1.0 To narrow a scope
black & white photography in Mexico
In bilingual preschool, I learned the Spanish-language folk song, “De Colores.” The lyrics celebrate diversity, and encourage us to see the world through all its colors. Mexico is a kaleidoscope of hues; from the natural world to manmade structures: a pink garbage can, a teal fence, a yellow facade. The joy it brings me is immense.
Yet, for some reason I’ve started a tradition of bringing b&w film when I visit Mexico. Many trips ago, I arrived in Mexico City with a roll of b&w film already loaded in my Nikon F3. I was anxious to get through it quickly, so I could start capturing the color all around me. Weeks later when I got back the scans, I was struck by how bold and eye—catching the scenes were that I captured in the Capital. I was more excited about them than my scenes in color.
In 2018, I planned a week-long visit with my Abuelita to document my time with her. I made a deliberate choice to bring 5 rolls of b&w film; motivated by my past success, and the b&w photography my father made under the same roof during his youth.
This month (March 2024) I had the opportunity to visit Mexico City again. Only 1 roll of b&w film packed and most frames used to document CDMX’s first Pitchfork Music Festival— I did end up with a few personal images I share here. My favorites are the bright red hibiscus at night with flash, and the cherry red Volkswagen sitting under a big, green canopy. I like the veil of secrecy in-lieu of color that exist in these scenes.
