When my close friend Amelia Ramirez moved back to the Dominican Republic in 2022, I knew it wouldn’t be the end of our friendship—just the start of a new chapter. Since then, I’ve visited her in Santo Domingo almost every year. It’s become a kind of tradition.
Over the years, it’s been a wonderful experience to see the country’s beauty through her eyes and learn more about Dominican culture. Her friends and family have welcomed me warmly, and I’ve had the chance to befriend and collaborate with many of them.
After years of friendship, we finally decided to work on a project together. The idea started with our shared Aquarius zodiac sign and grew from there. I was especially inspired by the myth of Ganymede and the old folk tales Amelia told me. AGUA É unfolds as a modern love story between two people in paradise, using fashion, landscape, and portraits to explore desire, intimacy, and a sense of place.
The photos were taken against the lush scenery of Playa El Valle and feature only designers based in the Dominican Republic. I wanted to create a visual style that feels both mythical and deeply connected to the Dominican landscape—highlighting the island’s beauty and its people while also showcasing the skill and creativity of the local fashion scene.
AGUA É by Myles Loftin is published by Pomegranate Press. It’s a 36-page, thread-bound zine with Loftin’s photographs from the Dominican Republic. The first edition is limited to 300 copies and is available for pre-order here.
Credits:
Producer: Laura “Roca” Morales
Assistant Producer: Jensen Lucky
Photo Assistant: Eduardo Javier
Prints: Joshua Wiederhold
Scans: picturehouse + thesmalldarkroom
Styling: Amelia Ramirez
Talent: Amelia Ramirez, Carlos Choco
Designers: Carla Domínguez, Compostura, Stained Concept, Tiempo de Zafra, Indó Mita, Nineteen Seventy, Ká Dipuglia, Eimy Cepeda, Moeder.com, Shopeventanas, Distrito 79, Erick Lemos, Yenny Vasquez, Ila
About the Artist:
Myles Loftin is a contemporary visual artist and photographer known for his powerful work on identity, race, and social structures. Born and raised in Maryland, Loftin’s artistic path started early, shaped by the vibrant culture and varied landscapes around him. His passion for telling stories through images led him to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Parsons School of Design, where he sharpened his skills and developed a unique style. Over his career, Loftin has gained recognition for photo series that challenge norms and celebrate the richness of human experience. His work often touches on youth culture, fashion, and social justice, showing his deep interest in current issues and his dedication to encouraging conversation and empathy through art. Loftin’s work has been shown in galleries and museums around the world, earning him many awards, including a spot on the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30 List.
www.mylesloftinphotography.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about AGUA É by Myles Loftin written in a natural conversational tone with clear and direct answers
Beginner Questions
1 What is AGUA É
AGUA É is a short film and visual art project created by photographer and director Myles Loftin Its a story set in a tropical paradise that explores a romantic connection between two young Black men using vibrant colors and a dreamy sunsoaked aesthetic
2 Who is Myles Loftin
Myles Loftin is a highly acclaimed American photographer and director known for his work in fashion and editorial photography He often focuses on themes of identity community and the Black experience and hes shot for major publications like Vogue and iD
3 Is AGUA É a movie or a music video
Its neither in the traditional sense Its best described as a short film or a visual poem It has a narrative but is more focused on mood feeling and beautiful imagery than on a traditional plot with dialogue It feels very cinematic and artistic
4 Where can I watch AGUA É
You can watch it on Myles Loftins official Vimeo page or on his website It has also been featured on various arts and culture platforms online
5 What is the main story about
The film follows two young men who meet and spend a day together in a lush tropical location Its a story about attraction intimacy and the joy of a fleeting summer romance all set against a stunning natural backdrop
6 Why is it called AGUA É
The title is a mix of Spanish and Portuguese Agua means water in Spanish and É means is in Portuguese It roughly translates to Water Is which speaks to the films heavy themes of fluidity life and the central role that water plays in the visuals and the connection between the characters
Advanced Thematic Questions
7 What are the main themes explored in the film
The film explores several key themes Black queer joy and intimacy the innocence of first love the fleeting nature of summer romances and the idea of finding freedom and vulnerability in nature It presents