A Day in the Life (continued) |
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I love telling stories of faraway places, and preserving them on film. I also thrive on the adventures and experiences that my journeys provide. From the minute I awake, until the moment I lay my head on my pillow at night, I am photographing subjects that reveal the true character of worlds that are far different from home.
My recent trip to Peru was one of my most exhilarating and meaningful adventures to date. Years ago, my grandfather's old slides, and his National Geographic magazines depicting the magic of Machu Picchu, sparked my imagination. I always dreamed of visiting these magnificent ruins high in the Andes. Architectural Capital of the Americas My trip began in Cuzco, the architectural capital of the Americas and the continent's oldest continuously inhabited city. |
Founded in the 12th century, and over 10,800 feet above sea level, it is steeped in history, legend and tradition. Any trip to the area should include visits to the museums and churches of Cuzco, The Plaza De Armas is located in the heart of the city, and is a great location to photograph people with beautiful old buildings as a backdrop.
 After 10 days exploring Cuzco, I embarked upon a 10-day road and rail journey through remote rugged landscapes. I visited some very isolated mountain communities where the Quechua Indians reside. These hardworking Peruvians have a deep spiritual nature, love being photographedand, and live in colorful villages. I explored and photographed the ruins of Tipon, Pikillacta, and Pisac, before setting off on some exhilarating back roads through the Sacred Valley.
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Technical Tips When making environmental portraits, I try to photograph people at work or interacting with others; they are much less self-conscious and natural under these conditions. As I size up potential scenes, I search for faces with "character," at the same time pondering photographic variables like lighting, color and composition. Once I start shooting, I strive to keep my people photos as natural and realistic as possible. |
I also prefer that my subjects take their own poses; I may guide them a bit, but I enjoy seeing what they come up with first. Then while talking to my subjects the entire time, I shoot quickly from a variety of positions, angles, and focal points.
When traveling in exotic locales, I recommend hiring a driver who can also serve as a translator. Such services
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