The Sacred Valley in Peru
PERU. Talk about epic. Such a breathtaking country, with amazing people, culture, architecture and views unlike any other.
Above: Landing in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, now known for the archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. We stayed here, and shot much of this effort in Chincero, a small town about a 45-minute drive through the beautiful countryside of the Sacred Valley. It is over 12,300 feet above sea level. No joke, working at these altitudes is difficult. Several crew members had altitude sickness, one went to the Cusco Medical Clinic for a night to recuperate. We also shot in the countryside, where the altitude was substantially lower (9,000 feet). What a difference.
Chincero is said to be the home of Peruvian weaving, significant historical sites, and an unbelievable market. The most fulfilling aspect of our trip were the local people. They were so friendly and happy to share their local knowledge (for example, where and what to eat, where to shop, forecast what the Andean weather was going to do). They were very interested in what we were doing, as well as in being a part of our photo shoot. We made many friends, several who became paid members of our crew. Luckily, about a third of our crew speak Spanish fluently (or reasonably well) so could translate. Many inhabitants of the rural villages speak Quechua, but we still managed to communicate. We were taught native textile dying techniques. We learned how to work with alpacas and llamas. We were shown how yarn is spun. Many of our new friends have Facebook and Instagram accounts, and we are in touch to this day, sending covers and other shots in our catalog where they are featured. Highlights:
Above: Landing in Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire, now known for the archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture. We stayed here, and shot much of this effort in Chincero, a small town about a 45-minute drive through the beautiful countryside of the Sacred Valley. It is over 12,300 feet above sea level. No joke, working at these altitudes is difficult. Several crew members had altitude sickness, one went to the Cusco Medical Clinic for a night to recuperate. We also shot in the countryside, where the altitude was substantially lower (9,000 feet). What a difference.
Chincero is said to be the home of Peruvian weaving, significant historical sites, and an unbelievable market. The most fulfilling aspect of our trip were the local people. They were so friendly and happy to share their local knowledge (for example, where and what to eat, where to shop, forecast what the Andean weather was going to do). They were very interested in what we were doing, as well as in being a part of our photo shoot. We made many friends, several who became paid members of our crew. Luckily, about a third of our crew speak Spanish fluently (or reasonably well) so could translate. Many inhabitants of the rural villages speak Quechua, but we still managed to communicate. We were taught native textile dying techniques. We learned how to work with alpacas and llamas. We were shown how yarn is spun. Many of our new friends have Facebook and Instagram accounts, and we are in touch to this day, sending covers and other shots in our catalog where they are featured. Highlights:
Above: The Women of Chincero dressed in traditional clothing (handmade hand dyed, hand embroidered). They enjoyed learning about our processes and vice versa. We loved to hear their stories, and watch them dye and weave their alpaca yarn. Notice that they are spinning their yarn while watching the shots come in on the photo monitor? Talk about multi-tasking.
Top and bottom: Known to us as “The Mayor,” the gentleman on the left jumped in to help assist, and also brought a variety of musical instruments to entertain (he is also featured in several catalog shots).
This woman, who lives in the rural village of Amantoy (near Maras), spoke the native
Quechua language, no English. Yet we had very little trouble communicating
with her. She was so chic, our fashion stylist loved her pink shirt with the lace details.
She showed us the 3 or 4 skirts she was wearing, layered atop one another. Each was
hand embroidered, and simply gorgeous. She was with us for the entire day, and can
be seen in the actual catalog.
Katarina. She speaks English, and was with us whenever we
shot in Chincero. She became a sort of “assistant producer”
for us, and was a pleasure to have on set, or in front of the
camera.
Overall, an amazing country, amazing people, amazing experience.
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