Playa Muerto, Panama

I think the best Part of heading down to Panama to go fishing is when we get the chance to go and visit the Village of Playa Muerto, Panama. (Dead Beach). The Embera (meaning people) live in Playa Muerto and getting to go and visit with them is truly something amazing. It’s hard to describe the Village; homes build mainly on stilts, open family concept with Hammocks for beds. The Darien Jungle surrounds the Village, while the Pacific Ocean provides access and food for the Embera. The white sandy beach and Palm tree's greet visitors as you come ashore. Kids from all over will come running as fast as they can to come and great you (secretly hoping you have a sweet treat for them). The people of Playa Muerto are always friendly and go out of their way to perform their traditional dances and play their traditional music.

With school supplies, stickers & candy in hand, we headed up the beach to meet with the Chef of the Village. The Chef and the Elders will generally formulate a nice little list for us of things that the village really needs, like wheels for their wheel barrel, soccer balls, batteries and various other things. Helping out is just a small part of going there to visit, but getting a chance to photograph these beautiful people is really an honor.

I have separated this bog post into two different posts, because I had so many images that I wanted to post.

Here is the first post of images. The shots where taken with a Nikon D800, Sigma 35mm 1.4 Lens (sharpest Wide open lens I have ever shot with) Some pictures where also taken with a Nikon D600 70-200mm 2.8 lens as well.

This child is wearing the traditional dye on her body. The Dye is similar to Hena, but comes from the Genip tree berry. This is not only traditional, it also helps to keep the bugs away.