Capturing Mexican Sunsets

Capturing Mexican Sunsets

Tara A. Spears

Mexico is a land of beautiful contrasts, friendly people, and outstanding sunsets. This popular travel destination is famed around the world for its scenery, exotic beaches, spicy food, and pulsing colors that ignite the imagination. It isn’t the tequila that heightens the image of Mexico experiences in your memory. There are several phenomenon that create this extraordinary beauty – there’s a reason that sunsets really are exceptional in Mexico.

Mexico is said to be one of the most ‘colorful countries in the world’ and the quality of the light undoubtedly contributes to the sparkling tapestry of colors to appreciate here. Those describing Mexico often remark on the sharp and crisp ‘azure blue’ skies to be found here. Many visitors notice how the subtleties and hues of the light in Mexico are quite special.

The exceptional light from long daylight hours is complemented by sensational fragrances during the rainy season as the groundwater swells and the flora blossom and bloom. During the dry season, when the ground becomes parched, dust particles rise high up into the atmosphere and contribute to the composition of the most magnificent sunsets you’ll experience anywhere. These atmospheric dust particles tend to make gorgeous sunrises-sunsets that are heavily red-rosy colored. According to meteorologist Alex Hill, “Light travels from the sun through the dust laden atmosphere results in the colorful sky.” However, smog and pollution have the opposite effect muting colors. Hence the sparsely populated Mexican coasts do not have much pollution; such a clean and clear lower atmosphere increases the likelihood of a photo worthy sunset. Scientifically, an exceptional sunset is the result of the right combination of time and weather conditions.

Another aspect that affects the appeal of a sunrise/sunset is clouds. That’s because clouds will reflect the last rays of the sun’s waning light back toward the ground, creating a more vivid sky, according to the NOAA.

Mexico is stunning visual feast 24 hours a day. During the day, when the light has the shortest distance to travel through the atmosphere, what we end up seeing are the blue waves that have been scattered all across the sky. Ordinary things are dazzling, bright and energetic. There is hope and strength in the light in everyday life.

Three top photographers that post and publish outstanding Mexican natural scenes, Mexican people and slices of local life are Bill Bell, Alex Nevares, and Jasmine Hohenstein. Their work illustrates this article. Each of these professionals offer excellent prints of their work that are suitable for framing and also postcard size images that are collector’s items. Contact them directly via messenger.  At the very least, send a Facebook friend request to receive Bill, Alex, and Jasmine’s regular postings of beautiful Mexican vignettes in brilliant color-guaranteed to lift your spirits!  These photographers are inspired by the quality of light in Mexico, using their expertise to capture the beauty.  Excellent work Bill, Alex, and Jasmine!

It’s more than an equitable balance of daylight and dark when you pause to consider the quality of the light here, you come to realize that Mexico’s light is truly extraordinary.  Some individuals feel the unique light is especially noticeable in the mountain highlands but most people believe the light quality is exceptional at lower elevations and along the coasts. Love Mexico for its beauty, culture, and people.

Photo credits:  1. Bill Bell; 2.Alex Sunset Hunter; 3. Jasmine Hohenstein; 4. Alex; 5. Bill Bell; 6. Jasmine Hohenstein

 www.solmexiconmews.com