Vogue Latin America

May 2026

Mar Adentro, a striking editorial project for Vogue Latin America, serves as a profound visual meditation on the intersection of heritage and modernity within coastal communities. Through the lens of photographer Diego Bendezu, the series documents the enduring legacy of the caballito de totora, a traditional reed boat that functions as both a vessel for survival and a powerful cultural icon. The editorial aesthetic balances raw documentary-style reportage with staged, lifestyle-oriented portraits, creating a multifaceted narrative that spans from misty, overcast shorelines to the warmth of rustic, lived-in interiors. By juxtaposing modern athletic apparel and vibrant, folkloric ceremonial masks against the ancient, fibrous textures of woven reeds, the project captures a delicate tension between the everyday lives of local fishermen and the rich, theatrical traditions that define their communal identity. The use of natural light throughout the series enhances the muted, cool-toned palette, allowing the organic details of the environment—from lush ferns and towering cacti to the weathered wooden floors—to ground the subjects in their authentic reality. Whether through a stark, monochromatic study of artisanal construction or a high-key interior portrait, Mar Adentro succeeds as a sophisticated exploration of cultural persistence, offering a timeless perspective on how legacy is preserved amidst the shifting tides of the contemporary world.

Editorial, Lifestyle

Natural light

Magazines, Media & Entertainment, Media & Entertainment