Wanderlust Workshop: Mayan Family Photo Shoot
In March, I brought a small group of photographers down to Guatemala where we embarked on a life-changing photo workshop. You can view the very best photos from our trip and more information on all our adventures here.
While in Lake Atitlán, a volcanic lake surrounded by 3 volcanoes, we were invited into the private home of a Mayan family. This adorable group not only welcomed us with open arms, but they also offered to pose for us in their traditional clothing, which believe it or not is becoming more and more rare in the region. It was an amazing opportunity to conduct a lighting seminar where I taught first-hand how to set up studio lighting on the fly and how to capture people in their natural environment in order to create proper environmental portraits.
We used one Canon 600 speedlite on a monopod with a beauty dish attached to create gorgeous side lighting and establish a studio effect for outdoor portraits. It was no easy feat as the family speaks no English and Maria, the wife and mother, only speaks their traditional, archaic Mayan language. But by leveraging our fair Spanish skills, their home and everyday tools, we were able to capture the true essence of the family and their lifestyle.
In fact, during one portion of the shoot, we noticed that there were chickens wandering around and asked if we could use one for a few photos. Well, Maria went behind the home and came back holding a grand rooster, which we could not be happier to include in the images. And then a priceless moment happened 5 hours later when we presented several photos as a gift only to discover that the same rooster was being killed for dinner!!!!
But in all seriousness, beyond the fulfilling act of teaching, it was an incredibly rewarding experience because this family has never had professional photographs taken of them before. And not only were we able to take these photos for them, but we were able to print them and present them as a gift later that day in honor of the father, Jose’s birthday that coincidentally happened to be the next day.
There were three reactions that the family had as they opened the wrapped, framed photos that stand out to me now. The first is that José emotionally exclaimed in Spanish that this proves there is a God because four strangers have done something so kind for his family. And that it restores his faith in humanity because people are meant to be good to each other regardless of skin color, ethnicity, income level or language. The second is that the photo shoot has taught his children the importance of carrying on their tradition and culture and that the images have the ability to bring a “cool” factor to their heritage. And thirdly, that these images will bring them status within their community despite their poverty. The four of them live in their humble home and all sleep in the same bedroom as their house is only made up of two rooms.
It was one of those moments, where I’m able to remember exactly why I love being a photographer and why I love sharing that joy with others. So without further a do, I’d like you to meet José, Maria, Sebastian and José Osvaldo.
The team of photographers with the family. From left to right: Jodee Debes, Laura Grier (me), Sebastian, José, José Osvaldo, Maria, Sarah Natasha Horowitz, Ronda Gregorio.