Asi Comenzo Todo.. (How It All Began)
I am German Ayala Vazquez, a photographer and visual artist originally hailing from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, but having been raised in New York City and now based in Philadelphia. My artistic practice encompasses a diverse range of photographic styles, including fashion, conceptual, and photojournalistic approaches. My primary aim is to illuminate and uplift the narratives and experiences of BIPOC LGBTQIA+ individuals worldwide, with a particular emphasis on regions historically affected by colonization.
I bring a unique and authentic perspective to my work, enabling brands and publishers to convey their messages with a genuine and culturally attuned vision. Notable among my recent clientele are esteemed entities such as Condé Nast, Apple, Barrons Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, Shutterstock, and many More
My educational background includes a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in photography from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Over the course of my career, I have garnered awards and grants from renowned institutions such as Profoto, Nikon, the Shutterstock Creator Fund, Creative PHL Illuminate the Arts, and Wacom. I am also honored to have been recognized as a 2023 Mural Arts Black fellowship in Philadelphia, The Fitler Club Residency, The 2023 DEAI Alumni Awards Recipient, and finalist in the 2022 Lens culture Portrait Awards and have earned features in numerous publications, including PhotoVogue.
My personal artistic endeavors have been widely showcased through various exhibitions, most notably the 2024 Black Art Biannual , British Journal of Photography's 2021 Home Exhibition, and the Humble Arts Foundation. I held concurrent solo exhibitions in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Philadelphia, showcasing my creative endeavors.
I am currently open to opportunities for both commercial and editorial assignments, and I look forward to engaging in meaningful and impactful visual storytelling.
Artist Professional Profiles & Publications:
2023 Mural Arts Philadelphia Black Artist Fellowship:
Shutter-stock Create Fund 10k Grant Recipient:
Creatively-Made CDFA Impact Award 5K Grant
Lens Culture Portrait Award 2022 Finalist:
Diversify Photo
Lens Culture Online
Vogue Italia PhotoVogue:
Hunger Magazine
The University of the Arts Featured Alumni
Solo & Group Exhibitions
2024 Brazil Black Bianel Artist
2024 Mural Arts Philadelphia Black Artist Fellowship Annual Exhibition
2023 Mural Arts x Fitler Club Residency
University of the Arts Photography exhibition
Humble Arts Foundation
Lenscratch
Inliquid New Now IV