Between the Branches by José J. Rivera-Negrón
This is a Greater Antillean Grackle, or chango in Spanish. He landed on the branch and looked around. His dark feathers shined blue in the light. Chango are common in Puerto Rico and live in groups. But today, he was alone. No noise, no flying. Just quiet. In my forest, even the loudest birds teach me to sit still and watch.
Exposure 1/320sec @ f/6.3 | ISO 640 | Focal Length 375 mm
José J. Rivera-Negrón
José J. Rivera-Negrón was born in Puerto Rico and later moved to the United States, where he faced years of addiction, poverty, and life on the streets. After reaching a personal turning point, he sought help, completed rehabilitation, and made a firm decision to change his life. Those difficult experiences deeply shaped his perspective and eventually led him to photography—a medium through which he could express truth, struggle, and hope.
Today, Jose is a photographer whose work reflects resilience, recovery, and human connection. Through his travels, he documents diverse cultures and tells stories that carry messages of awareness, especially around addiction recovery and mental health. Working with Light and Composition has allowed him to share his vision with a wider audience. His journey stands as a reminder that even after the darkest chapters, it is always possible to start again and pursue one’s purpose.
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