An Altar Boy Pauses in The Sun in Oaxaca, Mexico

In my original post on my visit to Teotitlán del Valle, Mexico, which I entitled Walking On Rose Petals, I wrote about the beautiful procession that took place the week of Lent. I left Oaxaca city early in the morning to be able to get to Teotitlán in time to see the beginning of the procession.

Amongst flowers, incense, music, and candles, the procession wound through the cobblestone streets of the small primarily indigenous town. The sun peeked around the corners of the stucco homes and lit certain pockets a golden hue.

At the instant that I made this photo, I had noticed the light gently shining on this boy, and reflecting off his golden staff onto his white gown. He noticed me and held my gaze as if asking me to make his picture during this holy procession where nobody speaking. After I made the photo, I showed it to him, and he smiled. The man standing next to him said “guapo”, and he smiled bigger and his cheeks got a bit rosier.

Originally published at https://dogdays.photography on August 14, 2021.