Having grown up in Texas amidst Tex-Mex culture, mariachi music was always in the background. Going to Mexico allowed me to explore and learn all about this slowly dying traditional culture that includes everything from specialized hat-makers and tailors to women’s growing role as musicians.

www.gabrielortega.com

The north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh lies at the foothills of the Himalayas. Manali, a tourist town in the Kullu Valley is the set-off point for foreign trekkers, spiritual seekers, and hedonists drawn by the promise of cheap high quality marijuana in an idyllic setting. Many never leave.
Despite this influx of outsiders, Indians make up the majority of tourists. Honeymooners and families from across the country come north to escape the sweltering summer months.
This Himalayan Shangri-La is in danger of being spoiled by the environmental impacts of intensive tourism. There is trouble in paradise.

www.martynaim.com

Instructor: Ron Haviv

While researching on Turkey’s culture, I was surprised to learn of the GLBT scene and how open it was. Being from a predominantly Muslim country myself, it seemed quite shocking that Turkey had so many gay clubs, a GLBT magazine, even a GLBT pride week! It was something I simply couldn’t imagine ever happening in Pakistan. So I felt like investigating the issues that the GLBT were having and what the situation was for lesbians in particular. I had been assigned to Andrea Bruce, who is a very warm and inspirational instructor. She helped me figure out how to work around the obstacles I was facing, and how to build a story.

Objects of Desire from Michael Thessel on Vimeo.

“Personal Visions” Class with instructor Kael Alford and assistant Peter DiCampo – Students’ Final Work from Peter DiCampo on Vimeo.

http://robbgoodell.photoshelter.com/

Kadikoy Commute, Istanbul, Turkey from Robb Goodell on Vimeo.

During my recent visit to Istanbul, I have commited to making a short multimedia photo essay about travel or lifestyle as homework for the Foundry Photoworkshop 2010. After some tinkering, I came up with the idea of documenting the spiritual and social effects of the Turkish Baths a.k.a. Hammams. I made a few visits to the famous historical hammams in Istanbul and after lots of sweat and blood, please find the final product from my hardwork.
mervynleong.com

HAMMAM: Spreader of Warmth from Mervyn Leong on Vimeo.

Ani-la is a short look into the life of a Tibetan nun (Ani) who lives with monks in a Buddhist monastery in Manali India.

Ani-la from Monte Swann on Vimeo.