Nicaragua is a fantastic place for photographic portraiture. The characters are real, their lives are extreme and the people are so friendly and open. Not since being in Japan have I found a culture of people so willing to be in front of the camera.
As soon as I saw this little lady in her blue top and red hat, I knew I had to photograph her. She was visiting her friend in a tiny, dim, outdoor kitchen where smoke from the fire mixed with the steam pouring out of each large pot on top. She looked like a doll to me, with wrinkles attesting wisdom and experience. Her hands injured from working.
I followed the señora outside where I tried to chat with her, but she had no idea what I was trying to say. I could very well be the first foreigner she’s ever met. We communicated through actions and I managed to get the exact shots I had visualized – a portrait and a close up of her injured hands. She thanked me and said goodbye.
Me with three lovely Nicaraguan ladies in a village outside of Granada
