Tango is for Argentina, Flamenco is for Andalusia - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

Before walking into the room, my expectations were lukewarm.  Though, I did not stay in that state for long.  As soon as the lights were down and the guitar started playing, I was singing, moving, feet tapping the floor, hands up in the air clapping, bottom of skirt sweeping... in my dreams. :-)

Fortunately, I did not lose all my senses and forget my position as an audience, and people in the row before me. :-)  So I could bring the craze and passion that every sense was loaded with from Spain back to you.  Some say the Spanish word flamenco could have been a derivative of the Spanish word flama, meaning "fire" or "flame".  I would not argue with that.

Flamenco, it's (fiery) love at first sight. :-)

Flamenco-Dance-Sevilla-Spain-Copyright-Jean-Huang-Photography

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May Your Heart be Filled with Songs of Joy - Jean Huang Photography

How do you say "my heart is full" in English?

It's that time of the year and I have so much to say to you that I'm tongue-twisted and word-stuck.  I am lucky to be surrounded by nice souls and great spirits.  And I continued to be blessed this year.

Earlier this year, I had my first photography exhibition.  One thing leading to another, I started participating in international photography contests and winning awards.  Some of my winning work even brought me to Europe.  And there, my luck continued and now I have a sister in Barcelona and a mommie in Málaga, Spain.  Before the year ended, I had my second exhibition in the US.  And it all began when I started working with MR (yes, he's a mister).  He may not know it, I think he's an Angel. :-)

I am not about bragging accomplishments but about expressing gratitude.  My path this year has been strung by people that we are lucky to call friends/family/clients when the lines among these identifications are blurred.

In the harsh conditions of Morocco (both physically and mentally), we had the pleasure of getting to know Ali and Ali.  No, they are not related.  They don't even know each other.  But they both happen to be Berbers.  I will write about them in my stories later.  If not, please remind me.  But you have to specify which Ali in your request. :p

Spain, oh, Spain.  What can I say?  We went to Spain twice this year, intentionally and unintentionally.  I once said that although lacking art and history that rivals those of my beloved Italy, I'd go back to Spain again for its food and flamenco.  What I failed to mention is that her people would be right up there with food and flamenco.  Thanks to my sister Vannessa, Sevilla has a special place in our hearts.  And in the least expected city that's home to the ancient Iberian archaeological remains, David won Spain a star.  And Marc, the deep voice that led us successfully to where there's no more road and people drink wine for breakfast.  Your carquinyolis was not only good for the road, but also for when we are back to the US.

My Assistante, the one that's always there in the background, and some times just being the background.  Thank you for being there with me, whether it being the driving trips where I give directions (and criticisms on your driving skills) or the sickness in the family.  I know you've got my back.

Last but not least, my incredible support group that tirelessly read my stories and give encouragement.  You know who you are.  I've personally thanked you and I want to thank you again for being there when I struggle to grow since I started this creative journey many years ago.

I wish you a warm and memorable celebration with the ones that you most care about.  And safe trips when you are treading snows and fighting winds. 

Happy holidays!

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I Had a Henri Cartier-Bresson Moment in Morocco - Los Angeles Travel Photographer

It happened in the "blue city" of Morocco and the story started with a cat, a cat that seemed to be doing yoga.  Most cats we met in Morocco were frantic, always running away, missing one eye or a part of ear and wearing scars on their faces.  In other words, I'm not impressed with them.  

So this day, when I met thy cat in the alley of one street, cleaning herself with the most difficult poses imaginable, I took an interest in her and started photographing her.  And then, bang, a boy come running in my direction...  

El fin.  

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Visually, this image instantly reminded me of an image of Henri Cartier-Bresson that was made in Siphnos, Greece, 1961.  What do you think?

P.S. In case you are interested, here's some bonus reading about Henri Cartier-Bresson's approach to his famous "decisive moments":

 ... "he began by picking a background that already seemed interesting to him because of its texture, geometric structure or accumulated images and signs, something he defined as ‘screen’. Then he waited for children or passers-by to come along and find their place in this layout of forms, which he described as 'instant coalition'". - "Learn” Serendipity for More Compelling Photos by Nadia Gric.
 

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