Scissor Shearing by Jose Miguel Albornoz

Captured during the traditional festival in Coyhaique, Chilean Patagonia, this image documents the intense, time-sensitive craft of sheep shearing using antique scissors. The photographer focuses on the raw, rural tradition where speed and precision define the winner. By isolating the shearer’s focused movement against the backdrop of a local contest, the image highlights the cultural heritage of the region. The technical execution, utilizing a moderate shutter speed to maintain clarity while capturing the kinetic energy of the task, elevates this scene from a simple event record to a compelling narrative of human skill and historical practice.