Photographing the People of Monterrey
By Brian Auer • June 10th, 2007
I had the awesome opportunity on Friday to get out into Moneterrey and take some photos. I’m not sure exactly where I was in the city, but there was certainly lots to see and do. The Friday morning weather was looking a little risky, but things cleared up in the afternoon — so I didn’t have to worry about the rain. The heat and humidity was enough to make me wish it was raining though!
I decided prior to going out that I would make an effort to focus on people photography. It’s not my strong point, so I thought it would be a good growth opportunity on my part. I still took the tourist photos of the statues, buildings, churches, and such (why not, I’m a tourist). I really started taking more people shots as I made my way into a “walking only” area of town that was filled with little shops and street vendors.
The big photo at top was one that just happened to catch my eye as I walked down the street. This man was sitting on a bus stop bench located across the street from me. The bench was also located under an overpass, so the lighting was nice and soft. I had to wait a few moments for some cars to pass between us and for the other pedestrians to exit the frame. He never did see me standing across the street pointing the camera at him, so the photo turned out much more natural.
This “Salsa Man” photo actually has a bit of a story behind it. This man was set up on a street corner, selling bottles of salsa. As I walked closer, I thought that it would make for a decent photo. I was already too close for a candid shot, so I decided to ask for a photo. This was an interesting conversation since he didn’t speak any English and I don’t speak any Spanish. Amazingly enough, I managed to ask him if I could take his photo and he agreed. After the fact, he grabbed a bottle of salsa and put it in my hand. I figured “why not” and I asked him how much (again without any Spanish). He wouldn’t take my money! He was actually pushing me down the street smiling, laughing, and talking away in Spanish. Eventually I got him to take a few bucks in exchange for the salsa. The whole situation took me by surprise!
So I managed to get some people shots in Monterrey, Mexico. They may not be the best people shots ever taken, but they are a good reminder of my trip into town. For me, they capture a little bit of the culture south of the border. If you ever have the chance to visit Monterrey (or any part of Mexico), do it without hesitation. It’s a very unique place, filled with interesting bits of culture and dynamics. My Mexican experiences have been limited to Juarez and Monterrey, but I hope to see more of the country someday.
Brian Auer is a photography enthusiast from North Idaho. He's also the guy behind the Epic Edits Weblog. As a hobbyist photographer since 2003, his passion has been to constantly improve his photography skill set, to share his own knowledge with others, and to become an integral part of the photographic community.
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The photo at the top makes me think of airports for some reason.
I really like the fact that you left the edge of the flaking yellow-painted curb in the frame. That extra bit of colour was a nice touch
brian, these are very nice. awesome subjects, great colors. me likey
Fisrt frame is spot on. Nice shot man.
Thanks guys, this is good to hear. I was a little uncertain about how they turned out, but it sounds like they’re not too bad off. I’ll have to give the people photography another go around here in New York — there’s certainly no lack of subject matter there!
Hey I’m from Juarez!!!, nice that you liked Monterrey I hope you know other places from Mexico. Nice pictures by the way.
That’s awesome! I’ve been to Juarez a couple of times — it’s a very interesting place. Unfortunately I haven’t had my camera with me when I was there. It’s another place I’d love to do some people photography at.
HI, IM FROM MONTERREY, I FOUND THIS PAGE ACCIDENTALLY. I LIKE YOUR PICTURES AND I’M HAPPY THAT YOU LIKED MONTERREY.