The here and now... and what and why

Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.

First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.

Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Friday, July 15, 2011

We're not laughing at you


There were lots of funny moments in Teotitlan del Valle.  I was constantly moving around and taking shots from various angles.  I tried to stay out of the way but....

I guess I went too far....

Actually, this is a friend, Sergio Mendoza, a fine weaver, and that is one of the toy guns the kids, who were the soldiers, used.  It looks good, anyway.

One of the best moments came when I was on my knees trying to get a low angle shot.
First it looked like I was praying to Mecca and the campo negro bowed down with me several time much to the crowd's amusement.
Once, as the dancers and soldiers were marching around the perimeter of the patio, I found myself inside all of them and then, all of a sudden, the soldiers were marching over me.
I was lost in trying to get the shot and I was surprised by suddenly being in the middle of the action. I jumped up, red-faced, and there was a moment of collective loud laughter from everyone, dancers, soldiers, band, audience and me.
 Still those low angle shots were worth it.

 
h/t Yulechka

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yes worth it. The church is the perfect backdrop for the colorful props and costumes.

Joan

Peter (the other) said...

WoW! All of these posts filled with such beautiful color... and I love your growing comfort in the community. It would seem that love and respect will buy you love and respect... otherwise known as a home.

Christopher Stowens said...

You are so right. You should see it from my side. All I can say is that one receives back tenfold what one gives out.