A reproduced doorway of temple 22. It is known as the puerto de los infermos, Doorway to the underworld. The glyphs clearly show that the Maya viewed this door as being in the cave of the temple.
I always seem to be making my lighting technique up as I go. I knew for months that I had to photograph this doorway at Copán, but instead of packing cases of lights, I headed to Honduras with my assistant and little more than a camera bag. We made arrangements with the site director to visit after hours and then headed to the hardware store. For $200 I bought enough copper wire to tap into some power lines near the doorway and we hooked up strings of regular household bulbs to light the place up.
It is always good to be able to think on your feet.
-Stephen Alvarez
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