About Me
The Trochilidae
I’m Adriana Perez, a photographer, writer, Texas Realtor, and founder of The Trochilidae Co. My work goes beyond capturing images—it’s about uncovering the stories that lie hidden in plain sight. Through my photography, writing, and community initiatives, I aim to shed light on the systemic and political issues that shape our lives, particularly those affecting Texas and communities across the country.
My passion for urban exploration and documenting abandoned spaces isn't just about preserving history; it's about understanding the forces that lead to neglect and decay. From forgotten churches to overlooked neighborhoods, these places tell powerful stories about economic shifts, social struggles, and the resilience of the human spirit. My book, Faith and Ruin: Exploring the Abandoned Churches of Texas, is part of this mission—using art and narrative to spark conversations about community, inequality, and the need for systemic change.
Faith and Ruin is just the beginning. It is part of an ongoing series of books that delve into abandoned places across Texas, each with a unique focus on societal issues. Titles like Silent Classrooms, which examines the broken education system in the U.S., Faded Marquees, and Rusty Relics continue this exploration. Through these works, I aim to not only document what has been left behind but also to confront the underlying systemic challenges.
Through The Trochilidae Co. and the Bright Nest Foundation, I am committed to creating positive change. The foundation will focus on supporting low-income housing, education reform, and providing essential services to underserved communities. My goal is to bridge the gap between awareness and action, using my work to inspire solutions that uplift and empower.
I am currently working on establishing The Trochilidae Co. and The Bright Nest Foundation as key pillars of this mission. These organizations will serve as platforms to expand my efforts in community development, education reform, and social advocacy, helping to create sustainable change for those who need it most.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: our communities deserve to be seen, heard, and supported. Whether through a lens, a story, or a community project, I strive to make an impact that goes beyond the surface—capturing not just what is, but what could be.
If you feel inspired by my work, I invite you to visit my Art Shop, where you can purchase photographs from my explorations. Each piece carries a story, and by bringing it into your space, you support both my art and the mission to highlight the beauty and resilience found in forgotten places.
SILENT CLASSROOMS
EXPLORING ABANDONED SCHOOLS IN TEXAS
The American Dream was built on the promise of opportunity through hard work and education—a promise that now feels like a relic of the past. Silent Classrooms takes readers on a gripping journey through the rise and fall of America’s education system, exploring how economic shifts, political decisions, and systemic neglect have left generations burdened with debt and limited prospects.
From the abandoned schools of Texas to the financialization of the U.S. economy, this book reveals the complex history behind the nation’s educational decline. It examines the consequences of prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term community investment and highlights the systemic inequities that continue to plague public education. Yet, amidst the ruins lies the potential for renewal.
With the emergence of artificial intelligence and innovative global models like Germany’s dual education system, the book offers a bold vision for reform. Silent Classrooms presents a roadmap for revitalizing education—transforming abandoned schools into thriving community hubs, making higher education accessible for all, and preparing students for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
Powerfully written and deeply researched, this book is a call to action for policymakers, educators, and communities. It challenges readers to rethink what education can—and should—be in the 21st century, offering hope for a brighter, more equitable future.
For anyone who believes in the transformative power of education, this is a must-read.
FADED MARQUEES
EXPLORING ABANDONED THEATERS IN TEXAS
The book takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the abandoned theaters of Texas. Featuring compelling photography and captivating storytelling, it reveals the rich histories and enduring memories of these forgotten theaters.
From grand movie palaces to charming playhouses, the author travels across the state to capture the poignant beauty and decay of these once-vibrant spaces. Each image and story illuminates the deep cultural ties and community bonds that were formed within these venues, where joy, drama, and aspirations once flourished.
Through personal explorations, historical research, and heartfelt conversations with locals, the book delves into the social and economic factors that contributed to the decline of these theaters. It also emphasizes their impact on local life and the ongoing efforts to preserve or repurpose these architectural gems.
RUSTY RELICS
EXPLORING ABANDONED CARS IN TEXAS
Take a journey through the forgotten automotive treasures scattered across the Lone Star State with this evocative book. Filled with striking photography and compelling narratives, it reveals the stories and histories behind Texas's abandoned vehicles.
The author captures the haunting beauty and poignant decay of these once-proud machines as they sit in rural landscapes, dusty backroads, and overgrown lots. Each photograph and story unveils the personal connections and cultural significance of these cars, from classic muscle cars to vintage pickups, now left to the ravages of time.
This book delves into the lives these cars once touched and the memories they hold through personal exploration, historical research, and engaging conversations with locals. It also highlights the economic and social factors leading to their abandonment and the efforts to restore or repurpose these mechanical relics.
