Waiting on the doorstep
This boy was usually on the doorstep of the pedestrian street Reloj in San Miguel, MX. On several occasions I tried to engage him in conversation to no avail. It is unfortunate town regulations have restricted craft sellers and their families from the main plaza. (El Jardin) Such folks add lots of personality to the already rich culture. It should be shared with visitors.
San Miguel de Allende Street Family
This family reminded me of the Spanish word for gypsy-roma. There were too many potential customers passing by to allow for conversation. I will try to find them again on my next visit.
Doña Margarita
Margarita was a mentally challenged lady who I photographed over a three year period in San Miguel de Allende, GTO., México. It was beautiful to watch the Tourist office take care of her. She didn’t know her birthdate, so they invented a day and each year bought a cake and celebrated accordingly. I frequently take photographs from prior visits, and give them to those I see each year. I was showing the picture to some neighbor kids living on the callejón Chepito. One of them asked for the photo as Doña Margarita was her aunt. She wanted the picture to place on her grave as Doña Margarita died after suffering a fall.
La Parroquia Baptism
The San Miguel de Allende parroqia is a gothic 17th cathedral in the San Miguel main square. (aka El Jardín) On weekends it is fascinating to watch the various baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc., which are more or less open to the public. Some are well off families as this photo depicts, while others come in from the campo with the bride in the front seat of a pickup truck and attendants riding in the truck bed.
Guanajuato
Informal street photos infrequently contain usable backgrounds, requiring much editing. This portrait is an exception.
Chicle seller
Chicle vendors can be found on many Mexican pueblo plazas. It also represents great brand marketing, as the Spanish word for gum is chicle. This nice lady was less communicative than others.
Dolores hidalgo, GTO, México
This young girl was playing with her younger sister in the Dolores bus station. Seldom do unposed street photos contain uniform background that I like
Cantina
This portrait was shot in the Cantina El Incendio in Dolores Hidalgo, México. El Incendio was frequently visited by José Alfredo Jimenez… the father of Mexican Norteña music. It retains an old world atmosphere. It also retains a mingitorio. In days gone by customers would not have to leave the bar stool as a trough below the stools carried liquids away…..well you get the idea. Not a place for women even today. José Alfredo memorabilia is present throughout the Cantina El Incendio
Cantantes
Jesús Ramirez (70) and Maria Rodriguez (55)have been singing to tourists in San Miguel de Allende for many years. They have four children, Jaime(40), Erica(39), Armando(37), and Verónica(26). A very happy duo who enjoy receiving the tourist tram in El Chorro. (Photo 2018)
San Miguel de Allende
Street photography needs people on a mission, and those just taking it all in!
Maria Cruz Granados
A very pleasant 30 minutes spent chatting with Maria, an 84 year old woman, whose father and grandfather were butchers selling meats to the “Biblioteca” restaurant in San Miguel de Allende GTO., several decades ago. I try to convey the person via photography. Alas, the people I meet frequently need prose to convey how much I enjoy getting to know them via conversation. This picture was taken in the spring of 2017, when Maria was battling cancer.
La Boda
The Parroquia in San Miguel de Allende, GTO., MX remains a highlight street photography location. Weddings, quinceañeras, and funerals are all lessons in cultural understanding. From basic Pueblo pick-up truck bride arrivals, to weddings, to the “Chilango” weddings with participants arriving in Rolls Royce all are great fun to photograph…as the Cathedral remains open to the public during such festivities.
Sunday best
Group photos are always difficult, but I generally enjoy trying. This was a little town square in México in the late 1970’s.
Marí
a Ramirez
This was the second time I have photographed María, the first being in 2017. She is now in 86 0r 87 (she is not sure). She has several children in the US which she has now located, unlike the last time I conversed with her. She walks several hours to arrive at the Mexican World Heritage site Atotonilco, where she takes up her alms seeking position. Her blind husband used to beg nearby, but she indicated…”se fue al cielo.” While I tend to offer payment to people like Maria, she comes at a higher price…suggesting to me MP$100 was the appropriate amount.
Semana Santa
The annual event celebrating Easter in San Miguel de Allende has become far too crowded, with people coming from all over the world to witness the various processions. I can no longer recommend these events for street photo enthusiasts for that reason. Probably better to postpone any trips to my favorite spot world wide, until more favorable conditions exist.
In thought
Personal information not available as I elected not to interrupt this well entrenched thought process
La cabalgata
Palomas, MX/Columbus NM
Early March each year about 100-125 “jinetes” or horseman assemble along the US/Chihuahua border and ride the 3 miles to Columbus, NM to celebrate cross border camaraderie. This occurs on the anniversary of the Pancho Villa (AKA Doroteo Arango) attack on the US Army Supply depot in Columbus NM.