Today I share with you the vibrant colors and smiles from Antigua Guatemala. Meet the sisters Erica and Jackelin, two of the Maya vendors I have come to know and photograph often. As it is the case often, initially they were hesitant to pose for my camera. I don’t blame them, often people take their … Read more
As I have said recently, one of the most satisfying things I have been doing for a couple of years now is giving away free instantaneous prints of the portraits I make of total strangers on the streets while leading the Antigua Photo Walks… tap for full image!
“Aquí siempre son bienvenidos. Lo poco que tenemos lo compartimos y pueden estar seguro que las sonrisas son nuestro mejor regalo.” —Any Guatemalan Family That’s right, you’re always welcome and whatever little we have, we’ll share it with you and smiles are our best gifts, be assured of that.
As some of you have pointed it out, Guatemala always ranks quite well in the Happiness Index. So, if you’re looking for a mood change and to feel hopeful again, come to spend some time with Guatemalans to have a smile on your face. As you can see here, even a snack break is reason … Read more
If you visit Antigua Guatemala and don’t spend some time in the villages, you’re missing a lot. There’s nothing more authentic than life in the aldeas, as we call the villages. You can move a mile or two from downtown Antigua Guatemala, but you’re moving decades in time when you visit the villages, most filled … Read more
How could you not get in the happy mood as you walk around Antigua Guatemala when often in every block you encounter people who greet you with a smile or perhaps you see people enjoying each other’s company, even if it’s for simple nut transaction. I mean, don’t worry be happy!
CLICK ROULETTE » Guatemalan hapiness is contagious.
This is what happens when you point your camera to Guatemalans, yes automatic smiles. I dare you to try it next time you visit Antigua Guatemala. Lent aside: The first Sunday of Lent was a day with carpets and a big procession from the village of Santa Catalina Bobadilla, La Antigua Guatemala. As one can … Read more
As every October 12, Día de la Raza, I would like to share with you the faces of cultural resistance in a world where identity is being erased or blended, in Guatemala the Maya people represent a strong hold for the Guatemalan identity. Hahaha… maybe it is the water after all. 😉
This portrait of a young Maya girl is another addition to the portraits of strangers series. We are so fortunate to have freshly made tortillas three times a day, especially so when smiles are also available. Well, for starters you need ‘real’ nixtamalized maize dough (nothing of the maseca flour used elsewhere). After that, you … Read more
This picture of two Guatemalan young women laughing so hard at the main square of Antigua Guatemala is my most recent capture during the Antigua Photo Walk I lead last Saturday. These two girls were taking a break from selling the Guatemalan candy known as turrón [post coming up soon] when I approached them to … Read more
Smiles, big smiles, that’s something that I really enjoy about roaming the streets with a camera in hand. Sometimes I look for natural unposed fleeting gestures in people, sometimes I walk of up them and ask if I can take their picture, sometimes they come to me ask me to their picture, as was the … Read more
One of the things one can encounter quite often on the streets of Antigua Guatemala is smiles. Big smiles are everywhere around La Antigua Guatemala, especially so around Parque Central where it seems people are always having a good time. When was the last time you smiled and laughed so hard? Perhaps a new trip … Read more
If you really want to charge yourself with good vibes and energy, simply head over to Parque Central where you will always find smiling people, good vibes and engaging discussions. Here’s a taste of such happy situations where everyone smiles at each other. I hope you like this image and let me know your thoughts.
Often I have spoken about the wonderful feel-good vibe that one can sense and be part of while hanging out at the Plaza Mayor, better known simply as Parque Central, Antigua Guatemala’s Main Plaza, but I have not been able to seize the sensation in a picture until today. If you have been to Parque … Read more