Here are two different approaches to the distribution and sale of food. On one hand, the mercado is an agglomeration of small vendors versus the supermarket which usually represents a large company or national or even international chain. In Guatemala, most mercados are the main venue where the Maya sell their products. The Maya vendors … Read more
There’s a myth that declares that the Maya people don’t like to be photographed. Something I have noticed in the over two years I have been leading photo walks is that photographers are afraid to get close or to even engage the people they are trying to photograph. Often, they try to sneak in photos … Read more
Often during the photo walks I lead around town, people ask me if the Maya don’t like to be photographed. I say the Maya are just like any other people, there are shy, introverted Mayas as there are extraverted, exhibitionist. The difference lies that because they are so attractive to the cameras and exotic-looking to … Read more
That’s right, life a Latin America can be surreal at times, don’t you agree?
Gender and identity. Gender and transculturation. Is there a difference in how men and women assume their identity and their traditions. What about culture, are girls and boys being thought differently? What are your thoughts about his picture of a Guatemalan young adult dressed in an U.S. flag t-shirt, jeans, and tenis shoes while his … Read more
Here’s typical vista found in many places in La Antigua Guatemala around lunch time. This picture in particular was taken on the corridor of Real Palacios de los Capitanes. If you have any doubts that humans are social beings, how do you explain these groups that are form during meals the world over. ¡Buen provecho!
As I have mentioned before, in Guatemala we still celebrate holidays on the actual date they happen to fall on. For instance, today we celebrate Día del padre, Father’s Day, in Guatemala, regardless if it is a Wednesday. What better way to observe Día del padre than with a picture of a father teaching his … Read more
Two women worlds apart! That’s the story. This is the sort of thing we do all the time during the Antigua Photo Walks. In fact, here I was teaching how to anticipate photographs and tell stories by the juxtaposition of elements in the frame. Nothing was setup, I was simply walking around and I mentioned … Read more
Simple and direct. I think this will be my title for my new series about Guatemalans. What do you think?
Last week we did a mini series on campesinos and the milpa fields located on the skirt of Volcán de Agua. Today we show the most obvious and popular food, tortillas, that is made from maize harvested from the milpa fields. Other Guatemalan food based on corn are: Tamales, tostadas, chuchitos, pupusas, atoles, dobladas, enchiladas, … Read more
Kids will be kids, here and everywhere. I enjoy seeing them smile, laugh and playing care free without a worry in the world, at least for a breath moment. How would you caption this photograph?
I saw this Maya girl peeking through the windows of a very high-end cafe in Antigua Guatemala; fortunately, I had my telephoto lens with me and on the camera, so I pulled it to my eye, anticipated what would the next window where she would show up and point it at it. Sure enough she … Read more
There’s nothing like on-the-spot-freshly-cooked tortillas to accompany your Guatemalan meals. If you grew up eating freshly-made tortillas, the aroma near a tortilleria (tortilla-making place) can be as haunting as the one coming from a panaderia, bakery; just ask Guatemalan or Mexican for the matter. Tortillas, in case you don’t know, are maize or corn based … Read more
