Honorable Mention / 2023 / Portraiture / Culture

• Photographer
  Brian Sassmann, United States
• Studio
  Brian Sassmann Photography
• Instagram
  @bsassmann

For several years I've been working on a project in Mexico documenting Mariachis, Norteños, and street musicians. JUST SOUTH is an ongoing project in which I aim to capture the incredible exuberance of these performers and the energy that they bring to their surroundings.
The persona of the Mariachi is a deep rooted part of Mexico's cultural identity. The profession not only provides a living for the performers but seems to be a way of life. A sort of mysterious yet not-so-secret society, a fellowship somewhat frozen in time for both young and old to join.
The ten photographs in this entry wer