Demasiado Ruido Gallery
Oaxaca, Mexico 2005
® Beth Kent
® Hans Peter Osswald
® Jean francoise Bouchard
My initial intuition was to talk about the richness of the Mexican culture since it touched me in a special way. However, as I gave more thought to my experience, another aspect became apparent: photography is not about how many good images you capture, it is about the quest to seize a truly magical moment in a truly magical way. I was deeply moved by Ernesto’s 14-year journey in Cuba to gather a total of approximately 118 breathtaking images out of the thousands and thousands that he shot throughout those years. I will forever be far more selective about my own images and I will accept that a whole year of photography can yield only one photograph… The quest is really about how extraordinary this image is. Jean Francoise Bouchard
® Jenny Hamilton
What a joy it was to be immersed in the world of photography for 11 days. And what a luxury to be with a group of very diverse people who share a passion for photography (whether color, black and white, digital or film). To look at and edit close to 18,000 images over the course of the workshop — so many of them “too aware”, missing a secondary element, with large white shirts or shiny watches — to find the gems. To laugh, eat, drink, walk, and celebrate together. To struggle together to find those magically moments, to cheer when one of us “got it” in an image we will all remember for years to come. To share the Day of the Dead with this group of strangers (and one old friend) who so quickly became friends.
This was my third workshop with Ernesto and each one seems to get more magical. Oaxaca and the Day of Dead ceremonies and celebrations provided a wonderfully rich environment in which to practice seeing and capturing moments. The group was such a great mix of people.
Ernesto did such a fabulous job of making sure we had places to go each day with, as he would say “rich daily life” and so few other tourists or photographers. I will never forget our night in the cemetery in Atzompa. Walking into that sea of candles and marigolds at 3:30 in the morning was one of the most moving moments of my life. And while the opportunities to photograph were fantastic, and the editing sessions so valuable, I will also always cherish the drinks on the roof top terrace with that amazing view of the old part of town and the other simple moments we shared. I want to thank everyone, Ernesto and the other students for the chance to learn with you and from you. Jenny Hamilton
® Juan De la Cruz
In the first workshop together I’ve learned that besides the instant there is the meaning. In this second workshop, I understood again that there are the instant and the meaning, but that there are also us, with our primary element: our heart and that only thanks to it we can see the small and big presents that God bestows upon us every day.
Having learned this Ernesto, I continue to think about the idea that your workshops more than anything are an encounter with life, where the camera converts itself in a simple mean to stay in contact with our existence. Your workshops are true oxygen tanks in this roller coaster that life is about.
I always pray to God for all of you and that he will give us the necessary time to understand the reason that brought us all to the world. You are the maestro Ernesto and without any doubt you are a great photographer, but I want to underscore again without fear of making a mistake: your true mission in life is to show that we can all make it, that we don’t need wings, as Silvio Rodriguez would say, to fly toward our inner journey.
Now, I’m still patiently waiting for the day in which our lives can reunite along with our footsteps so that we can continue to share our common passion. I also hope that your light can illuminate all the people close to you. Good luck Ernesto. Juan de la Cruz
® Judy Babinski
® Keith Prue
Ernesto,
for me the workshop in Oaxaca was a watershed. I can finally leave behind the shackles of traditionalism inspired to see with new eyes. It was a wonderful experience, learning from your incisive yet supportive critique, and from my fellow students. I was constantly intrigued how the same situation can be photographed in so many different ways. Your genuine concern for the development of your students was very touching. I leave with renewed enthusiasm for developing my craft, and hope that we meet again soon. Keith Prue
® Libby Nevinger
The continuity of moving toward photography has helped me face the changes that are surrounding me. Thanks to Ernesto and the other photographers for their support. Just seeing your photos, and the other student’s photos helped me get some distance from my own thoughts and worries about New Orleans. We would be out at an incredible location and I would be adrift. Everyday was a little better and by the end, I think I was really starting to get back on track. The energy from everyone around me was a great positive influence. When I decided to take this workshop, Ernesto’s photos and the student’s galleries drew me in. I wanted to be a part of the mystery and the complex imagery. I wanted to take my work to a different level to try new ways of seeing. All of that, I still want for myself. I decided not to cancel this workshop, but instead to move toward what I wanted to move toward something that was important to me. Libby Nevinger
® Marc Berry
A cool air wraps around us as we wait in a small cemetery. It is 3am and while others sleep we are awake with the excitement and beauty of this place. A sea of candles light up the night, but yet we need the warmth of the small fires created by the townsfolk who sit with their relatives. As mescal warms our souls, we are welcomed. Welcomed to the a celebration of life that is the Days of the Dead.
One cannot express the magic of this moment in words, but the photos we take help to tell the story. Ernesto’s Oaxaca workshop has given me a sense of wonder and a new way of ‘seeing’. With his support and the input of other students over the past few days my photos have a new life, and focus. Gaining access to places such as these has only fueled my interest. I look forward to making time and time again to join you on other workshops on improving my skills, and working with a craftsman like Ernesto, whose honesty and excitement carries over into all aspects of the workshop. Marc Berry
® Maria De los Reyes
I am from New Orleans. Born and raised. I thought that if I could be in a country that celebrates it’s dead with reverence and hopefulness and joy, it would be the perfect place for me. Oaxaca was that place. The people, the chocolate, the Mescal, my classmates and Ernesto made it all very special. I searched for my joy, that inner inspiration that drives us all to create, but my heart had been broken you see, into a thousand little pieces. This was a first step. Being surrounded by candles and music and welcome on a cold night in Atzompa reminded me so much of home. It was where I first felt the healing… Maria De Los Reyes
® Sanford Luger
Ernesto Bazan ranks at the top of the list of photographers who have taught me how to make effective photographs. He is unique among them in how he sees the world and how he produces an image that reflects his vision. He is a talented artist and a superb teacher.
Ernesto has an unfailing faith in his work and the work of his students. Among the many photographers I have worked with he is the only one I have ever met who participates with his students as an equal. He is critical of his students work in the best sense. His critiques include helpful remarks about how a photograph can be made better. When he discovers a student’s beautiful photograph he would be proud to have authored himself, he is enthusiastic in his praise and encouragement. He is also the only teacher I have ever worked with who has his students participate directly in the final editing process to select which works will be included on his website and produced in a student book. Most importantly he also shares his work in progress with his students and expects their critiques, which he values. He takes notes of the students’ comments and even has taken our comments into consideration for his final edit.
Then, of course, there was the quality of the class.I have rarely had the opportunity to work with such a talented and caring group of people. Everyone participated, helped to improve others work by offering suggestions and provided support in a crisis. It was and is my pleasure to know you all.
I will definitely be working with and learning from Ernesto again in the near future. Sandy Luger
