Local Color

Stephen paints a vibrant cultural portrait of local faces, places, tastes, and traditions from rural backroads to Mexico City streets.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 1 of 6

A long exposure of bright night lights driving into Mexico City.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 2 of 6

A colorful produce stand beckons shoppers at an open air market in the town of Amecameca, Mexico.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 3 of 6

Catching a reflection in Mexico City's largest square, the Zocalo, where ancient Aztec ruins stand alongside grand colonial buildings.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 4 of 6

Maria Olivo Esquivel (left) and Veronica Aguilar Olivo (right) tempt visitors with tortillas outside the entrance to San Juan Parangaricutiro church, Mexico.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 5 of 6

Cayetano Perucho Acosta drives his gleaming truck through the ash fields surrounding Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo taken with the Lumia 640 XL

Photo 6 of 6

Salvador Perucho fires rockets in front of the remains of San Juan Parangaricutiro church. The oversized fireworks punctuate fiestas, funerals, and even church services throughout rural Mexico.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Local Color

Photo 1 of 6

A long exposure of bright night lights driving into Mexico City.

Photo 2 of 6

A colorful produce stand beckons shoppers at an open air market in the town of Amecameca, Mexico.

Photo 3 of 6

Catching a reflection in Mexico City's largest square, the Zocalo, where ancient Aztec ruins stand alongside grand colonial buildings.

Photo 4 of 6

Maria Olivo Esquivel (left) and Veronica Aguilar Olivo (right) tempt visitors with tortillas outside the entrance to San Juan Parangaricutiro church, Mexico.

Photo 5 of 6

Cayetano Perucho Acosta drives his gleaming truck through the ash fields surrounding Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo 6 of 6

Salvador Perucho fires rockets in front of the remains of San Juan Parangaricutiro church. The oversized fireworks punctuate fiestas, funerals, and even church services throughout rural Mexico.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Local Color

Photo 1 of 6

A long exposure of bright night lights driving into Mexico City.

Photo 2 of 6

A colorful produce stand beckons shoppers at an open air market in the town of Amecameca, Mexico.

Photo 3 of 6

Catching a reflection in Mexico City's largest square, the Zocalo, where ancient Aztec ruins stand alongside grand colonial buildings.

Photo 4 of 6

Maria Olivo Esquivel (left) and Veronica Aguilar Olivo (right) tempt visitors with tortillas outside the entrance to San Juan Parangaricutiro church, Mexico.

Photo 5 of 6

Cayetano Perucho Acosta drives his gleaming truck through the ash fields surrounding Paricutin volcano, Mexico.

Photo 6 of 6

Salvador Perucho fires rockets in front of the remains of San Juan Parangaricutiro church. The oversized fireworks punctuate fiestas, funerals, and even church services throughout rural Mexico.

Assignment Journal

Stephen's day-by-day personal diary and favorite photos bring the journey to life.

Zoom to Discover

Zoom in and interact with these images to discover hidden details in a land of volcanic fire and ice.

Volcanic Voyage

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez uses his Lumia to capture a landscape and culture shaped by explosive geological forces on a journey to Mexico's iconic Paricutin volcano.

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,Explore Them All!

Follow National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez on his incredible assignment to explore and capture the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Tips from the Pros

National Geographic photographer Stephen Alvarez shares insights that can help you hone your own photo skills.

ADVERTISEMENT

Seven Natural Wonders of the World,
Explore Them All!