Stock Photography: Mexico
*Page under construction*
I have amassed a large collection of Stock Photography images which previously could be accessed via a link to Photographers Direct.com. This was a well-established website with well over one million images on record, supplied by thousands of photographers worldwide. However, in early 2019 the site folded without warning or explanation, I suspect as the result of a downturn in the Stock Photography market.
As an alternative means of displaying my stock images, I am in the early stages of creating a series of thumbnail gallery pages featuring shots previously held by PD in addition to some of those included in the main posts. Due to the large number of JPEG files I have not attempted to re-keyword individual files as before but have grouped them under general headings so that they can be accessed via a general search. Larger categories will be sub-divided and some subjects may be duplicated on one or more pages.
As an alternative means of displaying my stock images, I am in the early stages of creating a series of thumbnail gallery pages featuring shots previously held by PD in addition to some of those included in the main posts. Due to the large number of JPEG files I have not attempted to re-keyword individual files as before but have grouped them under general headings so that they can be accessed via a general search. Larger categories will be sub-divided and some subjects may be duplicated on one or more pages.
Please note that all my images are subject to copyright. They are not free to use and have been embedded with a digital watermark. Also bear in mind that the thumbnails displayed are relatively low-quality, may be under or over exposed, and do not fully reflect the standard of images produced from the high-resolution files supplied to clients.
Chichen Itza
|
|
|
Chichen Itza etc*
|
|
Coba
The city of Coba, set deep in tropical rain forest, was one of the largest Mayan settlements of its time. Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Coba developed as a major population centre well before the better known sites of Chichen Itza or Tulum with construction reaching its peak between AD 800 and 1100. Archaeologists believe that the city at Coba once covered an area of 50 sq km and housed around 40,000 Maya. When setting out to explore the site it should be borne in mind that distances between the main points of interest are considerable. As the bulk of visitors are day-trippers from resorts such as Playa del Carmen and Cancun with limited time available, most opt for a taxi-trike or mountain bike to get around. The site can become very humid, especially around midday, so don`t forget repellent - there are plenty of biting insects such as these wasps and the local mosquitoes can be vicious!
Many of the structures at Coba are remarkably well-preserved and are more akin to those in lowland Guatemala and Honduras rather than the famous and much closer ruins in Mexico`s Yucatan. There is a partially restored Ball Court. The exact rules of the game (Ulama in Spanish) are unknown but basically the aim was to throw the ball through the stone hoop located at the top of the slope. Not just a sporting event, the game had a darker side as it was associated with human sacrifice. Stone panels at various Mayan sites depict players and what appear to be team captains being decapitated depending on the outcome of an important match! When I visited, the Nohoch Mul pyramid, unlike the pyramid at Chichen Itza, could still be climbed by visitors. Only a small portion of the vast site at Coba has been cleared of vegetation and work is ongoing to uncover and restore further structures.
CPlaya Car
Sian Ka`an Biosphere Reserve
The Sian Ka`an Biosphere Reserve on Mexico`s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the largest protected areas in the country. Sian Ka`an in the Maya language means ` the place where the sky is born`, a reference to the long stretch of coastline located at the edge of such a vast area of thick jungle and mangrove swamp. The reserve, which was created by Presidential decree in 1986, covers approximately 2,400 square-kilometres and there are very few walking trails. The best way to explore therefore is by boat. The marine component accounts for approximately one third of the protected area and includes a section of the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. There are several lighthouses on this stretch of coast which, over the years, have prevented numerous ships from coming to grief.
The coastal forests and wetlands are important feeding and wintering grounds for migratory North American birds which fly here to avoid the cold temperatures in the northern hemisphere. Over 300 species have been recorded at Sian Ka`an including flamingo, roseate spoonbill, white ibis, wood stork, osprey and 15 species of Heron. When I visited in the month of June, however, the mangroves weren`t exactly teeming with birds as it was the quietest time of the year, however, there were a few types to be seen. Although I didn`t spot any during my visit West Indian Manatee and two species of Crocodile can be found here. The reserve`s Caribbean beaches are favoured nesting grounds of four species of endangered marine Turtle: the green, loggerhead, hawksbill and leatherback.
Tulum
The ruined city of Tulum is the only Mayan site situated right on the coast and the nearest archaeological attraction to Playa del Carmen. The Tulum ruins are set in a stunning location and can be reached by coach from Playa del Carmen in around an hour therefore peak times are best avoided.
Yucatan Various
Includes Mayan Village; Cenote;
