Explore the sights, sounds, tastes and scents of Mexico with your camera

words and photos Maura Wall Hernandez

Mi Casa Es Su Casa

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exico is my home away from home. Every corner I turn, every meal I eat and every new place I explore is a source of inspiration to me. And I never go anywhere without a camera so I can be sure to capture every experience I come across, see and feel. From the moment the plane approaches the runway and I can see the vibrant colours of the homes below to the lush, jungle-like vegetation Ive admired in places such as Cancun and Huatulco, Mexico always takes my breath away and has me fumbling for my camera before I even touch the ground.

Ive laid down in dirt, sand, and on a world-famous soccer field to get a shot. Ive climbed high above the 1968 Olympic stadium and to the top of Aztec pyramids toting my cameras for an eagles eye view, and into the ocean, carrying my camera high above my head until the tide receded enough to safely photograph marine life. But usually the biggest thrill comes from the simplest of things: family and friends.
A Panorama Of Pyramids Teotihuacn, Mexicos most visited archaeological site, features the Pyramid of the Sun, third largest in the world

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All Over Mexico City From mosiac murals to cityscapes and Olympic stadiums, theres a wealth of Mexican imagery to be snapped

I first travelled to Mexico City several years ago to meet my then soon-to-be in-laws. As the plane approached Benito Juarez International Airport, I took in the urban footprint extending as far as the eye could see. Even with the ubiquitous smoke and fog shroud that covers the city for two-thirds of the year, the extension of construction from up in the air is one of the most impressive sights Ive ever seen. It was not the Mexico I was expecting as I pressed my face against the glass trying to catch a glimpse of what awaited me below. I salivated at the thought of finally experiencing landmarks and historic sites, eating street food and visiting the markets things I had only previously read about in books or magazines and then discovering the didactic modern yet historic city. Upon exiting the airport, the culture shock is rather strong if you have never been to a developing country: poverty is evident everywhere you turn. From the young children peddling Chiclets in the street to elderly women begging for a coin at a traffic light, the first impression can be quite disheartening to those not expecting it. There is graffiti
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everywhere and the streets and infrastructure are in a sad state of decay in the neighbourhood directly outside of the airport. But like in every other large city, beauty can be found almost anywhere. And its especially embedded in the people. Mexicans are a warm, trusting, boisterous and kind people, despite what you may have seen on the news or impressions from foreign media often only talking about the violence and disorder things which exist, but in my opinion do not define Mexico. The people are respectful of tradition and go to great lengths to accommodate and please their guests. They work hard in spite of corruption and other elements that threaten Mexicos very existence as a free state. Family is always placed ahead of work and other societal responsibilities and centuriesold tradition remains king in modern-day Mexico. Families may spend years of savings on parties for their young daughters. A First Holy Communion or a quinceaera (a girls 15th birthday party), both considered rites of passage, can become events of lavish expenditure sometimes as costly as a wedding. A posada (a Christmas celebration) brings together

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Wheeling And Dealing A man peddles his pinwheels and toys near the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City

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TktktktMasterpiece Ruth displays the tools of her trade beads, stones, metal threads,

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The Many Faces Of Mexico Where ancient Aztec iconography meets modern urban graffiti, where real butterflies and those in costume flutter about, and traditional favourites such as coffee and empanadas are tasty treats for all, theres never a dull photograph in Mexico the trick is to experience them all and to always be ready to capture every moment

families and neighbours who help each other throughout the year. They share in song, warmth and the traditional seasonal meals and treats. Which brings me to my favourite thing about the country: its food. Since my very first bite of Mexican cuisine, I have become enchanted by the passion involved in the preparation and the colourful presentation of even the simplest of dishes.

Mexican food lends itself to bright, interesting and fulfilling photographic shoots. The variety of ingredients and preparations allow for experimentation both in the kitchen and with table settings. The food is also a reflection of a cultural identity that is uniquely Mexican. From the ancient civilisations that claimed large portions of the continent come dishes that have changed very little over hundreds of years. The tortilla, simply a paste of corn and slaked lime cooked on a hot griddle, has been consumed by Mexicans for at least 2,000 years. They fill it with anything available: from delicacies such as ant larvae or stink bugs to more everyday choices such as chicken, pork or beef. Tortillas transcend social strata and are a staple in the diet of every Mexican family, rich and poor. In fact, in 2010, UNESCO granted special status to Mexican cuisine as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, honouring the food, its storied preparation techniques and its importance in the global context. But despite this recent attention to the country, Mexico has been a cultural beacon for thousands of years. The Mayans first came up with the notion of zero as well as a calendar that remains accurate after more than 3,000 years. Their delicate jewellery has outstanding craftsmanship, intricately made with tools that were relatively advanced for their time. After the Spaniards conquered the dominant civilisation the Aztecs and colonised the land, incredible works of art have been unearthed ranging from architecture to music and have been great gifts to humankinds heritage. Currently, Mexico has 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that range from pre-Columbian pyramids to the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. One glorious example is the central campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City, which has well-known architecture from the mid-20th century, unique art by the countrys most renowned muralists, and historic monuments, all within about 20 hectares. These sites certainly afford any photographer great opportunities for memorable shots. But whats most important beyond the abundance of historic significance before your eyes on a visit to Mexico is that you stop and take in the details; the sights, the sounds, the smells. It will deliver to your senses a richness that you never could have imagined existed there before.
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