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Vanessa Rivera

@the_life_of_aivax · mom, photography, art

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I make storybook photos with my family 💛 team@thelifeofaivax.com 💌

890K followers
28 reels read
342x best outlier
31.3x typical
165M views in here
11 Jul 2026 newest

how they make thembroad appeal, clear story, show not tell, clear steps, right length, fast pacing, upbeat music, bold text

vanessa riveraphoto editingbehind the scenescreative photographydigital art@the_life_of_aivaxphotoshop artphotoshop tutorialdigital paintingdiy propsfamily projectphoto transformationdigital artistcreative momcreative photoshootphoto editphotoshopphoto manipulationphotoshop editfamily photographypicture editphotoshop magictea partyhalloween costume ideas

28 reels in the database, most viral first

21

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 18 Jun 2026

23.5x outlier

A pregnant mom creates a wild behind the scenes video showing how she made a funny maternity photo about her crazy cleaning mood.

2.1M views
80K likes
342 comments
1.1K shares
2K saves
890K followers
26s long
3.8% liked
hookThe sight of a pregnant woman in hair rollers drilling a chair into place next to a skeleton stops viewers in their tracks.
  • Visual hook. A pregnant woman in a pink robe and hair rollers drills near a yellow chair.
  • Setting and light. Bright yellow room with red carpet and warm studio light.
  • Upbeat music. Classic Motown music plays with a cheery rhythm.
  • Text on screen. Bold white text says your maternity shoot got a little unhinged.
  • Broad subject. Pregnancy and funny photo shoots appeal to parents and art fans.
retainViewers keep watching to see how all the crazy props turn into a polished finished painting.
  • Silly idea. Stacking laundry on her head and pushing a chair over is funny and unexpected.
  • Show not tell. She shows the real setup and then switches directly to editing software.
  • Great energy. Her mad faces make her cleaning mood look hilarious and relatable.
  • Fast shots. Twelve shots in 26.0 seconds keep the video moving fast.
  • Important props. The laundry basket, vacuum cleaner, and skeleton make the full story work.
  • Clear steps. The video goes from set design to taking the picture to photo editing.
  • Good length. Twenty-six seconds is the right time to show the full art process.
rewardViewers leave feeling entertained and inspired by a clever twist on maternity photos.
  • Funny feeling. Her funny angry faces and flipped couch make people laugh.
  • Creative ideas. It shows moms that maternity photos can be funny instead of serious.
  • Satisfying reveal. Watching a messy set turn into a clean digital picture feels great.
vanessa rivera@the_life_of_aivaxmaternity shootpregnant momfunny maternity photosphotoshop tutorialpicture editingsurreal portraitnesting instinctcreative photography art

We made it to 39 weeks and I’ve been nesting like a madwoman! 😅 If you ain’t cleaning, then outta my way! Just ask Anthony 😂 This is the final photo to my maternity series. A series I’m so grateful to have been able to create and share. For all those that followed along this journey from the heart breaks to today, thank you for being here and sending me so much love. I’ve been holding my breathe for months but the light at the end of the tunnel is so close and my heart is so ready to hold him 🌈🌈❤️‍🩹

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22

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 19 Apr 2024

22.7x outlier

An artist shows how she created a magical book cover for actor Jennifer Love Hewitt on her drawing tablet.

2M views
66K likes
692 comments
0 shares
0 saves
890K followers
46s long
3.2% liked
hookA shocked expression and text about a famous actor asking for a book cover grab attention right away.
  • Shocked expression. A woman sitting at a desk looks at her screen with open eyes and a mouth dropped wide.
  • Cozy workspace. Soft daylight brightens a room with curtains, a brass lamp, and a large tablet screen.
  • Upbeat music. The song Heart Of Glass plays cheerfully in the background.
  • Bold text overlay. Large white text asks if she can make a book cover for Jennifer Love Hewitt.
  • Broad audience appeal. Anyone who loves movies, famous actors, or artwork wants to see what happens next.
retainViewers keep watching to see separate photos smoothly turn into a magical finished book cover.
  • Shown not told. The video displays the full Photoshop editing process step by step instead of just talking.
  • Easy story flow. The creation moves logically from wallpaper backgrounds to characters, lighting, and book text.
  • Real emotion. The creator shows real excitement at the start and focused care while editing.
  • Shot pacing. The video uses 6 shots over 46.3 seconds, switching shots about every 7.7 seconds.
  • Key tools. The video relies completely on the large drawing screen and digital pen to show the work.
  • Right length. The 46-second duration fits the detailed creative process without feeling too long.
rewardViewers walk away feeling inspired by the artwork and satisfied by the final reveal.
  • Satisfying reveal. Seeing all the hidden details and magic effects come together on the cover feels great.
  • Creative inspiration. Viewers feel excited to try digital painting or work on their own art projects.
  • Behind the scenes. Viewers enjoy a rare look at how a real celebrity book cover gets created.
vanessa riverabook cover designjennifer love hewittphotoshop artdigital painting processartist speedpaintbook cover illustrationcreative workflowphoto manipulationartwork display

Last year I got an email and my eyes pretty much bulged out of my head 😅 I was asked if I wanted to create art for @jenniferlovehewitt After double checking 10 times to make sure it wasn’t a fake email I responded absolutely yes! I got to chat with her and she told me about her book and the beautiful inspiration behind it. It wasn’t just a random book she was making, this was a project straight from her heart and I’m just so honored to have been a part of it. I created 2 photos for inside the book but it wasn’t until after, that the idea of me making the cover got tossed around. You can only imagine how over the moon I was to be entrusted with it. See being an artist on social media can be a rough roller coaster. Because our art is connected to our hearts, seeing it be constantly rejected or praised solely on the vanity of numbers that we’ve been trained to obsess over, can be very emotionally and mentally destructive. But it’s moments and opportunities like this that heal our hearts as artists. When our art is loved by a person rather than a number. So thank you Jennifer for giving me this opportunity, for being such a sweet person to work with, and for all the kind words you’ve shared about me and family’s art. You have no idea how much this has all meant to me. Thank you! 🥹💛 . . . #digitalart #creativemom #madewithphotoshop #thehappynow #photoshopart #childrenoftheworld #mamaswithcameras #letthembelittle #childrenseemagic #magicofchildhood #childhoodunplugged #art #dailyart #enter_imagination #launchdsigns #photoshopedit

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23

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 15 Jan 2024

17.9x outlier

A creative mom films her family making silly photo setups and edits them into a fantasy picture.

1.6M views
125K likes
412 comments
0 shares
0 saves
890K followers
25s long
7.8% liked
hookThe clip opens with someone smashing a fake wall, making people stop and wonder what is happening.
  • Striking visual. A teenager smashes through a green wall, sending white dust flying across the room.
  • Bold text overlay. High contrast white text on a black box reads POV Your mom actually makes taking pictures fun.
  • Energetic sound. Upbeat vintage rock music plays immediately to set a fun, lively mood.
  • Broad appeal. Anyone who takes family photos or likes creative arts will find this topic interesting.
retainViewers keep watching to see how all the messy photo setups come together into a final picture.
  • Creative process. The video shows step by step setups, from building a wooden base to posing with props.
  • Fast video pacing. With 13 shots in 24.9 seconds, a new shot lands about every two seconds.
  • Fun acting. The children and mom laugh and pose with huge smiles throughout the whole shoot.
  • Key props. The red wagon, fake rockets, and plaster wall are necessary to make the pictures work.
  • Satisfying ending. The final shots show digital drawing on a screen and the finished 2024 artwork.
rewardViewers walk away feeling inspired by a fresh approach to family photography.
  • Visual inspiration. People see how plain photos can turn into an exciting digital painting.
  • Warm feeling. Watching the mom and her kids play together creates a happy, joyful mood.
  • Creative ideas. Viewers get new ideas for making family photo shoots feel like a game.
vanessa riverafamily photographycreative photo shootdigital art tutorial2024 photo ideamom contentdiy photo propsfantasy editingfun parentingbehind the scenesphotoshop breakdown

Here’s our first photo of 2024! The kids had a literal blast with this one 😅 This photo is a perfect representation of not just who we are as a chaotic, messy but adventurous family 😅 but also what we hope to achieve this year. To smash through walls of self doubt. To embrace the snowballs of challenges and grow from them. To set off big moves towards our ultimate goals. And finally I want to sleep more!😅 Im pretty excited for this 2024 ride 🚀 . . . #madewithphotoshop #photoshopart #humansofjoy #documentyourdays #motherhoodrising #photoshopmanipulation #fansy_kids #jj_its_kids #magicofchildhood #cameramama #the_sugar_jar #childrenseemagic #let_there_be_delight #wildandbravelittles #pixel_kids #letthemexplore #theartofchildhood #letthekids #childhoodunplugged #launchdsigns #childrenoftheworld #momlife #motherhoodinspired

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24

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 2 Oct 2025

13.0x outlier

A mom uses photo editing software to turn a Halloween photo of her child on a rocky coast into a magical headless artwork.

1.2M views
38K likes
156 comments
0 shares
0 saves
890K followers
12s long
3.2% liked
hookThe view of a mom dressing her child in a green hood on a scenic cliff immediately makes viewers want to see the final edited photo.
  • Visual look. A child wearing a bright green hood sits in a chair outdoors while a mom adjusts the outfit.
  • Scenic backdrop. Giant stone pillars sit right beside a windy ocean under a pale gray sky.
  • Classic song. Monster Mash by Bobby (Boris) Pickett and The Crypt Kickers plays in the background.
  • Onscreen text. Bold text says POV: Your mom takes your Halloween photos too seriously.
  • Broad appeal. Anyone who loves Halloween or photo editing will want to see what happens next.
retainViewers stay to watch the quick editing steps reveal a cool fantasy Halloween picture.
  • Fun idea. Watching a simple green screen hood turn into a headless pumpkin character is exciting and fun.
  • Shown clearly. The mom shows the real photos first, then shows the digital drawing steps on her screen.
  • Creative mood. The mom and child work together happily in the freezing cold to make art.
  • Fast edits. The video uses 7 shots in 12.0 seconds, changing the picture about every two seconds.
  • Important props. The green hood, pumpkin, wooden chair, and toad are needed to make the picture work.
  • Clear story. The video shows the setup, the raw photo, the digital edits, and the final picture step by step.
  • Short timing. The twelve second length gives just enough time to appreciate the quick transformation.
rewardViewers feel inspired by the artistic effort and enjoy seeing a creative Halloween transformation.
  • Inspired feeling. Viewers see how simple photos can turn into magical artwork with digital tools.
  • Halloween mood. The fun song and spooky character put viewers in a festive fall spirit.
  • Warm feeling. Seeing a mom put so much care into a creative photo project feels sweet.
vanessa riverahalloween photo editphotoshop magicheadless horsemanireland coastlinecreative photographypumpkin headphoto transformationdigital artfamily projectviral edit

No one lose their heads, it’s officially October! 🎃 This photo was from a few years back when we were in Ireland running around making Halloween photos. We hiked with all our props, we were freezing, we got yelled at, but we had a pretty view, got a funny story to tell and a cool photo so there’s that 👻

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25

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 8 Mar 2026

11.6x outlier

An artist shows how she turns a staged photo of her kids into a sad digital painting about lost childhood.

1M views
98K likes
490 comments
4.3K shares
4.8K saves
890K followers
45s long
9.4% liked
hookThe text on screen promises a look into an artist's personal world while the craft work pulls viewers in fast.
  • Young artist. An artist sitting on the floor decorates a handmade cart prop.
  • Warm room. Soft yellow walls and indoor light make the room feel cozy.
  • Gentle song. Soft guitar music and quiet singing play in Spanish.
  • Bold text. White text says You are a Latina artist in 2026 across the top.
  • Broad appeal. Anyone who likes art, crafts, or story making will stop to see where this goes.
retainViewers stay to watch the raw stage setup transform step by step into a powerful final image.
  • Clear process. She shows every step, from building props to painting on a digital tablet.
  • Fast pacing. There are 18 shots in 45.1 seconds, changing about every 2.5 seconds to keep eyes focused.
  • Real emotion. The kids look sad while holding hands near a broken cart, moving the viewer deeply.
  • Essential props. The spilled popsicles, straw hat, and prayer candle are props the picture cannot live without.
  • Surprising turn. The bright craft project turns into a serious story that hits hard.
rewardViewers walk away feeling deeply moved by how real life and art come together.
  • Deeply moved. Seeing the final picture fade away leaves a quiet emotional weight on the viewer.
  • Creative spark. Watching digital details come to life inspires people to try making their own art.
  • Cultural reflection. The artwork honors family roots and real heritage through thoughtful story details.
vanessa riveradigital artphotomanipulationartist processlatino artpaleta cartstory artphoto editingpaintingvisual artemotional storycreative tutorialbehind the scenes

This is the kind of photo I never thought I’d make. If you know my work, you know my art usually lives in childhood joy, imagination, and magic. But lately it’s been impossible to ignore how many childhoods around the world are being ruined by people in power driven by hate, greed, and lack of empathy. Making this photo was hard. It was inspired by my own kids and the culture I grew up in as a first-generation Mexican American. Removing the joy from something as simple as a paletero moment felt wrong, even if it was just paper props, my kids posing, and hours of editing. Because somewhere out there, it’s happening for real. From children in ICE-targeted communities to children in places like Iran and Gaza, my heart breaks for the childhoods being destroyed. I wish I didn’t have the inspiration to make art like this. Children deserve magical childhoods.

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26

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 25 Feb 2026

11.3x outlier

A photographer shows the real effort behind a photo that looks like it was made with computer programs.

1M views
66K likes
269 comments
1.4K shares
2K saves
890K followers
17s long
6.5% liked
hookPeople stop to watch real fire in a small set kitchen while smoke fills the air.
  • Real fire. A person holds a flaming pan inside a fake kitchen room.
  • Kitchen set. The room has yellow floral wallpaper and a clock on the wall.
  • Dramatic song. A famous French song plays with loud brass instruments and big vocals.
  • Bold text. Black letters inside a white box say that people will call this fake.
  • Broad topic. Anyone who likes art or funny visual tricks will want to look.
retainViewers stay to see how real props and camera tricks turn into a finished picture.
  • Fun surprise. The clip shows real fire and smoke being shot in a garage.
  • Shown not told. The camera reveals the lighting equipment and camera on a tripod.
  • Big reactions. The actor makes funny shocked faces while holding real flames.
  • Quick cuts. The video uses 9 shots in 16.7 seconds, changing shots about every 1.9 seconds.
  • Real props. The smoke machine and real flames are essential for the final look.
  • Clear steps. It goes from the live shoot to editing on a screen to the final art.
  • Right length. The short clip shows the main work without dragging.
rewardViewers feel amazed by the hard work behind a single creative picture.
  • Inspired feeling. Seeing real physical work inspires viewers to create things by hand.
  • Amused reaction. Watching real fire almost touch someone's hair is funny and wild.
  • Appreciation. People respect the effort it takes to build real sets for a single photo.
vanessa riverabehind the scenesphotography photoshootphoto editingphotoshopreal artai art debatecooking disaster photoshootcreative processdigital artphoto magic

I promise you if this was AI, I’d have way more free time 😅

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27

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 31 Dec 2024

10.8x outlier

A mom shows how her family stages photos and turns them into digital art.

969K views
33K likes
373 comments
0 shares
0 saves
890K followers
1:00 long
3.4% liked
hookA mother and her children show a large digital drawing tablet displaying their family artwork.
  • Family grouping. A mother and four children stand against a green striped wall.
  • Warm room. Soft indoor light fills a cozy living room with a wooden floor.
  • Catchy song. An upbeat pop song with singing plays in the background.
  • Bold text. Large white text says All the digital art we made as a family in 2024.
  • Broad appeal. Anyone who likes art, photography, or family projects will stop to watch.
retainThe video alternates between real behind the scenes shoots and the finished digital paintings.
  • Fun idea. Seeing simple home photo shoots turn into movie like art keeps viewers watching.
  • Visual proof. Each clip shows how a real set transforms into a final picture.
  • Happy feelings. The kids and mom smile and laugh as they pose for the camera.
  • Fast pacing. There are 30 shots in 59.5 seconds, changing about every two seconds.
  • Creative props. Props like a red wagon, green suits, and a giant pumpkin make the scenes work.
  • Clear story. Each scene shows the photo setup first and then reveals the finished artwork.
  • Good length. The time is just right to show a full year of creative family projects.
rewardViewers feel inspired by how a family turns imagination into detailed art.
  • Creative inspiration. Watching real photo shoots turn into digital art makes viewers want to create.
  • Warm feelings. Seeing a family work together on art projects creates a cozy mood.
  • Visual delight. The detailed finished images look like pages from a fantasy storybook.
vanessa riveradigital artfamily photographyphotoshop editingphoto montagecreative ideasbehind the scenesfantasy picturefamily projectpicture editkids artphoto transformation

When I was in the thick of this year, it sometimes got a little hard to see past the hard stuff. It was tough taking failures on the chin, recognizing how much I’ve lost sight of what matters, the loss of what would have been an addition to our family, the heart break of being let down by those I loved so much, closing a chapter of Life of AIVAX, and realizing how much I’ve lost bits of myself along the way 💔 But despite its challenges, I’m grateful for the valuable lessons I’ve learned from it all. Without it, I wouldn’t be on the journey I currently am to loving myself again, slowing down, taking leaps towards goals I’ve put off, learning to soak in the moments of joy and seeing the beauty in the midst of chaos ⛈️🌈 Cause all these experiences, happy or tough, is what makes life an adventure ✨ So thank you 2024 for showing me how strong I can be 💪 and setting me on the path I want to be for 2025. Thank you to all of you for supporting my family’s art this year. For your kind words when we needed it, for laughing with us, encouraging us, and just being here. We are so grateful for you 🥹 Here’s a little collection of some of my favorite photos we’ve made this year. Each one a chaotic messy but magical adventure in itself 😅 Anyway, Happy New Year friends! 🎉

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28

@the_life_of_aivax Vanessa Rivera · 15 Apr 2026

10.5x outlier

A woman builds an entire living room set outside in the forest to take a fun creative photo of her child with giant crayons.

936K views
68K likes
613 comments
0 shares
0 saves
890K followers
23s long
7.3% liked
hookPeople stop watching because the bold words make them wonder if the final photo is real or fake.
  • Text challenge. Big bold letters say people will think the result is made by computers.
  • Outdoors setting. A woman carries thick plastic pipes across a sunny green yard.
  • Lively music. Upbeat music by Harry Belafonte plays right away to boost energy.
  • Broad appeal. Crafting and photography tricks interest almost anyone scrolling by.
retainViewers stay until the end to see how the outdoor wooden set turns into a finished magic photograph.
  • Fast editing. The video moves quickly through 14 shots in 23.1 seconds to keep the process exciting.
  • Step by step. Each scene shows another stage like spray painting, gluing wallpaper, and placing furniture.
  • Fun props. Giant colorful crayons and a large velvet armchair make the set look like a storybook.
  • Final reveal. The build leads directly to the finished picture of a girl drawing on the walls.
rewardViewers feel inspired by the creative effort and love seeing the playful picture at the end.
  • Deep respect. Viewers feel amazed by how much hand work went into building a real set outdoors.
  • Fun inspiration. Parents get fun ideas for creative pictures they can take with their own kids.
  • Sweet feeling. Seeing the little girl pretend to draw on the wall brings a warm smile.
vanessa riveraphoto shootbehind the scenesset designgiant crayonscreative photographydiy propsroom buildphotography hacksfamily photographyoutdoor setstorybook photo

Just a little throwback to a photo inspired by the era when every wall in our house didn’t stand a chance 🖍️🙃

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