VISUAL MEMORIES • HUAUTLA , MEXICO

Through a series of wonderful happenings in my photography journey I was able to attend a workshop of one of my most admired photographers ,Ernesto Bazan, in the mountain village of Huautla ,Mexico. I had the opportunity to get beneath the surface of the Day of the Dead celebrations by visiting with people and places all thanks to Ernesto’s intimate knowledge of the region.

what were my enduring memories about my time in Huautla ?

It is a culture a world away from my own, it was so strange and yet so beautiful. Living with people that take time to celebrate and honour family and friends, both living and dead was a remarkable experience that i still hold onto in my daily life.

How did my time in Huautla impact my photography ?

Amongst many other things I learnt that a good photography project is best slow cooked. The value of patience, which is a massive challenge for me and that it can take days, weeks or months to make a good picture. That the better pictures are created from a place deep inside and this can only be achieved via the process of opening up and recognising what truly moves you. Meaning the process of both self–reflection and focus are essential.

How did this workshop differ from others?

The workshop was about more than just photography. With Ernesto’s guidance every day was a lesson in humanity, sensitivity, passion, humility and kindness. He has a special way of connecting with unique moments and he helped us all to look, to really look, to see the magic when it seems there is nothing. Always challenging us to go beyond merely descriptive pictures.

What were your big take aways from the workshop?

I signed up for this workshop to challenge my creativity, storytelling and photography beyond the world I knew at home. Ernesto helped me to realise so much more than that. Through his deep humanity, vulnerability and insightful teaching my eyes were opened to the power of soul and spirit to enrich my photographic expression.