The first official day, May 31st, we will discuss process, history, creativity and technique. It is a relaxing day as we adjust to the altitude, the surroundings and the culture. We will orient ourselves to the central market, Cusco’s unique back streets and the main Plaza of central Cusco. Keith will inform and inspire, bring wit and romance back to a medium that has become a digital dilemma.
The next two days will be short journeys just outside of Cusco. We’ll explore the ancient fortress Saqsayhuaman, the sacrificial site of Q’enko and the Temple of the Moon in the Zona X all on the immediate outskirts of Cusco. This second day is walking and understanding some gorgeous evening light on the periphery of this special land, monumental stones and strange rock formations.
The Southern outskirts offer a little more unique perspective than the average traveler or tourist receives. We embark on a long, full-day excursion to Lake Huacarpay, the town of Lucre, the mud-pits of Piñipampa and the only Sistine Chapel in the Americas in Andahuaylillas (try to say that three times quickly). In Lucre, we visit the first mechanized wool factory in the South America, much a relic with wit and a symbol of decay than a wonder of the world. Piñipampa is a back-water pit on gorgeous tundra, where impoverished hands work overtime to bake the rounded roof tiles of Cusco. We will reunite each evening to discuss some of the issues we face – working with locals, exposures at high altitude, too much beer….
June 3rd brings us to the surreal Salt Terraces and the natural agricultural amphitheatre at Moray, with a visit to the town of Maras itself and its fabulous church and famous hat-maker. This is one of our favorite journeys off the regular itinerary of your standard tourist. But for a photographer, these are precious geometrical phenomenon which offer many unique sightlines and compositions, contrasts and abstractions.
June 4th we will embark early for an overnight trip to Machu Picchu! We will capture some of the essence of this spiritual place and perform our own photographic services with respect to the ancient culture that once thrived in this remote section of the Andes.
On the way back we will also stop for a while at Ollantaytambo for one of the most unique sections of the Sacred Valley – the last surviving Incan village, still comprised of Incan stone work, water canals and square blocks. A true inspiration, even after the tourist mecca of Machu Picchu.
June 6th gives us some time to revisit and understand the back streets of Cusco, in fresh context, with new visions and information. Visually informed and mentally prepped, you’re ready to engage the people, inform your mission a little bit more in depth.
On the last day, June 7th, after returning from Machu Picchu, we will share our understanding and context for these images - from Incan stone-work to the salt terraces or a crowded street scene.
