Around the World in Analogue: Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca in Southern Mexico is known for its rich heritage and artisanal culture, particularly its textile industry, which today still makes use of and promotes ancient techniques. From beautiful ruins and churches, to appetizing and diverse cuisine, Oaxaca has much to offer.

In this edition of Around the World in Analogue, Lomographer Stephen Hutchison returns to talk about life in Oaxaca, which he captured with Lomography film stocks such as the LomoChrome Purple, LomoChrome Turquoise, Lomography Redscale and the Fantôme Kino.

Name: Stephen Hutchison
LomoHome: @stephenhutchison
Social Media: stephenhutchison
Camera: Leica M6, Leica M2, Contax G1
Film: Lomography Purple, Turquoise, Red-scale, Fantôme Kino
Location: Oaxaca, Mexico

Over the past few years, I have enjoyed visiting many of the historic ruins sites throughout Mexico and Central America. On this, my second visit to Oaxaca, I wanted to experience one of the most significant sites in the region, Monte Alban. During my time in a Oaxaca, I enjoyed photographing the sacred temples that overlooked expansive valleys, and experienced the very best food, textiles, ceramics, and of course, mezcal that Oaxaca has to offer.

We lined up tours to multiple mezcal, textile and ceramic production houses, and observed artists first hand as they crafted using century-old techniques.

While in Oaxaca, we observed the celebration of Holy Week. Throughout the small main center, the streets were filled with decorative reminders, and people spent all hours of the day and night deeply devoted to their spiritual expression.

It was quite a special experience to be surrounded by people who were so connected with prayer and reflection.

The origins of many of the world’s most important ingredients have been traced directly to Oaxaca. The food of Oaxaca is a compelling reason to visit, but the cultural significance, and natural beauty of the landscape sets this place apart from any other place I’ve visited.

On a previous visit, I photographed some key sites with mostly black and white film. This time I packed at least three types of color-shifting films: LomoChrome Turquoise, Lomography Redscale, and LomoChrome Purple, all from Lomography.

I planned to revisit a special location where I knew I could photograph a calcified waterfall and the surrounding pools. At Hierve el Agua, I loaded with each type of color-shifting film and anticipated that the calcified ground might look extraterrestrial when matched with a deeply exposed sky.

Also, while visiting the ruins at Monte Alban, I imagined the lightly browning grass surrounding each temple might translate to a pale lavender when photographed with purple film.

I have enjoyed the results of this trip as much as the experience itself. I came home with nearly forty rolls of exposed film and have continued to learn about color-shifting film even 10 years after shooting my first roll.

Walking the streets and city centers of Oaxaca is one of the most engaging and defining experiences a photographer can have in Oaxaca.

I would recommend that any photographer take their time to experience the music, parades and performances while in Oaxaca. If you’re lucky you can walk side by side through the town and photograph with a wedding party trailed by a full brass band.

Many thanks to Stephen for sharing his photos and travel stories with us! To keep in touch, visit his LomoHome (@stephenhutchison), Instagram and website.

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written by sylvann on 2024-03-24 #culture #people #places #around-the-world #mexico #oaxaca #around-the-world-in-analogue #stephen-hutchison