Growing up

Some squares in Gracia neighborhood, the bohemian quarter in Barcelona, create a mesmerizing effect on passersby sometimes. This boy, for example, holds his umbrella as if leaning on a king's sceptre watching his dominions. The pose reminds me of Wanderer above the Sea of Fog, the 1818 painting by German painter Caspar David Friedrich. Of course, this is just a fleeting thought.

Balloon Camouflage

I took this from too far away but I like the candid image of this woman behind the balloons.

Barcelona Weddings: The Silent Witnesses

Keeping with the behind-the-scenes perspective of the previous post, weddings like this one in a renown Barcelona hotel are also worth witnessing as a complete outsider. I am sure this photograph will develop an interesting bouquet, a special patina, over time.

The moment was captured at the entrance of El Palace Barcelona that used to be the old Ritz.

Commercial Shooting at Somorrostro Beach, Barcelona: behind-the-scenes perspective

If you go for the model, that sweet lady with the curly hair, you would probably get a striking portrait but nothing like the spark-of-the-moment circus on a set before a commercial shooting session, the chaotic behind-the-scenes perspective of a photographic mise-en-scène at Somorrostro beach in Barcelona.

Somorrostro beach, Barcelona: After-the-bath scenes

This is definitely not a photograph by Martin Parr and I must admit it wants to remind a Martin Parr but it is what it is after all, my humble intrusive, almost 'voyeuristic' picture of the day. Better with the fence I suppose.

The photo was taken in Somorrostro beach. Yes, there is a beach in Barcelona called so peculiarly.

Barcelona, The Dark Side

Some things never change, the gap between rich and poor keeps growing and the future is not very promising, considering that AI, automation and digitalization imposed by the so called Industrial Revolution 4.0 will redefine works and will deteriorate the situation even further unless governments make a better distribution of the benefit obtained with such amazing technology. Less capitalism, less monopolies and more control of our success in the search for knowledge, let's do it for the sake of mankind.

A Toast to Catalonia for New Year's Eve 2017

Cava Pink Cups by Juve i Camps

New Year's Eve 2017 is here and it well deserves a big toast for Catalonia in a turbulent year that has not been pleasant to anyone.

No matter what your political views are, you have to agree with me that this is a beautiful land that has done great things for this country, whatever you consider your country to be.

vs

You may be on the Spanish side or the Catalan side. Perhaps you are somewhere in between, you feel Catalan and Spanish. You may believe in an independent republic or you may believe in a Catalonia that is part of Spain. You may trust in the Spanish constitution and its 155 article or you may not...and whatever your opinions, your beliefs you have the sovereign right to think so because this is a democracy, right? And you will certainly agree with me in that violence only generates violence, hatred only generates hatred, not only on governmental instances but at family level as well.

As I said before, Catalonia is a wonderful extension of land inhabited by extraordinary people that love to work hard to make ends meet and dream of a better society to live on so let's raise our cups in honor of our beloved territory with one of our best products Catalan cava!

Happy New Year's Eve 2017 and Happy New Year everyone!