Carmen Polanco Lugo

Carmen Polanco Lugo has always had a camera in her hand, ever as she can remember. Her grandpa gave her a simple automated point-and-shoot camera for her first birthday. Her family was ecstatic and eager to pose for her, striking candid postures, cheerfully posing for birthday shots, and striking every other possible stance! Polanco's desire to pursue photography was fueled by her family's encouragement.

Summer meant organizing vacations to East Coast national parks for the Polanco family. Carmen would be eternally thankful for these vacations since they not only brought the family closer together, but they also inspired Carmen to pursue her passion for wildlife photography. Carmen recalls these family vacations fondly from Acadia to Biscayne.