Holly Wilmeth was born and raised in Guatemala. As a freelance photographer, she has traveled to over 50 countries, and lived with nomad families in the Tibetan mountains as well as the Saharan desert. She is now based in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico and Guatemala, and she will lead the Faces of Mexico: Environmental Portraiture workshop for us, October 20-25. We asked Holly to share a favorite portrait and its story. Here is her reply.
A couple of years ago I asked a friend of mine if she knew someone young and sweet-tempered, who also had lots of tattoos. The idea was to depict someone who on the outside could appear to be tough, but the true nature of him would be sweet.
Unexpectedly, the man she suggested turned out to have a gorgeous tattoo of a skull on his head. This young man was only 18 at the time I made this image. And yes, he is a sweetheart. The tattoo of the baby face on his left shoulder is of his son.
To begin to understand a city and a country through its people is also to learn about its culture. Discover the richness of colorful San Miguel de Allende, and its gentle people and vibrant culture, with resident Holly Wilmeth as your guide.
Faces of Mexico: Environmental Portraiture
with Holly Wilmeth
October 20 - October 25, 201