Dia de Los Muertos 2018

When you’re strange
Faces come out of the rain
When you’re strange
No one remembers your name
When you’re strange
When you’re strange
When you’re strange

The Doors, People are Strange

In spite of the blazing sunshine, the Doors song, “People are Strange”, seemed oddly appropriate as I walked through Hollywood Forever Cemetery last weekend. Now, I don’t habitually hang out in graveyards, but this was the Dia de Los Muertos Festival and it was well worth spending a few hours with the dearly departed. EVERYONE, it seemed, was out in their full Day of the Dead regalia! Ghosts, goblins, ghouls, Queens of the Damned and assorted what-have-yous were all on parade.

20181027-L1002622 — Dressed to Kill – Day of the Dead, Hollywood Forever 2018

For those of you not in the know, this festival is LA’s version of Dia de Los Muertos, an annual celebration to pay respect to those who’ve passed beyond the veil. It comes complete with costumes, altars, ritual dancers, art, food, and music – all done California style! If you’ve never attended, I highly recommend you put it on your must do list for next year.

Of course, I was there to grab a few images of the curious and fantastical. As expected, both were on full display. I truly enjoy taking impromptu portraits of people in costume. They’re always so accommodating; willing to strike a pose or two whenever asked. I can only guess that sporting a different persona than normal contributes to it, but who knows? I’m just glad they do!

20181027 Day of the Dead010 — Valkyries at Dia de Los Muertos? – Hollywood Forever 2018

So, I spent a few hours that afternoon roaming around Hollywood Forever just meeting, greeting, & photographing. Dia de Los Muertos is definitely one of my favorite events to shoot. Yeah, I know, I’ve said that about a few things…but, it’s true! It’s vibrant and colorful. It draws a diverse crowd. It’s culturally interesting. And, photo ops are EVERYWHERE! What more can a photographer ask for?