogging? It says it all in the title – and it’s even popular enough to have its own world championships every year. Maybe we’ll see you there, one day!

So have you discovered a new way to tackle your exercise routine? Or, had you already found your own unconventional exercise to incorporate into your routine? Let us know on Facebook by clicking the icon at the top of the page!

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