LARA AVILA
The images I am sharing portray the story of everyday life in Panama City, Panama. Latin American culture is not highly talked about nor recognized within European environments, as it is composed of developing countries that most people are even afraid to visit.
Having lived in Panama for most of my life, I have had the amazing opportunity to see and learn about Latin American and Panamanian culture. It is filled with beautiful traditions, colors, happiness, simplicity and most of all, humbleness.
Being a third-world country, most of the population lives in poverty or with very limited resources, and this is also seen by the high-class on a daily basis when moving throughout the country.
The story I want to share has to do with raising awareness about Latin American culture and taking a look inside the life of Panamanian happiness in spite of their limited resources.
The first photograph depicts two young boys playing cards in the streets of Panama City’s old town. They can’t play inside a clean house or at a playground, since their mother has to run the store (seen on the left) and supervise them at the same time.
Regardless, the boys are happy. Despite the lack of clean and safe environments and modern electronic games, the boys are happy.
The second photograph shows a wedding photoshoot in action. The soon-to-be-married couple has decided to take wedding pictures in Panama City’s old town and with typical Panamanian attire. No props, no studio, no artificial lighting, no professional photographer. The couple realizes that this is happiness, and the woman gives a smile that is not forced.
University of Groningen, Photography