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HERITAGE IN FOCUS
Heritage and Cultural Photography
HERITAGE IN FOCUS
Culture is more than just places and events; it’s the people, the traditions, and the energy that bring it all to life. This album is all about capturing those moments, whether it’s the vibrant chaos of a festival or the quiet intensity of a portrait rooted in tradition.
From the colors of Day of the Dead to the rhythm of street festivals, we document traditions with authenticity and respect. Every photo tells a piece of the story; whether it’s a special event or a powerful portrait rooted in culture, we’re here to bring your vision to life.
If you have a traditional event you want us to photograph, we’d love to make it happen. And if you’re curious to see full projects from past festivals, check out the Portfolio Projects for a deeper dive into the stories behind each celebration.
Mentawai Tribe: The Last Flower People
Heritage and Cultural Photography
Deep in the rainforest of Indonesia’s Mentawai Islands, I had the privilege of spending time with the Mentawai people, one of the oldest tribes in the country. Living among them, I witnessed their unique traditions, from intricate tattoos to spiritual rituals, and experienced their deep connection with nature.
This album captures moments from that journey: the daily lives within the Uma longhouses, the harmony with the surrounding environment, and the rich cultural expressions that define the Mentawai identity.
Each photograph tells a piece of their story, a testament to a community that continues to honour its heritage amidst the challenges of the modern world.
Huejotzingo: Chaos, Colors & Cannon Fire
Heritage and Cultural Photography
This isn’t your typical festival. The Carnival of Huejotzingo isn’t staged for tourists or filtered for outside audiences; it’s loud, raw, and deeply personal. Every detail, from the smoke-filled reenactments to the handcrafted costumes and thunderous musket fire, comes straight from the people of Huejotzingo.
Locals spend months (and in some cases, thousands of pesos) preparing, sewing intricate military-style outfits, customizing muskets, and diving deep into family and neighborhood traditions passed down for generations. Some costumes can cost over 200,000 pesos (around $10,000 USD), and yet it’s not about showing off, it’s about honoring history and identity.
From the proud chaos of the battlefield reenactments to quiet moments between blasts, this photo series brings you into the heart of it all.
This is tradition, Huejotzingo-style. Unfiltered, unforgettable.
Mongolia: Where Camels Race and Traditions Thrive
Heritage and Cultural Photography
This isn’t just about camels (though yes, there are plenty). The Thousand Camel Festival in Mongolia brings together nomadic families to celebrate their culture, traditions, and deep connection to these incredible animals.
Held in the Gobi Desert and run entirely by the local community, this event isn’t designed for tourists; it’s proudly authentic. Expect camel races, polo matches, traditional dress, and a whole lot of personality from both humans and camels alike.
This album captures some of the unforgettable moments I experienced: dust kicking up, hooves pounding, kids running wild, and elders watching it all with quiet pride. A rare look at a way of life that continues to thrive, right in the heart of the desert.
Day of the Dead: Where Spirits Walk
Heritage and Cultural Photography
Every November, Mexico City bursts into colour, rhythm, and remembrance. The Day of the Dead parade is a moving tribute to those who came before, told through painted faces, towering skeletons, and streets layered in marigolds and meaning.
This album captures the heart of the parade from the inside, literally. Thanks to a lucky wristband and some generous souls, I found myself walking among the dancers, drummers, and Catrinas. Up close, every detail came alive: the swish of fabric, the sparkle in the makeup, the joy and reverence woven into each step.
Día de Muertos is a celebration of life through the lens of death, and in Mexico City, that story is told loud, proud, and full of heart.
Puebla’s Living Tradition: The Talavera Process
Heritage and Cultural Photography
In Puebla, Talavera is a piece of history you can hold. Behind every hand-painted tile and perfectly glazed bowl is a process steeped in centuries of tradition and protected by cultural heritage laws.
This album is all about the people who bring it to life. From shaping raw clay to the hypnotic rhythm of hand-painting cobalt blue swirls, every step is done with purpose, patience, and pride. I spent time inside these workshops to capture that journey: the quiet focus, the stained hands, and the generational knowledge passed down at the wheel.
Talavera is one of Mexico’s most iconic crafts, and it’s not mass-produced. It’s made by real people, in real time, with a whole lot of love (and very specific volcanic clay). Here’s a glimpse into how that magic happens.
Where Fire Meets Faith: Tepontla’s Festival
Heritage and Cultural Photography
If you think you’ve seen fireworks, Tepontla might just change your mind.
Here, fireworks aren’t just entertainment; they’re woven into the soul of the celebration. And they don’t come alone. Every year, the streets come alive with towering papier-mâché creatures: bulls, dragons, and other wild forms, each handcrafted by locals to carry the fire.
These aren’t static sculptures. They roll, dance, and sometimes charge into the crowd, erupting in sparks and thunder. It’s part ritual, part art, part adrenaline rush, and completely unforgettable.
This album dives into the energy, colour, and craftsmanship behind it all. From close-ups of painted paper textures to the explosive chaos of ignition, it’s a tribute to Tepontla’s bold way of celebrating. Tradition, fire, and imagination; all lit in one breath.
Mexican Independence Day: The Spirit of 16 de Septiembre
Heritage and Cultural Photography
Independence Day in Cholula doesn’t just bring out flags and fireworks, it brings tradition to life, and puts it right on horseback.
Locals, decked out in beautiful traditional outfit, ride proudly through town, from young teens to elders, turning the streets into a living celebration of heritage. It’s a community celebration where everyone knows the rhythm.
And then there’s the moment that makes you stop in awe: the Voladores de Papantla. It’s a centuries-old ritual where four men launch themselves from a 30-meter pole, spinning gracefully toward the earth while a fifth plays a flute and drum at the top. It’s mesmerizing, spiritual, and full of meaning, honoring nature, the sun, and the cosmos.
In between the horses and the flights, you’ll also catch skilled riders showing off their lasso skills, spinning ropes with precision in rodeo-style moves passed down through generations.
It’s a day packed with movement, pride, and the kind of beauty you feel in your chest. This album captures just a glimpse of that spirit, proud, grounded, and always in motion.
Elegance & Afterlife: Catrinas in Studio Light
Heritage and Cultural Photography
Catrinas are iconic: elegant, symbolic, and deeply rooted in Mexican tradition. In the studio, we get to slow things down and focus on every detail: the makeup, the posture, the feeling behind the eyes.
Here, it’s all about control, of light, of colour, of expression. The chaos of the outside world fades, and the spotlight turns fully on the subject. We work closely with each person to create something that feels personal, powerful, and proud.
It’s not just a costume; it’s a statement. A way of honouring tradition while adding a touch of your own story. These portraits celebrate that timeless blend of identity and ritual, with each image echoing the beauty and depth of Día de Muertos.
If you’re interested in booking your own Catrina studio session, get in touch, we’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Where Catrinas Walk
Heritage and Cultural Photography
Catrinas take on a whole new life outside.
Away from the studio lights and backdrops, these portraits breathe with the energy of the streets, plazas, and towns where Día de Muertos comes alive. There’s movement, noise, weather, and real moments unfolding all around, perfectly imperfect and full of character.
From golden fields of cempasúchil to colonial churches, quiet cemeteries, small-town corners, and volcanoes rising in the distance, every setting adds its own layer of meaning. This is where tradition lives, not in silence, but surrounded by life.
Want your own outdoor Catrina session? Let’s go find the magic.
Hope you loved this collection as much as I did creating it. If you found it inspiring, it’d mean a lot if you shared it, left a review, or even just followed along on Instagram and Facebook. Every bit of support helps keep the creativity flowing.
Want to see more? Discover Solo & Duo Frames, where the focus is on connection, individuality, and those subtle moments that make us who we are. Or step into the energy of Events & Gatherings, where every click captures the magic of shared moments.
Love your pet? We do too! Paw-traits is all about celebrating them with stunning, personality-filled shoots because they deserve their moment in the spotlight just as much as we do.
Ready to bring your vision to life? Get in touch for pricing, and let’s make it happen!
