Ian Chantler
April 2025 - Traditional Mexican Indigenous Clothing
About the Image(s)
As I mentioned last month I was asked by Luma creations and Magaly Flores founder of Colibri Mexidance to cover a fashion show of traditional Mexican clothing at the World Museum Liverpool.
Over many years Magaly has curated a personal collection of traditional clothing from every region of Mexico and my was it diverse from region to region it was a delight not only to photograph but also to see close up,all the models were from the Luma dance team and Colibri Mexidance and both shows were sold out.
This costume is modelled by someone who has become a very dear friend of mine Javier originally from Venezuela.
How I did it
Canon EOS 5D Mk III lens Canon EF24-105mm f/4L IS USM focal length 67mm, f5.0 1/200s ISO 3200
Basic adjustments to RAW file made in CS6,cropped slightly all round sharpened using a high pass filter.
7 comments posted
Ian, another interesting image. Something I would otherwise not have seen. This picture can't help but create some thoughts of what all dress look like in that day. It's quite complex and colorful.
I feel that the color of the outfit and the fitness of the dancer really add to the image. From my experience it seems that you've captured it with a good shutter speed and the right depth of field.
I could be off base here, but it seems to me if they invited you there to take these pictures, they should've given you a better vantage point. I think they've left you with unnecessary light/shadow images, as well as distracting artifacts off to the right. Perhaps you have other images that you've taken from a better vantage point. If you do, I would certainly like to see one. Posted: 04/06/2025 18:55:00
I feel that the color of the outfit and the fitness of the dancer really add to the image. From my experience it seems that you've captured it with a good shutter speed and the right depth of field.
I could be off base here, but it seems to me if they invited you there to take these pictures, they should've given you a better vantage point. I think they've left you with unnecessary light/shadow images, as well as distracting artifacts off to the right. Perhaps you have other images that you've taken from a better vantage point. If you do, I would certainly like to see one. Posted: 04/06/2025 18:55:00
Hi Gary
Many thanks as always for your kind words.
Concerning my position on the day the only available place to hold the fashion show was a small lecture theatre within the museum,there was supposed to be 1 show at 11a.m. until 12.30pm tickets went very quickly so a second show was quickly arranged starting at 2 pm which is the one I was asked to cover it was very tight in there the only area I could get in was tight against the wall on the left hand side shooting over the heads of the audience,which at times was difficult but the Museum and Luma were delighted in such an interest in Latin American culture. Posted: 04/09/2025 20:24:43
Many thanks as always for your kind words.
Concerning my position on the day the only available place to hold the fashion show was a small lecture theatre within the museum,there was supposed to be 1 show at 11a.m. until 12.30pm tickets went very quickly so a second show was quickly arranged starting at 2 pm which is the one I was asked to cover it was very tight in there the only area I could get in was tight against the wall on the left hand side shooting over the heads of the audience,which at times was difficult but the Museum and Luma were delighted in such an interest in Latin American culture. Posted: 04/09/2025 20:24:43
Ian, please say hi to Javier, my paisano next time you see him. undoubtedly these ethnic outfits are very elaborated and full of color and very likely related to religious activities. I agree with Gary that the "studio" they gave you was not the best to bring out all the beauty and color of the indigenous outfits. Posted: 04/07/2025 16:35:51
Hi Isaac
Next time I see Javier I will pass on your best wishes to your Paisano.
Many thanks as always for your kind words.
Concerning my position on the day the only available place to hold the fashion show was a small lecture theatre within the museum,there was supposed to be 1 show at 11a.m. until 12.30pm tickets went very quickly so a second show was quickly arranged starting at 2 pm which is the one I was asked to cover it was very tight in there the only area I could get in was tight against the wall on the left hand side shooting over the heads of the audience,which at times was difficult but the Museum and Luma were delighted in such an interest in Latin American culture. Posted: 04/09/2025 20:26:36
Next time I see Javier I will pass on your best wishes to your Paisano.
Many thanks as always for your kind words.
Concerning my position on the day the only available place to hold the fashion show was a small lecture theatre within the museum,there was supposed to be 1 show at 11a.m. until 12.30pm tickets went very quickly so a second show was quickly arranged starting at 2 pm which is the one I was asked to cover it was very tight in there the only area I could get in was tight against the wall on the left hand side shooting over the heads of the audience,which at times was difficult but the Museum and Luma were delighted in such an interest in Latin American culture. Posted: 04/09/2025 20:26:36
Ian, I think you have got a very good shot from a difficult environment. The contrasty and cluttered background do you no favours at all, but you have managed to get a good clean image of this gentleman in some very colourful and interesting attire. I do hope you got some more including a portrait with that wonderful hat. Posted: 04/08/2025 12:08:56
Hi Guy
Many thanks as always for your kind words.
Concerning my position on the day the only available place to hold the fashion show was a small lecture theatre within the museum,there was supposed to be 1 show at 11a.m. until 12.30pm tickets went very quickly so a second show was quickly arranged starting at 2 pm which is the one I was asked to cover it was very tight in there the only area I could get in was tight against the wall on the left hand side shooting over the heads of the audience,which at times was difficult but the Museum and Luma were delighted in such an interest in Latin American culture. Posted: 04/09/2025 20:27:25
Many thanks as always for your kind words.
Concerning my position on the day the only available place to hold the fashion show was a small lecture theatre within the museum,there was supposed to be 1 show at 11a.m. until 12.30pm tickets went very quickly so a second show was quickly arranged starting at 2 pm which is the one I was asked to cover it was very tight in there the only area I could get in was tight against the wall on the left hand side shooting over the heads of the audience,which at times was difficult but the Museum and Luma were delighted in such an interest in Latin American culture. Posted: 04/09/2025 20:27:25
Difficult shooting conditions indeed. You did very well. Posted: 04/12/2025 11:50:28