Gala Ricote is Mexican, Spanish, and Venezuelan — born in Mexico City, raised in Miami, and now based in Los Angeles. Her childhood was split between her father’s photo shoots and her mother’s telenovela sets, always with a camera close at hand. Being hard of hearing since childhood made her a quiet observer, tuned in to gestures, glances, and the way light falls when no one’s paying attention. She has been traveling since she can remember — from family RV trips through Latin America and Europe to months spent backpacking across Asia — collecting colors, textures, and stories along the way. When she’s not working, she’s likely in the ocean or road-tripping in a camper van with her husband, Daniel, and their dog, Joaquín.
Gala photographs travel, lifestyle, and portrait work that blends vibrant color with emotional truth. With a background in cinematography and advertising, she loves crafting a scene, but her heart is in catching moments as they naturally unfold. Whether it’s photographing a luxury resort at sunrise, a bustling market in Oaxaca, or a quiet afternoon with a multi-generational family, she’s drawn to stories with purpose. Representation and inclusivity are at the center of her work — making images that feel lived-in, grounded, and real, and creating space where the people in front of her lens feel truly seen.
Select Clients Include: Meta, Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Alo Yoga, Sephora, Vogue Mexico, King's Hawaiian, Ford Motor Company and Verizon Wireless.
