Last weekend I went to an area in Valencia, Venezuela, that I wanted to photograph, but when I arrived, I didn't see anything worth photographing, at least not for me.
Luckily, I was on my bicycle, so I decided to keep going and let my photographic instinct guide me, which, to be honest, I don't know how to define at this moment.
Anyway, I rode about 6 km until I reached Naguanagua. There were several places, but I chose the municipal market.
It’s a popular market filled with stalls selling various types of products.
Before taking out my camera, I was exploring it. I used to live near there and would shop on the weekends.
So I know the place, but it's definitely different when, years later, I saw it through the eyes of a photographer.
As soon as I took out my camera, some people approached me.
“Why are you taking pictures?”
To which I responded:
“I have a blog where I post photos of daily life, people working, etc.”
This explanation was enough for them to feel at ease and know I had no hidden intentions.
And indeed, that was the case, but then they sought more conversation.
For a moment I got impatient because I wanted to take photos, but these chats actually enriched the experience without needing to press the camera button.
That's how I got to know the stories of many workers, who, despite having no issues being photographed, asked me not to mention them or comment on what they do.
What I can say is that I have the impression that many have a resilient perspective.
They want to work and move forward amid a complicated and complex social and economic landscape.
“The municipal market is not what it used to be,” one of them told me.
And indeed, years ago, when I used to go there as a buyer, there were a lot more people.
There were long lines at the stalls. But at least this time I went, there weren't many people. In fact, some stalls were closed.
But there are others that have been around for many years and still have their doors open.
One of them is run by a lady who took my bicycle (I had parked it), and she was taking it to another place out of fear it would be stolen.
I was behind her and told her it was mine.
She laughed and apologized, and I told her it was no problem.
She explained that bicycles are sometimes stolen there and she was taking it to a place where she could keep an eye on it.
I honestly didn't see any bad intentions. She told me her story (although she didn't want me to take photos) and I found it incredible the strength many people, especially older ones, have.
Her son left the country. She is alone and finds company at the market, despite not selling as much as before.
I kept exploring the stalls, and the pattern repeated: they asked why I was taking photos, told me their story, and I moved on.
I believe the municipal market is a symbol of contemporary Venezuela: a place with potential despite not having adequate and modern infrastructure, but filled with human capital eager to work and have a better life.
Luis Felipe Hernández
Hi, I'm Luis Felipe, a photographer and audiovisual creator from Venezuela. In my blog, you'll find thoughts and reflections through urban and documentary photography. You'll also find a bit of cinema. Thanks for reading the post and for your support!
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That's the reason why I don't take photos in some crowded place, I am afraid to get approached and asked like that. Even with no Ill intention, it's still kinda scary. Anyways, it's cool that some people give a go to you photographing them and didn't reacted violently. Your photos looks cool. It shows the life of the people in there. And I can only see a few people walking in there. I hope the sellers in there get a loy of costumers.
I understand the fear, though in my case, I don't show fear and always tell the truth... of course, sometimes it's tempting fate.
Yeah, that's a good approach, better just be honest.
Nowadays people are very curious to ask why you are taking pictures and more if you take a camera as such because maybe with a cell phone they don't pay attention, but I think that this curiosity is due to the situation of the country where there is tension in many ways.
!discovery 30
You are right