In January of 2007 I returned to Mexico to do another photo-essay of the small fishing village of Yelapa in Jalisco, Mexico. Two years ago I spent five months photographing the village (with film) and created a website, jaripoulin.com, so that I could share my photo-essay work and the journal writings created there. However, I wanted to return and re-photograph from a fresh perspective and with a fabulous new Nikon D-200 and new lenses.

There are no roads in Yelapa because the Sierra Madres mountains nestle themselves right up to the sea, making it impractical to build roads. The village is a fascinating study because it retains the charm of a simple life, yet it is also rapidly changing with the advent of electricity in recent years and increasing tourism.

The small village of less than 1500 people includes a small population of foreigners, some of whom live in Yelapa year-round. The village only received electricity about six or seven years ago. With the addition of electricity and an ever growing base of visitors, Yelapa is adapting to a new economy, access to the age of information and the conveniences that electricity allows. Blenders, washing machines, irons, power tools, televisions, radio, computers and so much more.

It is very clear to see how exposure to the greater world through television and internet access is changing Yelapa. Some lament these changes, others welcome them and feel their lives are vastly improved by them.

The images that I am most interested in photographing in Yelapa are the images of a place and a people who live life through hard work and simple rewards. Family, religion, food and recreation...these are the centers of life and activity in Yelapa. There is a sense of calm, purpose, playfulness and joy in this jungle setting that inspires me. It is this that I hope to explore with my camera and share with you in a new series soon.

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