Archive for the ‘Festivals and events’ Category

Gathering of Nations Powwow

April 26th, 2010 by Steven St John


Gathering of Nations Pow Wow – Images by Steven St. John

I had a great time in the photographic colorgasim that was the 2010 Gathering of Nations.  The venue was outdoors for the first time at University Stadium this year, and the sunlight certainly made the bright colors pop. I met some great photographers and despite my late afternoon concern, I didn’t get a sunburn.

I should also mention that we at Tortuga workshops have our next workshop scheduled for July. It’s a b&w film class, taught using the Holga, and the workshop fee even includes your own camera to keep and film, what a deal!

I hope you enjoy these photos. Be sure to use the full screen button on the bottom right hand of the gallery to get the full effect.

Posted in Albuquerque, Festivals and events, New Mexico, Photojournalism, Portrait, Workshops | 4 Comments »

Running with the bulls – Mexico

March 7th, 2010 by Steven St John

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography © 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Mexico Toros Toritos travel photography .© 2010 Steven St. John Photography

Running of the Toritos in Taxco Mexico. My technique for not getting gored by the Toros? Take a knee as they ran passed and pray they didn’t choose to run me over and set me of fire. I love witnessing things like this in Mexico and Central America, events that would be outlawed before they ever stated in the United States. It reminds me of the Bolas de Furgo in Guatemala.

Posted in Central America, Festivals and events, Latin America | No Comments »

Los muertos en Burque

November 8th, 2009 by Steven St John


Dia de muertos – Albuquerque – Images by Steven St. John

The Marigold Parade is without question one of my favorite things to photograph on the Albuquerque calendar each year. The fun challenge is trying to find a picture you haven’t made already in previous years.

Posted in Albuquerque, Daily inspiration, Festivals and events, Latin America, New Mexico, Photojournalism | No Comments »

Soul in the wind

November 1st, 2009 by Steven St John


Dia de los muertos – Images by Steven St. John

Last year I was in Guatemala for Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. November 1 and 2 marks a very important ritual throughout Guatemala, especially in the predominantly indigenous town of Santago Sacatepequez, where a unique kite-flying festival of the Katchiquel people integrate the Catholic feast of All Saints day with pre-Columbian Mayan practices of remembering the dead.

It also marks the end of the rainy season. I’d been in the area since the beginning of July, and as if someone flipped a switch, the daily pouring vanished and for the first time in months if felt the wind. Bamboo kites are made  as a way to communicate with the dead, symbolically attracting the spirits to earth to reunite the living and the dead.

I’ve always loved the traditions associated with Día de los Muertos because it’s about remembering and celebrating life, not fearing death.

Posted in Central America, Festivals and events, Guatemala, Latin America | No Comments »