Granada, Nicaragua

Granada is supposed to be the oldest colonial city in the Americas. I assume that means continously populated. It is very easy to photograph. Primarily because it feels relatively safe compared to other locations I've been to in Central America. It's a tourist town and perhaps the residents realize they have to put up with foreign photographers. I was able to walk the market without much fear of being assaulted and left my camera outside of my bag, where I kept it hidden in more dangerous settings. Granada feels quite similar to Antigua in Guatemala and also to San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas, Mexico. All three are famous tourist towns.

\

San Andres Mixquic

Lluvia en La Alameda Central, Mexico D.F.

Steele Park, Phoenix, with thanks to Manuel Alvarez Bravo

It was in a bookstore in Mexico City many years ago. Probably the landmark "Ghandi" store downtown across from the Bellas Artes Concert Hall. I came across a thick book of black and white photos by Manuel Alvarez Bravo, one of the greats of 20th century Mexican photography. The photos in this book, however, werent the commonplace associated with him. They were from his later years. He lived to 100 (1902-2002). Some were taken through the windshield of a car. The informal, messy details were very personal and caused me emotion, melancoly. I realized my standards were arbitrary. He amplified them. Today, searching the internet I couldnt find examples of the photos. And perhaps seeing them now wouldnt move me similarly. Here is a link to his bio and earlier work: http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artMakerDetails?maker=1740&page=12

Storm over valley northwest of Oaxaca