An incredible week commissioned to photograph the Semana Santa processions across Spain during the countries Holy Week. A dream editorial assignment photographing the countries holiest period . A late request from one of my european clients, the only brief being to capture the atmosphere and the dedication of the people.
I decided to begin the journey of faith in Madrid, where I have been on several assignments during my career. It’s always good to begin in a city you are vaguely familiar with. I travelled light, carrying two Leica M10’s with 3 prime lenses. 28mm f1.4, 35mm f1.4 and 50mm f2. This enabled me to move between the large crowds quite unobtrusively, for long periods not being fatigued with bulky camera gear. Also the prime lenses enabled me to work easily during the dark periods as the processions continued through the night. Also Leica have an amazing image quality whilst shooting in the lowest of light. Although I was focusing every shot manually on the rangefinders – which can be a challenge.
The weather forecast for my first night in Madrid was very mixed. A huge rain storm was threatening to delay the start of the Holy Week on Palm Sunday until it finally descended upon the capital exactly when the first afternoon procession was due to begin.
Plaza Mayor became reminiscent of another European square which experiences ‘aqua alta’
Plaza Mayor and the surrounding area soon became waterlogged. The first day of the Holy Week procession was in jeopardy. I found myself shooting weather pictures of local Spanish people and tourists huddling in close proximity to keep dry. Not quite what I expected I would be shooting.
Once the skies cleared the crowds once again built up, hopeful that the procession would only be delayed and not cancelled. To everybody’s relief it soon became evident the procession would take place, albeit 3 hours later than scheduled.I found a position amongst the crowds.
The next city I had chosen to head to was the breathtaking Córdoba , where the procession centred around the Mezquita Cathedral de Córdoba and the historic old town World Heritage site. On arrival the area around the cathedral was bustling with tourists. I wanted something showing the build up, away from day trippers. The iconic bridge looking back towards the cathedral gave a fantastic setting, then I noticed members of the brotherhood making their way towards the heritage site for the opening of the ceremony. I liked the way the white gowns fill the frame, enough to cover many of the other people on the bridge and the fullness as the wind blows them gives it a sense of movement and energy.
I remained in Córdoba for two nights, loving the energy the small city had and the provincial feeling compared to the other big cities. I was able to work easily through the crowds and get very close to the procession.
Seville my final and most dramatic of the Holy Weeks destinations
You could say I definitely saved the best until last. The crowds were also the largest I had experienced on this tour. But one thing I instantly noticed was the way the Spanish presented themselves. The majority of people dressed impeccably. I found myself walking along the crowd photographing them as much as the procession.
The biggest night of the Holy Week is known as La Madruga on Maundy Thursday. The crowds building to a maximum from midnight onwards. This night includes the most revered brotherhoods, even including Roman soldiers.
These processions, called “estación de penitencia,” trace the path from the brotherhood’s home church to the Seville Cathedral and back.
By the time the morning arrived people were beginning to shows the signs of fatigue. I wanted to document the dedication made to such an elaborate Holy procession. It’s never easy photographing people when they are tired and not necessary wanting to have their photo taken.
Over the 7 days I took several thousand images. A truly epic week to document. It will probably take a further 7 days to properly go through and define my favourite shots.
I hope this blog gives you a further insight into the type of assignments I cover. Please get in touch if you are interested in commissioning me to photograph any upcoming world events either in London where I am based or overseas. I have 25+ years experience working in UK and abroad.
You might also like
