Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Photographer Recounts Unforeseen Project Realized Years Later
A photographer met a woman named Daniella who looked a lot like a famous painter named Frida Kahlo.
The photographer had a sudden idea to take pictures of Daniella dressed as Frida in a Mexican setting.
They planned it, but Daniella had to move away because she was deported.
Years later, Daniella reached out again, and they decided to do an even more special photo shoot.
They went to Frida Kahlo's actual house in Mexico City to take the pictures.
Even though it was tricky because they didn't have permission and there were lots of people, they managed to capture some special moments.
The photographer learned that sometimes, ideas that start as small thoughts can become big things if you don't give up on them.
The pictures were important, but the story of how they made them happen was the real art.
Photographer Uday Khambadkone's idea to photograph Daniella Guerrero as Frida Kahlo was born from a chance meeting in 2010.
The project faced significant setbacks, including Daniella's deportation from the U.S. back to Mexico.
Three years later, Daniella contacted the photographer, proposing to shoot at Frida Kahlo's own house and museum (Casa Azul).
The photo shoot took place in October 2013 at Casa Azul, requiring discretion due to lack of prior permission.
The photographer highlights the journey and collaboration as the true legacy, emphasizing the value of pursuing spontaneous ideas despite obstacles.
- Who
- Photographer Uday Khambadkone and subject Daniella Guerrero
- What
- A photographic project where Daniella Guerrero was styled and photographed as Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
- When
- The idea was conceived in 2010, but the photo shoot took place in October 2013.
- Where
- The photo shoot occurred at Frida Kahlo's home and museum (Casa Azul) in Mexico City.
- Why
- The project was conceived due to Daniella Guerrero's resemblance to Frida Kahlo and her perceived 'raw and unapologetic' presence.
Spontaneity and Whim
Careful Planning
Project Conception
Spontaneity and Whim
The photographer emphasizes that the idea for the Frida Kahlo project was conceived impulsively and born from a fleeting moment of inspiration, suggesting that meaningful work can arise from such spontaneous sparks.
Careful Planning
The project faced numerous setbacks including deportation, relocation, and lack of museum permission, implying that while initial sparks are important, overcoming obstacles often requires adaptation and perseverance, rather than solely relying on the initial whim.
Outcome and Legacy
Spontaneity and Whim
The photographer considers the photographs themselves not extraordinary, but the journey and the collaboration as the true legacy, highlighting the value of persistence and following inspiration.
Careful Planning
The ultimate realization of the project involved navigating logistical challenges such as losing their way and entering a museum without permission, demonstrating the need for practical planning and problem-solving to bring a vision to fruition.
- Photographer
- Uday Khambadkone
- Subject
- Daniella Guerrero
- Project Inspiration
- Daniella Guerrero's resemblance to Frida Kahlo
- Initial Idea
- Photographing Daniella as Frida Kahlo in a traditional Mexican setting
- Year of Initial Meeting
- 2010
- Year of Photo Shoot
- 2013
- Location of Photo Shoot
- Frida Kahlo's House and Museum (Casa Azul), Mexico City