Girl In Dance
Gear: Nikon D600; Nikor 35mm f/1.4
Settings: ISO 200, 1/2500, f/4
Year: 2015
Central Square in Guatemala City was the civic and political center of the city until about 1985. With a cathedral on the east side and the Royal Palace which housed the executive branches headquarters on the west, it is a dynamic plaza of full of everything Guatemala stands for. Now, it is still a cultural hub. From young children feeding pigeons to riotous political demonstrations and lenten parades, this is where it’s at most of the time. Every day in the plaza is a new day for amazing cultural experiences.
Getting There: I arrived in Guatemala City a day earlier than the rest of the crew. Having been there before, I remembered my way to the plaza and headed there for a morning of shooting. Unfortunately I took my time hanging out at the hotel (being 7 months pregnant demanded a little extra sleep) and ended up at the plaza at a time of day when every photographer knows they should be napping or hanging with friends inside over lunch or pretty much doing anything other than shooting outside under the glaring eye of the midday sun. Regardless, I was there, sweating it out and was going to shoot what I could. Luck would have it that there was a huge crowd of students doing a cultural demonstration for the Guatemalan Government. It was packed full of dancers and bands and colorful costumes.
What this says: Guatemalan culture is beautiful and vibrant and colorful! The harsh light didn’t detract from the colors of the dress but only added to the brilliance and brightness of the dancers. I had to lighten up the shadows in her face a bit in post, but the light only adds to the happy moment of the composition. Who says I shouldn’t be shooting midday!
Thought this might look good in a travel magazine for Central America.
What this doesn’t say: It was hot. The sweat coming from these girls in full costume was intense. The sweat coming from myself as I weaved in and out of all this motion was intense. A kind man standing on the edge of the groups of children got my attention and handed me a bottle of water. He smiled, missing a few teeth and said in broken English, “You work hard. You drink.”
What this also doesn’t say is that it is literally amazing that I can weave in and out of bands and dancers and all sorts of displays for the Guatemala government and not one person tells me I have to back up, or get out of the way or that I’m not allowed to be standing where I am. They actually make room for me to pass through the crowd to get the shot. I love that.
Not all the 'midday sun' shots worked out so well. I had to do a little playing with shadows, which was fun, but probably shouldn't be attempted again.