Capturing Puebla: The Street Photography Journey of Julia Hernández

“In daily existence, there are countless stories and snapshots,” Julia Hernández.

Julia Hernández is a photographer whose creations are inspired by both urban environments and the natural world. Her photographic journey originated from a profound bond with her surroundings—her beginnings trace back to her youth in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl and the stunning landscapes of the Huasteca Hidalguense, where the vistas of mountains and rivers deeply influenced her.

“I was born in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, yet during my childhood, I was raised in the Huasteca Hidalguense, which is where my roots lie,” she reflects. “Eventually, I moved to the city of Puebla, which is my current residence. The entire atmosphere between urban settings and mountains, observing the hills and waterways, captivated me. As time passed, I felt compelled to capture the essence of daily existence wherever I found myself.”

Julia’s initial exposure to photography took place at an early age through a Kodak Retinette camera that belonged to her family. “I began using it at the age of 12,” she reminisces. “It was the camera we utilized for family portraits and special events.”

Her early works, focusing on nature, family gatherings, and the vistas of Huasteca, established the groundwork for her future career as a photographer. “Reflecting on those images now, they transport me back to the times of their creation,” she states.

“I am a self-educated artist,” Julia mentions. “After pursuing studies in Biological Sciences and developing a fascination for insect and plant life, I began to delve into macro photography, highlighting the complex details that are frequently overlooked by the unaided eye.”

In addition, Julia drew inspiration from her volunteer activities in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, where she facilitated workshops for children.

“I cherished life in the countryside as it reminded me of my upbringing. It also gave me the opportunity to witness different realities and contemplate what it truly means to be aware while photographing.” She elaborates, “Without such awareness, the beauty of everyday life frequently remains unrecognized, influenced by social and cultural contexts.”

Julia’s photographic work predominantly centers on capturing daily occurrences, especially those that may initially appear trivial.

“I aim to highlight the mundane moments that often escape recognition because people seldom take the time to notice,” she shares. “There exists an infinite number of tales and postcards within everyday life.”

In regard to her artistic method, Julia does not adhere to a strict framework. “I don’t possess a defined schedule,” she confesses. “I’m simply attracted to hues, lights, and shadows. Upon encountering streets teeming with color, I take a moment to pause, observe, and immortalize the scene. The street offers everything—composition, hues, lines, depth, and beyond.”

Among her interests in photography, Julia relishes capturing the customs of Puebla’s communities, with a special focus on the carnival in the neighborhood of Xonaca.

“Over the past couple of years, I have also dedicated myself to documenting the customs of Puebla’s neighborhoods, particularly the carnival of the Xonaca locality. Through this endeavor, I hope to illustrate that Puebla’s neighborhoods possess cultural richness, that Xonaca is a proud community, and that these traditions ought to persist.”

Throughout her voyage, Julia has gained important insights, such as the significance of engaging with individuals to make them feel at ease.

“Interacting with people is essential so they perceive themselves as part of the experience when I photograph them,” she elaborates.

Additionally, she has discovered that each individual perceives photographs in unique ways. “Photography serves as a formidable means for conveying reality. It contrasts with the narratives of the Western world and emphasizes inquiry over providing solutions.”

If given the chance to revisit her past and converse with her younger self, Julia would inform her that photography represents a form of liberation—a method to convey oneself without constraints.

“Engaging in photography is a means to experience freedom; it’s a form of expression. Photography isn’t constrained by a single path, notwithstanding what the guidelines may suggest. It encompasses much more, and there is a wealth of knowledge to be attained from it.”

One initiative that particularly resonates with Julia is her

worked in Xonaca during the 2022 carnival. Following the pandemic, she experienced a strong desire to reconnect with society. She investigated the carnival and, upon her arrival, requested permission to capture images of the dancers.

“In 2022, following the pandemic, I felt an intense desire to venture out and discover. I found myself in Xonaca during the carnival period, but before my visit, I dedicated time to learn about both the locality and the festival. My curiosity revolved around the nature of the experience, particularly regarding my interactions with the locals. Upon requesting permission for photography, they graciously consented,” she reflects.

“I commenced documenting the dancers and was profoundly touched by the vibrant sense of community in the area. Nearly three years later, this encounter has become exceedingly significant for me, as it facilitated enduring friendships and a profound bond with the community.”

“I’m uncertain if my work distinguishes me from other photographers,” Julia shares. “I believe those of us who engage in street photography consistently harbor creative ideas. It seems we all draw inspiration from each other’s imagery, which motivates us to venture out into the streets. Perhaps our uniqueness lies in how we narrate stories and the viewpoints we adopt.”

When discussing her role in the street photography community, Julia emphasizes collaborative motivation and storytelling uniqueness. “Street photographers motivate each other,” she explains. “What sets us apart is the viewpoint from which we narrate our experiences.”

She also acknowledges the obstacles that accompany photography. “One challenge is that individuals may not always feel at ease with their image being captured. It’s essential to respect their boundaries,” she details.

Regarding the prospects for female street photographers, she perceives a chance to create photographic narratives from their distinctive viewpoints.

“Women have the opportunity to reclaim and acknowledge our position in the field, as many references have historically centered on…

are frequently directed towards male photographers.”

Through her photography, Julia has met numerous intriguing individuals who have influenced her viewpoint. “While in Sierra Norte de Puebla, I encountered Doña Petra, a woman who would fish at night during particular seasons,” she remembers.

Doña Petra’s hospitable nature made a lasting impression. “She invited us into her house and constantly had something to share—her tales, her emotions. Personally, she made me understand the significance of dignifying the people we photograph, ensuring they receive acknowledgment,” Julia expresses.

Additionally, she gained insights from a young boy. “I had a comparable experience with Ángel, a young lad whose father instructed him in the craft of making traditional candles for Catholic festivals. He demonstrated the full creation process, and I learned a great deal from him.”

“On a different occasion, at a place in Xochitlán, we were asked to join in a first communion celebration. I noticed a group of women preparing the meals. All of them were neighbors, and they told me that this system of mutual aid is something that has largely faded away in the city.”

Street photography has enabled Julia to venture beyond her comfort zone. “I’m not particularly sociable, but photography has encouraged me to break free from my comfort zone. I’ve discovered that stepping onto the streets enables me to overcome my shyness, and through the camera, I can narrate stories. It has also prompted me to reflect on myself and continually seek to understand my identity while learning to empathize with others.”

Her connection with the streets, the populace, and her homeland has developed through her endeavors. “It has allowed me to explore my identity,” she asserts. “It has also helped me engage with others in a humble and respectful manner. Regarding the Carnival, I find joy in sharing the traditions of the Xonaca neighborhood; it’s my means of contributing to this and affirming those customs.”

With aspirations for the future, Julia dreams big. “I aim to keep documenting locations across Mexico. I find the theme of carnivals particularly captivating, so I intend to delve deeper into that. The nation possesses such a vibrant cultural diversity, and there’s so much more to absorb. It’s essential to highlight many aspects, beginning with the areas where I was raised. I haven’t journeyed to any other countries yet, but I would be thrilled to visit other Latin American nations that burst with color, syncretism, and culture.”

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Soledad Quartucci, CEO, Latina Republic

Latina Republic envisions a world where the elegance and resilience of cultures from Latin America and the Caribbean are acknowledged and celebrated on a global scale. By amplifying the voices of artists and guardians of culture, we aim to foster a deeper comprehension of the region’s challenges and successes. Our mission is to inspire a greater recognition of the arts as a means for empathy, unity, and transformative social change. Through our endeavors, we aspire to furnish all parties involved with vital insights to tackle regional issues, thereby enriching the global cultural scene and showcasing the triumphs and struggles of daily existence in Latin America.