Just found out my photograph of Christiane made Photo of the Day on National Geographic's website. Wow!
Showing posts with label SALVADOR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SALVADOR. Show all posts
6.06.2012
3.21.2012
sigh...
Christiane, Lighter than her Life - Salvador, Bahia 2012
The memories from my three weeks in Brazil are fading which makes every day a little harder. This morning I opened my images and clicked through them again to return to Bahia life. So many beautiful moments, excitement and exhaustion created another amazing adventure photographing and learning with Ernesto. I've just added the final edit to my website
Speaking with Light - Brazil 2012
Please share your thoughts! -g
Christiane, Lighter than her Life - Salvador, Bahia 2012
The memories from my three weeks in Brazil are fading which makes every day a little harder. This morning I opened my images and clicked through them again to return to Bahia life. So many beautiful moments, excitement and exhaustion created another amazing adventure photographing and learning with Ernesto. I've just added the final edit to my website
Speaking with Light - Brazil 2012
Please share your thoughts! -g
3.10.2012
Agua de Cerveza.
Bill Mar is currently on TV talking about God and rain while I'm remembering my last day photographing in Salvador dodging the rain doing my best to keep the camera dry. We were all exhausted and really pushing ourselves to find something interesting to photograph. Our initial hope was to attend a Condomble Ceremony but we were told no cameras. Our next idea was the boxing gym and after a VERY long, very slow bus ride in horrible traffic all four of us dove out of the bus into driving sheets of rain. We made it into the corner cafe and waited it out with a beer. By the time it let up enough to walk to the gym they were done for the day. I hadn't been there so was excited when they invited us up to see the space anyways. Four(ish) flights up some very wet, slippery steps I was greeted with so much color my eyes were popping! We didn't stay long and weren't sure what to do so we again did what everyone in Salvador does... had a beer. It's how the city rolls. I'm going to really miss my photo life of the last ten days and even more the sun and seas of Bahia! Brooklyn feels like home but in my haze of jet lag exhaustion it's only strangely familiar today.
Bill Mar is currently on TV talking about God and rain while I'm remembering my last day photographing in Salvador dodging the rain doing my best to keep the camera dry. We were all exhausted and really pushing ourselves to find something interesting to photograph. Our initial hope was to attend a Condomble Ceremony but we were told no cameras. Our next idea was the boxing gym and after a VERY long, very slow bus ride in horrible traffic all four of us dove out of the bus into driving sheets of rain. We made it into the corner cafe and waited it out with a beer. By the time it let up enough to walk to the gym they were done for the day. I hadn't been there so was excited when they invited us up to see the space anyways. Four(ish) flights up some very wet, slippery steps I was greeted with so much color my eyes were popping! We didn't stay long and weren't sure what to do so we again did what everyone in Salvador does... had a beer. It's how the city rolls. I'm going to really miss my photo life of the last ten days and even more the sun and seas of Bahia! Brooklyn feels like home but in my haze of jet lag exhaustion it's only strangely familiar today.
3.06.2012
Christiane is a young girl whom I met in the Chocolate Factory last year and who lives in another vacant factory next door now that the chocolate factory has been demolished - her family is waiting patiently for government housing. She is caring, giving and fun in what most would view as a horrible situation. She loves nothing more then for us to play with her and the neighbor kids, greeting us with a larger then life smile, hugs and pure excitement. Yesterday she gave me a class in Portuguese with the other kids as the rain poured down around us, I gave her my laughter, time and love. Beautiful people in the most beautiful state of Bahia.
2.27.2012
...and it begins.
Today was challenge number one and two. São Joaquim Market and a building similar to the Chocolate Factory of last year. São Joaquim Market is like any market in a major city outside of the U.S., a place where you can get your oils, fruits, vegetables, animals, cookware, etc., fill the whole kitchen and slightly beyond. And like anything with character, the local gov't. is slowly closing this market and moving it next door to a new, sparkling white building in time for the World Cup 2014. (Similar to what happened to the Fulton Fish market in NYC.) Next we headed off to a building that is part of what they call the "roofless project", basically a building that is full of folks that would be otherwise homeless. They use everything they can find to make the walls seperating each space for a life that is better then the streets. Eventually the government places them into housing elsewhere in the city, but until then they live amongst each other - sharing and caring, living life. I found it hard to photograph inside of the dark halls and dingy rooms of both environments but was happy with a few images. The edit with Ernesto said otherwise, and while it may be hard to hear, "not good enough", that is why I am here...
Today was challenge number one and two. São Joaquim Market and a building similar to the Chocolate Factory of last year. São Joaquim Market is like any market in a major city outside of the U.S., a place where you can get your oils, fruits, vegetables, animals, cookware, etc., fill the whole kitchen and slightly beyond. And like anything with character, the local gov't. is slowly closing this market and moving it next door to a new, sparkling white building in time for the World Cup 2014. (Similar to what happened to the Fulton Fish market in NYC.) Next we headed off to a building that is part of what they call the "roofless project", basically a building that is full of folks that would be otherwise homeless. They use everything they can find to make the walls seperating each space for a life that is better then the streets. Eventually the government places them into housing elsewhere in the city, but until then they live amongst each other - sharing and caring, living life. I found it hard to photograph inside of the dark halls and dingy rooms of both environments but was happy with a few images. The edit with Ernesto said otherwise, and while it may be hard to hear, "not good enough", that is why I am here...
2.26.2012
oh the boys....
Walking along Barra beach can be exhilarating and dangerous. One minute you are enjoying the walk with a coconut in hand and the next some dude is grabbing the necklace right off your neck, not mine but the guy I was walking with. He didn't get it but managed to break it in two. Droga! Twenty steps later I was passing these guys and was pulled into a dance - unsure what to do I went with it... figured it was either going to be fun or they were going to steal my camera. What I got was a beer, food and their smiles. So I stayed and we danced, laughed and took many portraits. They were complete hams, because as you know, even the tough guys love a photo.
Walking along Barra beach can be exhilarating and dangerous. One minute you are enjoying the walk with a coconut in hand and the next some dude is grabbing the necklace right off your neck, not mine but the guy I was walking with. He didn't get it but managed to break it in two. Droga! Twenty steps later I was passing these guys and was pulled into a dance - unsure what to do I went with it... figured it was either going to be fun or they were going to steal my camera. What I got was a beer, food and their smiles. So I stayed and we danced, laughed and took many portraits. They were complete hams, because as you know, even the tough guys love a photo.
2.25.2012
Misadventures of G
I knew the trip to Boipeba was too easy to be true and the trip home was far more accurate to random travels when you really don't speak the language. It started in Boipeba when no one could find change for a $50. Then we packed into the speed boat with all of our luggage, perhaps we were too heavy or the tide just too low, but we kept hitting ground. Our driver took it all in stride until the motor conked out in the middle of our trip... and so we floated. About 3o minutes later another boat rescued us and in the rocking water we transferred all of our luggage and goods which was quite amusing - but hey, at least it was beautiful. I kind of felt bad for our captain as we sped off and left him floating awaiting the return of another boat to tow him in, but I was glad to be on our way since I needed to catch a bus... which no one in town would tell me where the bus depot was, all feigned ignorance, "bus? what is bus?? Itaparica? Donde?" yeah, ok... whatever, I gave up and jumped into a cab that drove me to a bus stop further then the one I arrived on and I was sure I was getting dumped someplace just to screw with me. After many questions in broken broken Portuguese, turns out I was at a correct stop, he just so nicely dropped me with the locals so I only paid half price. yay! Or at least I think that is what happened... either way, made it back to Salvador in time for dinner with the boys - Porchetta, Pizza and Beer of course!
I knew the trip to Boipeba was too easy to be true and the trip home was far more accurate to random travels when you really don't speak the language. It started in Boipeba when no one could find change for a $50. Then we packed into the speed boat with all of our luggage, perhaps we were too heavy or the tide just too low, but we kept hitting ground. Our driver took it all in stride until the motor conked out in the middle of our trip... and so we floated. About 3o minutes later another boat rescued us and in the rocking water we transferred all of our luggage and goods which was quite amusing - but hey, at least it was beautiful. I kind of felt bad for our captain as we sped off and left him floating awaiting the return of another boat to tow him in, but I was glad to be on our way since I needed to catch a bus... which no one in town would tell me where the bus depot was, all feigned ignorance, "bus? what is bus?? Itaparica? Donde?" yeah, ok... whatever, I gave up and jumped into a cab that drove me to a bus stop further then the one I arrived on and I was sure I was getting dumped someplace just to screw with me. After many questions in broken broken Portuguese, turns out I was at a correct stop, he just so nicely dropped me with the locals so I only paid half price. yay! Or at least I think that is what happened... either way, made it back to Salvador in time for dinner with the boys - Porchetta, Pizza and Beer of course!
2.21.2012
Round 2.
Carnaval from the beach, I think this might be the best place to watch!
After yesterday's full day of Carnaval I didn't think I would find myself in the middle of the madness again today. I met up with a friend from NYC and as we made our way back to her friends car we arrived in Campo Grande just as Ivete Sangalo's truck turned up the music (http://www.ivetesangalo.com/carnaval2012). Everyone here in Salvador loves her so the crowds were massive. We sang and danced along then struggled to make our way out, pushed and shoved while slammed up against every other sweaty person around. I would describe Salvador's Carnaval like this: take every fun parade you know of in NYC - West Indian Day, Halloween, Gay Pride and Mermaid - mash them into one with a splash of religion, turn the speakers up, add an excessive amount of beer, hot sun and happiness - tada, Carnaval! I don't think this would ever work in NYC, we are far too reactive, but it's all happiness here in Salvador. And with that HOT sun comes a suntan… eventually. The SPF 70 I brought from the states hasn't held a chance against this sun, no matter how often I apply I'm red all over with crazy blisters on my feet so instead of bouncing along tonight, I'm going to take it in from this balcony overlooking the road. Tomorrow is a long day of traveling to escape to paradise, Boipeda Island!!!!
Carnaval from the beach, I think this might be the best place to watch!
After yesterday's full day of Carnaval I didn't think I would find myself in the middle of the madness again today. I met up with a friend from NYC and as we made our way back to her friends car we arrived in Campo Grande just as Ivete Sangalo's truck turned up the music (http://www.ivetesangalo.com/carnaval2012). Everyone here in Salvador loves her so the crowds were massive. We sang and danced along then struggled to make our way out, pushed and shoved while slammed up against every other sweaty person around. I would describe Salvador's Carnaval like this: take every fun parade you know of in NYC - West Indian Day, Halloween, Gay Pride and Mermaid - mash them into one with a splash of religion, turn the speakers up, add an excessive amount of beer, hot sun and happiness - tada, Carnaval! I don't think this would ever work in NYC, we are far too reactive, but it's all happiness here in Salvador. And with that HOT sun comes a suntan… eventually. The SPF 70 I brought from the states hasn't held a chance against this sun, no matter how often I apply I'm red all over with crazy blisters on my feet so instead of bouncing along tonight, I'm going to take it in from this balcony overlooking the road. Tomorrow is a long day of traveling to escape to paradise, Boipeda Island!!!!
2.20.2012
Carnaval
With just 4 hours of sleep I pulled myself together and we ran out to celebrate Carnaval! How could I not - I'm here and it's happening now... now... and now, and still, now. It's 11pm and this party is just getting started. Out the window a monster truck just rolled by with the Afromen atop as a continuous stream of revelers walk down the street to get to the biggest party of Salvador - Barra Circuit! Carnaval starts early and pretty much goes until just before early, non-stop for 7 days. An entire city filled with 3-for-5r$ beer vendors - we waited as long as we could (uhm, noon) until we joined in and then again and again to fight off the heat as we walked from Graca to Pelourinho and back to Barra again for a dip in the ocean. It's been a very long, wonderful, exhausting, hot day and as much as I wish to fall into a deep sleep the world around me is just getting started.
With just 4 hours of sleep I pulled myself together and we ran out to celebrate Carnaval! How could I not - I'm here and it's happening now... now... and now, and still, now. It's 11pm and this party is just getting started. Out the window a monster truck just rolled by with the Afromen atop as a continuous stream of revelers walk down the street to get to the biggest party of Salvador - Barra Circuit! Carnaval starts early and pretty much goes until just before early, non-stop for 7 days. An entire city filled with 3-for-5r$ beer vendors - we waited as long as we could (uhm, noon) until we joined in and then again and again to fight off the heat as we walked from Graca to Pelourinho and back to Barra again for a dip in the ocean. It's been a very long, wonderful, exhausting, hot day and as much as I wish to fall into a deep sleep the world around me is just getting started.
1.26.2011
Sala dos Milagres
Inside of the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, where the Lavagem do Bonfim Festa was the first day we were in Salvador, is the room of miracles. A room filled with wishes and results. Wax body parts hang from the ceiling representing what needs to be cured, photos on the wall of those cured and also waiting for their miracle. Some of the photographs are pretty detailed and hard to look at, including one very bad car accident victim. The 'doll' photographer side of me was giddy when I walked in the room, trying not to smile amongst those in tears and praying for a miracle.
And now I'm watching the snow fall outside my window while trying to wrap my brain around the last 2 weeks... it's hard to believe this adventure has come to an end, even harder to believe I was standing on a beach sweating in the Brazilian sunshine yesterday.
Inside of the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, where the Lavagem do Bonfim Festa was the first day we were in Salvador, is the room of miracles. A room filled with wishes and results. Wax body parts hang from the ceiling representing what needs to be cured, photos on the wall of those cured and also waiting for their miracle. Some of the photographs are pretty detailed and hard to look at, including one very bad car accident victim. The 'doll' photographer side of me was giddy when I walked in the room, trying not to smile amongst those in tears and praying for a miracle.
And now I'm watching the snow fall outside my window while trying to wrap my brain around the last 2 weeks... it's hard to believe this adventure has come to an end, even harder to believe I was standing on a beach sweating in the Brazilian sunshine yesterday.
1.13.2011
Lavagem do Bonfim
Today started with us diving out of the taxi and running down the hill to catch up with the Baiana's - 8 photographers running down the hill is a sight to be seen. We then walked the full length of the procession to Igreja do Bonfim, at least 7km in the sun and humidity where no matter how much sun screen I applied I sweat it off in minutes, I am as red as a cooked lobster. I understood the fiesta to be a procession followed by the washing of the steps at the Cathedral, but either I missed the washing or that part didn't happen. It was an amazing day spent with 200,000 others walking through the streets of Salvador ending with the blessings and offerings at Bonfim. Afterwards there was more dancing and eating and we began our second adventure in an old factory now a village for the poor. Those photos will come another time. We head off into the mountains tomorrow and not sure we will have internet, so if you do not hear from me for a week, that is why. until then... enjoy! I've still smiling from this amazing day.
Today started with us diving out of the taxi and running down the hill to catch up with the Baiana's - 8 photographers running down the hill is a sight to be seen. We then walked the full length of the procession to Igreja do Bonfim, at least 7km in the sun and humidity where no matter how much sun screen I applied I sweat it off in minutes, I am as red as a cooked lobster. I understood the fiesta to be a procession followed by the washing of the steps at the Cathedral, but either I missed the washing or that part didn't happen. It was an amazing day spent with 200,000 others walking through the streets of Salvador ending with the blessings and offerings at Bonfim. Afterwards there was more dancing and eating and we began our second adventure in an old factory now a village for the poor. Those photos will come another time. We head off into the mountains tomorrow and not sure we will have internet, so if you do not hear from me for a week, that is why. until then... enjoy! I've still smiling from this amazing day.
1.12.2011
Salvador, day 1
St. Dominic Church
Amazing. I remember now why I love these workshops with Ernesto. Yes the photography is a big part, but it's the rest - how we come together from all over the world and become family, the traveling to amazing regions, as well as photography... that is the total package. Upon my arrival last night I met 2 of the other students, Mar and...?, since I'm horrible with names I will refer to them as Spain and Italy. There is also Romania, France and Denmark along with Ernesto which makes us a group of 7. Half of us speak English. Spain speaks French and Italian. Italy has Spanish and a little English. France has the English as well... so conversations take a while between interpreting and attmepting to figure out what each other is trying to say plus the laughter at what we thought was said. It's wonderful.
After the rain, Spain, Italy and I adventured off to Centro Histórico, the old town. We decided to walk the 5km but that turned into 7km+ up and down hills, which means my knees are throbbing. Some areas remind me of Cuba, others Canal Street in NYC, and some look straight out of Cairo. We did the tourist thing today then met the rest of the group for dinner and a celebratory Cachaça for my birthday. A great start! In the morning we head out early for "avagem do Bonfim" which is the Candomblé ritual washing of the steps to the Catholic Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church. Boa Noite!
Centro Historic
St. Dominic Church
Amazing. I remember now why I love these workshops with Ernesto. Yes the photography is a big part, but it's the rest - how we come together from all over the world and become family, the traveling to amazing regions, as well as photography... that is the total package. Upon my arrival last night I met 2 of the other students, Mar and...?, since I'm horrible with names I will refer to them as Spain and Italy. There is also Romania, France and Denmark along with Ernesto which makes us a group of 7. Half of us speak English. Spain speaks French and Italian. Italy has Spanish and a little English. France has the English as well... so conversations take a while between interpreting and attmepting to figure out what each other is trying to say plus the laughter at what we thought was said. It's wonderful.
After the rain, Spain, Italy and I adventured off to Centro Histórico, the old town. We decided to walk the 5km but that turned into 7km+ up and down hills, which means my knees are throbbing. Some areas remind me of Cuba, others Canal Street in NYC, and some look straight out of Cairo. We did the tourist thing today then met the rest of the group for dinner and a celebratory Cachaça for my birthday. A great start! In the morning we head out early for "avagem do Bonfim" which is the Candomblé ritual washing of the steps to the Catholic Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church. Boa Noite!
Centro Historic
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