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Dia de Muertos

© Dale Hardin

Dia de Muertos

Uploaded: November 04, 2013

Description

Shutter Speed: 1/400.00 F-stop: f/4.8
Focal Length: 71.50

Exif: F Number: 4.8, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/400 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 800, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 71.50 mm, Model: DSC-R1

Comments

Susan Williams November 05, 2013

Translated to English, this is "The Day of the Dead". In actuality, Dia De Los Muertos is not one, but two days spent in honor of the dead. The first day celebrates infants and children who have died. This is a group which is believed to have a special place in heaven, and are referred to as "Angelitos" or little angels. The second day is in honor of adults who have passed away.

While the culture in the U.S. is to shy away from discussions of death, Mexicans embrace death. They use Dia De Los Muertos as an opportunity to celebrate the death and the life of loved ones and friends they knew in this world. And it is a day of celebration, not a day of mourning. While not alone in the world in celebrating death, it is certainly uncommon and could make someone from the U.S. very uncomfortable. Note: Chinese also celebrate their dead in a similar manner.

Dia De Los Muertos was celebrated in late July and early August by Aztec Indians for thousands of years. When the Spaniards conquered Mexico in the 1500's, they looked upon this celebration as a pagan ritual. In an effort to eliminate it, they moved it to the date of All Saints and All Souls Day in November. The effort failed, and the Aztecs along with all Mexicans continue to celebrate the holiday.

On Dia De Los Muertos, people prepare a feast with many of the favorite dishes of lost loved ones. Pan de Muertos or "Bread of the Dead" is a traditional bread which is baked and eaten during this celebration. Mementos are set out of favorite things of the the ones who have passed away.

Visiting the cemetery is a popular tradition. At the cemetery, the tomb or burial plot is decorated. The cemetery visit is spent in a picnic environment. The air is filled with music from Mariachi bands while the scent of a wide variety of foods wafts through the air. Fireworks are also common.

From holidayinsights.com
#1551377

Joy Rector November 05, 2013

great shot and love the story #10891329

Joy Rector November 05, 2013

great shot and love the story #10891330

Debbra Bailey November 05, 2013

Awesome image Dale - great light! It kind of freaks me out though :) #10891348

Dale Hardin November 05, 2013

Susan, thanks for posting the background on this shot. I was in Phoenix this weekend with our daughter, and we met with the rancher from the wheat harvest shoot I just completed. Had a wonderful time.

While in Phoenix we went to the Botanical gardens and a Day of the dead festival was being staged there as well.

Joy, thanks very much.

Deb, this was with my old faithful fixed lens camera, the Sony R1. All the performers were on stage in the shade of a large white tent, which offered very nice diffused light. Had to go to 800 ISO but it worked out pretty well.

If it grossed you out, here are a couple more that weren't so graphic. #10891462

Debbra Bailey November 05, 2013

The light is just beautiful :)

I actually love the design of the whole Day of the Dead - very artistic! But still a little weird :) #10891474

Dale Hardin November 05, 2013

Thank you Deb. I guess my post processing payed off then. Here is the out of camera image this was based on. #10891506

Jeff E Jensen November 05, 2013

Nice work on these, Dale!

Any word on the repairs on your camera? #10891640

Dale Hardin November 05, 2013

Nothing yet, Jeff. Sent it in Oct 1. Did find out they had to send to Japan for parts so am guessing the entire mother board is needed.

As I mentioned before, using the old R1 requires so much less post processing that I really believe the A77 was bad all along and I was chalking it up to getting to know the camera. #10891651

Dale Hardin November 05, 2013

Wahoo! After that last post, rec'd call from camera shop and my camera is back. They changed out the entire LCD assembly and something else but did not include the details in the invoice. OK. Have some testing to do. :o) #10891777

Peter W. Marks November 05, 2013

I so enjoyed reading this post Dale.
Perhaps you should now consider explaining the "Studio and Puncto" of one of your earlier threads so that if there are a few who don't understand they will be enlightened. I had never previously read Barthe's philosophy on viewing and delving deeply into images but I think you will probably remember that some time ago I used to prattle on about the merits of looking 'into' an image rather than just finding minor flaws. Perhaps I had read his work and subconsciously absorbed it. But yeh, quality is important too and I can rely on you for that friend.
Glad that your A77 has returned to the fold. #10891793

Dale Hardin November 05, 2013

Thanks Peter. As far as studium and punctum, will probably wait until I use that as a challenge and then go into it. #10891850

Rita K. Connell level-classic November 06, 2013

great work I see you moved her also. I really like this shot. I with Debbra I love the whole design of the Day of the Dead but just a little weird. your edit looks really good. #10892353

Dale Hardin November 06, 2013

Thanks Rita. Actually I enlarged and combined the background and left her in place.

Here is another sample where I did the same thing. #10892442

Dale Hardin November 06, 2013

Retry on the image #10892447

Michael Kelly level-deluxe November 07, 2013

Nice series Dale. I love how you placed the masked figure with the BG. Like in real estate photography is also frequently location location location. #10893235

Dale Hardin November 07, 2013

Thanks very much, Mike. #10893319

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