Going on vacation isn’t about taking a break from my camera. That would be like taking a break from my eyes, my perspective. If anything, travel and new experiences inform my style and clarify what interests me. Clearly it is people. This time it is the people of Oaxaca, Mexico featured in my enduring love of travel photography.
“Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs,” says Susan Sontag. I couldn’t agree more.
Oaxaca City, Mexico
First, I love eating in local markets! The sights and smells make me so hungry, it is difficult to decide what to eat first. Photographing the food and the way each stall prepares it captures an essential part of the local culture. Here in Mercado 20 de Noviembre, a cook barbeques some pork for us – our first meal.
One thing to note about these open markets is how fresh everything is because the turnover is high. You can see in the background that the meat is unrefrigerated and on open display. This might seem unsafe to germaphobes but these vendors rely on a reputation of good, fresh food served up daily. I highly recommend the experience of sitting with locals and eating with them.
Oaxaca City night life
The streets come alive at night with parties and street vendors. As part of my travel photography in Oaxaca, Mexico, it can be challenging to capture candid moments in low light. Yet it is always worth it to bring my camera out at night.
Tlacolula Market | Oaxaca, Mexico
A short drive from Oaxaca City you will find the visual bonanza of Tlacolula Market, the largest and oldest open-air market in Mesoamerica. People from rural communities come to this traditional weekly market to buy, sell and socialize. It is one of the most authentic experiences I have had.
