Edward James Gardens, Xilitla, Mexico / March 2015 –

This photo was my fourth attempt to capture this scene. I had been wrapped up in a weird vibe from this amazing place for a whole day. I was lost in a world of revealing wonderments. It is known as Las Pozas but also Edward James’ Gardens. It’s an 80 acre jungle property a few miles from the village of Xilitla. It’s more of a sub-tropical rainforest that’s approx. 2,000 feet above sea level. It has numerous waterfalls and pools interlaced with towering surrealistic sculptures throughout. For me, that day, it was unbelievable!

Las Pozas stands for the “pools” and was created by Edward James, an English aristocrat born in 1907 who inherited incredible wealth at a very young age. James was somewhat famous for being an early supporter and benefactor of the surrealism movement in its early days. It blended fantasy and irrationality. He sponsored Salvador Dali in his early goings as well as Rene Magritte in the late 1930’s.

Never give up on a photo. I had wanted to photograph this same scene earlier in the day (exactly where this woman is framed) but there were too many people in the way. I then walked past this spot to survey and photograph other areas near the pools up by the falls. I was hopeful to get this photo on my way back, but again, too many people.

After a full day exploring other areas I returned with my wife Louise, to this scene. Once again, too many people but this time we ventured well up beyond these subtle falls, further upstream to another water fall much larger and with an incredible zen-like Xanadu feel to it. The main pool was surrounded with sculptures and structures that blended in but in such artistic natural ways. We were blessed with some rare alone time for easily 30 minutes. It was an incredible gift to have it all to ourselves. We soaked up the calming and relaxing meditative atmosphere.

Upon our return I sought this shot yet again but there were still several people loitering. It was time to go but I gave myself two or three more minutes, hoping they would leave by venturing further upstream and out of the photograph. And then they did! Everyone except this woman and likely her mother. I felt the moment coming and prepared myself for it, wishing for it and then the mother moved over to the left and out of the picture. I had about a 20 second window until she reappeared but I got my shot as you see it.

In the moment I was regretful that I had a live human element in the way. But not until I reviewed it on my computer, did I realize how fortunate I was. Her figure added a much more picturesque element that gave it some life with a focused subject matter. What better tropical colors than her yellow top, red handbag, pink shoes, black hair and white dress, completely offsetting the green jungle elements and cold blue waters rushing down as the backdrop. She was practically centered under the surrealistic sculptures. I also became mindful of the fallen leaves on the path leading to her. My hope was to create a sense of distance (with my depth of field) and enhance the lush hair-like green moss seemingly flowing out of the brown brick walls on both sides. I had tried so hard to get the photo the way I thought it should be but it dictated its own composition and time frame. Much like a painting, it took its time to be realized, even though it may appear to be a momentary capture. I eventually realized my good fortune and am grateful that she is in my picture. I was duly rewarded for my persistence. Fourth time lucky?!

Of course I have many more images from this these gardens, of the sculptures and weird shapes that just appear around any given corner of unnamed trails. It was like a maze with surprises peering through the jungle leaves, vines and trees. Edward James was a man mad enough to be a visionary and rich enough to pursue his passion. His dreams are wrapped up in a jungle Xanadu of sculptures.

I later learned that Carlos Slim, the richest man in the world, (a Mexican), had purchased the property and was planning something for it. It’s a very special place and Carlos must know that. If I had his kind of money I’d of bought it too! Stay tuned, more to come another week.