Seeking a sense of place, Benedict Brain captures the vibe of Mexico in a diptych
How do you capture a sense of place in a still photograph? I constantly ponder this question as I travel the world. Generally, I am left with more questions than answers, but that’s good. I often find that the most interesting photographs also ask more questions of the viewer than they present answers, so it seems apt.
Most of the time, I experience new locations in fleeting moments. Due to the nature of the way I travel, I don’t have time to make deep connections or get to know a place. Typically, I will wander aimlessly with my camera, a lens (35mm equivalent) and a flashgun, wandering down streets H that look interesting or sticking in my nose (and lens) into this and that. The limited time in which I have to work forces me to operate quickly and intuitively. I’ve grown to like working this way, although it’s not without its frustrations. The fleeting impression I get builds into my sense of place; I have taken to honing in on small details, little corners and vignettes of life, drawn to the mundane and turning my back on the epic tourist vistas.
This image is from Mexico and, to me, there’s something unquestionably Mexican about it. I’ve spen
