Friday April 7, 2006, Mexico, IZTAPALAPA, Mex

MEXICO CITY

Parishioners from all over Mexico, arrive at the top El Cerro de la Estrella in Iztapalapa,Mexico, after taking turns to carry the crosses up the mountain, re-enacting the Passion of Christ for Good Friday, Friday, Friday 09 April 2004. The procession, which is a tradition since 1893, was attended by over one million parishioners ARMANDO ARORIZO

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Sunday June 3, 2007, Lynwood, California, USA

Inmates waiting for arrival of Paris Hilton

A television crew interviews a woman inmate about the arrival of Paris Hilton to the Century Regional Detention Center in Lynwood. Hilton has been ordered to turn herself in by Tuesday to begin her sentence for violating probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case.

Women inmates at the Century Regional Detention Facility of Lynwood

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Sunday September 4, 2005, Whittier, California, USA

Charros and fans get ready for the for the tribute to Antonio Aguilar at the pico Rivera Sports Arena on Sunday 4 September 2005. Not all that well known outside his native Mexico, Antonio Aguilar was a major south-of-the-border musical personality and action star of the 1950s and 1960s. His prowess at both singing and fisticuffs has enabled him to be compared favorably with several of Hollywood's top Western personalities. In films from 1952, Aguilar has occasionally made appearances in American films with Mexican backgrounds. Antonio Aguilar's most memorable English-language film role was as the antagonistic General Rojos

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Sunday September 4, 2005, Whittier, California, USA

Antonio Aguilar Jr makesa dramatic entrance during the tribute to his father Antonio Aguilar at the pico Rivera Sports Arena on Sunday 4 September 2005. Not all that well known outside his native Mexico, Antonio Aguilar was a major south-of-the-border musical personality and action star of the 1950s and 1960s. His prowess at both singing and fisticuffs has enabled him to be compared favorably with several of Hollywood's top Western personalities. In films from 1952, Aguilar has occasionally made appearances in American films with Mexican backgrounds. Antonio Aguilar's most memorable English-language film role was as the antagonistic General Rojos

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Sunday September 4, 2005, Whittier, California, USA

Charros and fans get ready for the for the tribute to Antonio Aguilar at the pico Rivera Sports Arena on Sunday 4 September 2005. Not all that well known outside his native Mexico, Antonio Aguilar was a major south-of-the-border musical personality and action star of the 1950s and 1960s. His prowess at both singing and fisticuffs has enabled him to be compared favorably with several of Hollywood's top Western personalities. In films from 1952, Aguilar has occasionally made appearances in American films with Mexican backgrounds. Antonio Aguilar's most memorable English-language film role was as the antagonistic General Rojos

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Friday April 9, 2004, Iztapalapa, Mexico

Holly week in Mexico City

Parishioners from all over Mexico climb to the top of El Cerro de la Estrella in Iztapalapa, Mexico after taking turns to carry the crosses up the mountain. Parishioners re-enact the Passion of Christ for Good Friday. The procession, which has been a tradition since 1893, was attended by over one million parishioners.

A parishioner stands next to a poster of Christ.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday March 12, 2007, Los Angeles, California, USA

Argentinian singer Coti promotes album "Gatos y Palomas"

Argentinian singer, writer and producer Coti poses for a picture during his promotional tour of his new album "Gatos y Palomas" in Los Angeles.

Coti

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Tuesday May 1, 2007, Los Angeles, California, USA

Immigrant protesters confronted by police at May Day rally

Demonstrators are confronted by police during a rally in McCarthur Park in Los Angeles. Immigrants protested to demand a path to citizenship for an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants. The demonstration was one of many nationwide marches to encourage Congress to act before the looming presidential primaries take over the political landscape.

A kid ties his shoe next to an American flag at the rally.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday August 8, 2005, Los Angeles, California, USA

La Secta All Star group

Members of the group "La Secta All Star," at the Chapman Park Building in Los Angeles.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Wednesday March 21, 2007, Los Angeles, California, USA

Alejandra Guzman performs in Los Angeles

Mexican singer Alejandra Guzman performs at the Gibson Amphitheater in Los Angeles, California.

Alejandra Guzman performs on stage.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday May 1, 2006, La Habana, CUBA, Cuba

Cuban residents show their support for President of Cuba Fidel Castro Russ as he makes his remarks on Celebration of Labor Day at the Monument of Revolution in La Habana, Cuba today Monday 1 May 2006. Today Monday 31 July 2006 Cuban President Fidel Castro had temporarily relinquished power to his brother Raul and undergone surgery for an intestinal illness. ARMANDO ARORIZO

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday June 13, 2005, Santa Maria, California, USA

Fans react to Michael Jackson not guilty verdict

Jackson was found not guilty of molesting a 13 year-old boy in 2003 and was acquitted of conspiracy and alcohol charges. The jury in central California cleared the pop star of all charges after a four-month trial that could have ended in nearly 20 years prison for one of the world's best known entertainers

Michael Jackson fan Sean from Hollywood California sits outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse, dressed like his idol.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Tuesday February 6, 2007, Beverly Hills, California, USA

Nancy Reagan honors former President Bush with Reagan Freedom Award

Nancy Reagan presented former President George H.W. Bush with the 2007 Ronald Reagan Freedom Award at a Beverly Hilton Hotel dinner gala held to honor the 96th anniversary of the late President Reagan's birth.

A surprised George H.W. Bush (R) prepares to accept the award from Nancy Reagan as a U.S. Marine stands by with the medal.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Tuesday July 10, 2007, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium of Monte Carlo

Visitors enjoy the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium in Monte Carlo. The historic building housing the museum dates back to 1910 and was commissioned by Prince Albert I. It stands some 279-feet above the sea in Monaco Ville. Home to over 4,000 species of fish and a variety of different sea animals, acclaimed undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau was named director of the institute in 1957.

A young girl stands before a large photograph of a clown fish at the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Thursday September 21, 2006, Rome, Vatican, Italy

Art in the Vatican Museum

The private chapel of the popes in Rome, one of the principal glories of the Vatican. Built in 1473 under Pope Sixtus IV, it is famous for its decorations. By far the best-known achievements in the chapel are the work of Michelangelo. Across the ceiling he painted nine episodes from Genesis. There are representations of the stages of creation, Adam and Eve's temptation and fall, and Noah and the Deluge. Below these scenes are the statuesque figures of prophets and sibyls, with episodes from the Old Testament in the spandrels, all designed to prefigure the salvation of Christianity. The last great work Michelangelo executed in the chapel is The Last Judgment, on the altar wall. The side walls of the chapel depict scenes from the lives of Moses and Jesus, symbolizing the reign of law and of grace, respectively. There are also varicolored marble mosaics on the chapel's floor. Another treasure of the chapel is its collection of illuminated music manuscripts in the archives of the choir. In 1980 cleaning and restoration of Michelangelo's frescoes began with the test cleaning of small areas; full-scale work started the following year and was completed in 1994. The cleaning became controversial as it proceeded, as many experts accused the restorers of distorting or destroying the frescoes, but others defended the work, astonished at the colorist that the restoration revealed the artist to be. The cleaning of chapel frescoes by Botticelli, Perugino, and other painters was completed in 1999.

A child sits on the steps of the Vatican Museum.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Thursday August 10, 2006, Vatican City, Vatican City State

Pope Benedict XVI holds weekly general audience

Pope Benedict XVI greets crowds during his weekly general audience in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. The Pontiff kept up his appeals for prayers for peace in the Middle East, saying goodwill and trust are needed to obtain a cease-fire and a "just and lasting solution of the conflict."

Pope Benedict XVI (L) greets supporters in a crowd.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Tuesday July 10, 2007, Monte Carlo, Monaco

Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium of Monte Carlo

Visitors enjoy the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium in Monte Carlo. The historic building housing the museum dates back to 1910 and was commissioned by Prince Albert I. It stands some 279-feet above the sea in Monaco Ville. Home to over 4,000 species of fish and a variety of different sea animals, acclaimed undersea explorer Jacques Cousteau was named director of the institute in 1957.

Children view tropical fish at the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Wednesday May 10, 2006, Los Angeles, California, USA

Video game enthusiasts attend 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo

Video game enthusiasts flocked to the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), where the world's leading video game system manufacturers thrilled enthusiasts with the latest gaming products.

Video fans wait in line at the Nintendo booth to catch a glimpse of the company's new "Wii remote."

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday April 9, 2007, Los Angeles, California, USA

LA Dodgers opening day

An American flag is on display during opening day for the Los Angeles Dodgers facing the Colorado Rockies at Dodgers Stadium.

An American flag is on display.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Friday April 13, 2007, Iztapalapa, Mexico

Mexico's Central de Abastos market

The Central de Abastos in Mexico City, one of the largest wholesale markets in the world, is made up of a series of stalls providing fruit and vegetables to the city and some of the adjoining states. The market caters to smaller businesses, as well as restaurants and hotels. The prices here are rock bottom, and you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables of excellent quality without having to pay the middleman.

Cactus leaves for sale.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Tuesday March 27, 2007, Twentynine Palms, California, USA

Combat training before deployment to Iraq

Marines from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, undergo a medical response training during a simulated urban Iraqi exercise, "Mojave Viper" at the Marine Corps Air/Ground Combat Center. The "Mojave Viper" Exercise is a 30-day intense training cycle involving a series of progressive live-fire exercises with a finale of a 96 hour (4 day) real life simulation of an Iraqi village with Arabic speaking role-players acting as Iraqi villagers which enhances the training to be realistic. During the first week of training, Marines train for medical response, vehicle checkpoints, urban village patrol, and building storming or raids. Throughout this training, Marines must carry heavy equipment such as a rocket launcher, extensive amounts of ammunition, all which may weigh up to 180 pounds. This training is one of the last training requirements before being deployed to Iraq.

A Marine stands beside a prosthetic leg and a pair of crutches.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Thursday May 11, 2006, Los Angeles, California, USA

Video game enthusiasts attend 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo

Video game enthusiasts flocked to the Los Angeles Convention Center for the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), where the world's leading video game system manufacturers thrilled enthusiasts with the latest gaming products.

Video game enthusiasts look at a huge graphic pasted to the floor of the Los Angeles Convention Center depicting demons from a video game.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday May 1, 2006, La Habana, CUBA, Cuba

President of Cuba Fidel Castro makes his remarks on Celebration of Labor Day at the Monument of Revolution in La Habana, Cuba today Monday 1 May 2006. Today Monday 31 July 2006 Cuban President Fidel Castro had temporarily relinquished power to his brother Raul and undergone surgery for an intestinal illness. ARMANDO ARORIZO

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Friday April 14, 2006, Los Angeles, California, USA

Ceremony for 8000 new American citizens

More than 8000 new American citizens are welcomed in a Naturalization Ceremony at the Los Angeles Convention Center.The estimated top six countries represented at Friday's ceremonies are Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam, Republic of Korea, Iran and China.

The swearing in ceremony to become US citizens.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Friday April 7, 2006, Mexico, IZTAPALAPA, Mex

Parishioners from all over Mexico, arrive at the top El Cerro de la Estrella in Iztapalapa,Mexico, after taking turns to carry the crosses up the mountain, re-enacting the Passion of Christ for Good Friday, Friday, Friday 09 April 2004. The procession, which is a tradition since 1893, was attended by over one million parishioners ARMANDO ARORIZO

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday November 17, 2003, Hollywood, California, USA

Britney Spears receives Hollywood star

Pop singer Britney Spears is honored with the 2,242nd star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Britney Spears (lower-L) signs autographs including one on Rolling Stone magazine. Surrounded by fans and photographers.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday May 1, 2006, La Habana, CUBA, Cuba

Cuban residents show their support for President of Cuba Fidel Castro Russ as he makes his remarks on Celebration of Labor Day at the Monument of Revolution in La Habana, Cuba today Monday 1 May 2006. Today Monday 31 July 2006 Cuban President Fidel Castro had temporarily relinquished power to his brother Raul and undergone surgery for an intestinal illness. ARMANDO ARORIZO

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Thursday June 2, 2005, Carson, California, USA

David Beckham opens soccer academy

English soccer star David Beckham announces his partnership with AEG to establish "The David Beckham Academy," beginning in Fall 2005 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. The new soccer academy will target players of all skill levels beginning with 8-15-year-olds.

David Beckham (C) with a crowd of young soccer players.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Monday March 5, 2007, Los Angeles, California, USA

The 22nd Annual Los Angeles Marathon

Elite runners participate in the 22nd Annual Los Angeles Marathon. #4 Fred Mogaka, of Kenya won the race.

A group of runners race in the 22nd Annual Los Angeles Marathon.

Credit: Armando Arorizo / Polaris

Armando Arorizo

Armando Arorizo is a freelance photojournalist with over 18 years of experience. He is currently the owner of the Perfect Exposure, a fine art Curatorial Services black-and-white photography service, lab, and studio and director of the Perfect Exposure Gallery, which exhibits work from award-winning photographers, each based in Los Angeles, California. He is currently a contract photographer with Agencia EFE News. He is active in supporting the growth of photography by teaching at a city-funded program for Inner city kids “Imagenes” in Los Angeles. His previous works are currently on exhibit at the Office of the Mayor – City Hall, Los Angeles, and “At Work” The Art of California Labor at the Pico House Gallery, Los Angeles. Armando’s work has appeared in various publications Domestic and International, which include Vogue Magazine, the Los Angeles Times, the New York Times, La Opinión, the Dallas Morning News, the Honolulu Advertiser, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune among many others. Armando’s talent has been put to use to cover many high-profile international events such as the funerals of President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, May Day Celebrations in Cuba, Easter in Iztapalapa, Mexico, the inauguration of president Vicente Fox 2000, the Academy Awards, the Grammys, the NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, and many more. Among his clients include the Los Angeles Clippers, Metropolitan Water District, Metrolink, MTA of Los Angeles, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the California Community Foundation, Arista Records, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, O’Melvany and Myers, and many others.

Personal web site of Armando Arorizo