Meet Jair Hernández, a Mexican photographer whose work finds beauty in the unscripted moments of everyday street life. After spending a decade in Panama, Jair discovered photography as a form of meditation, a way to slow down and uncover the artistry hidden in candid everyday scenes. Back in his native Mexico City, he embraced the city's vibrant color, transitioning from black and white to bring Mexico City’s streets fully to life.
Come "Behind the Shot" with Jair as he shares stories behind some of his favorite photos in Mexico City Dreaming.
Organillero en el Centro Histórico
I captured this photo in the beating heart of Mexico City: the pedestrian corridor of Francisco I. Madero. As the busiest artery in the country, this street connects the majesty of the Metropolitan Cathedral with the elegance of the Palace of Fine Arts, welcoming more than two million visitors every weekend. For a photographer, Madero is a fascinating stage where chaos and history converge in a small space. Here, the eye is drawn to the organ grinders, guardians of a musical tradition dating back to the 19th century and recently declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Mexico City. In this shot, their figures are subtly reflected in a shop window, while the iconic Torre Latinoamericana stands imposingly on the horizon.
Mercado de la Merced
Captured within the vibrant labyrinth of La Merced Market — affectionately known as 'La Meche' — this image portrays the essence of Mexico City’s largest traditional retail market. With a commercial legacy spanning over 600 years, this area remains a cornerstone of Mexican culinary heritage. Here, a vendor prepares Nopales (prickly pear pads), a pre-Hispanic staple of the national diet known for their fleshy texture and versatile use in salads and traditional dishes. I was drawn to the ethereal morning light as it filtered through the stall, illuminating a candid moment that distills the vivid colors, rich flavors, and enduring traditions of Mexico.
Centro Histórico
In Mexico, Día de Muertos is one of our most profound traditions — a time to honor the miracle of life while remembering those who have passed. I captured this moment in the historic center of Mexico City during a Day of the Dead parade. I was immediately drawn to the impeccable attire of this Catrín, specifically the seamless color coordination between his mask and suit. Shot in the quiet of the early morning, the empty streets allowed for a rare, intimate focus on the subject.
Organillero en el Centro Histórico
Every September 15th, Mexico commemorates the Cry of Independence, marking the historic beginning of our struggle for sovereignty from Spain. It is a vibrant tradition where the streets come alive with people in era-appropriate attire. I captured this candid scene in the heart of Mexico City’s historic center, where a group of traditional Organilleros (street organ grinders) shared a spontaneous moment with a local woman. A poignant detail of this photo is the presence of a face mask, a quiet detail that shows this photo was taken close to the global COVID pandemic.
Mercado Jamaica
The Mercado de Jamaica in Mexico City is a sensory explosion, especially during the days leading up to Day of the Dead. I captured this scene in the early morning hours, as trucks overflowed with mountains of Cempasúchil (marigold) flowers. I was drawn to the contrast between the intense, golden sea of petals and the quiet, everyday rhythm of the vendors starting their day. This image represents more than just commerce. It’s the physical arrival of the “flower of the dead” that will soon guide spirits back home.
Mexico City Dreaming will be available June 2nd. Pre-order your copy today and stay tuned to hear from the other photographers featured in the book.