The first time I put on my traje. Or really saw it all for the first time…was for a photo shoot. I met the Super Catch chicos at plaza San Francisco. We then walked over to the Prado to find a foto studio. They’re actually quite common, so we had our choice and found one that charged 40 Bs. for 50 digital fotos.
We went to the back room, where the studio was and everyone began undressing. Oscar asked if there was a space for me to change, and I was given an alcove with a curtain. It was so shallow I was sure a few times I would fall over and land in the foto area.
I was about to ask if the pants when over or under the leotard when Oscar preemptively instructed me to put the pants on top. When I emerged into the room, the mirror was right in front of me.
We went to the back room, where the studio was and everyone began undressing. Oscar asked if there was a space for me to change, and I was given an alcove with a curtain. It was so shallow I was sure a few times I would fall over and land in the foto area.
I was about to ask if the pants when over or under the leotard when Oscar preemptively instructed me to put the pants on top. When I emerged into the room, the mirror was right in front of me.
I felt like a superhero. Oh my god. And then, as if my 1980s sparkling US Olympic team gymnastics costume and silver spandex leggings were not enough, Oscar handed me a cape. A bright blue cape with silver lightening bolts. And then my manilas were laced up. And then I put on my mask. I looked in the mirror. Yes, I was definitely some sort of superhero.
When it was my turn to pose, Oscar instructed me to put my fists up. I tried to scowl through my antifraz (half-mask). And then he suggested we do one in "estilo modelo." So I put my hands on my hips and gave a sassy knee bend. I looked sideways at the camera. Though just as distant from my usual demeanor, somehow that felt more natural.
My turn was over and I walked back over to the waiting area. Tony, a mid-40s luchador from El Alto, told me “Eres muy bonita.” I responded “Me siento como WonderWoman.” Everyone laughed. But it was true. The costume does something. It makes you feel like someone else.
When it was my turn to pose, Oscar instructed me to put my fists up. I tried to scowl through my antifraz (half-mask). And then he suggested we do one in "estilo modelo." So I put my hands on my hips and gave a sassy knee bend. I looked sideways at the camera. Though just as distant from my usual demeanor, somehow that felt more natural.
My turn was over and I walked back over to the waiting area. Tony, a mid-40s luchador from El Alto, told me “Eres muy bonita.” I responded “Me siento como WonderWoman.” Everyone laughed. But it was true. The costume does something. It makes you feel like someone else.
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