MEXICO CITY.- From sweeping landscapes to intricate cityscapes, a new issue of Alquimia magazine is taking readers to new heights. The latest edition, number 80, delves into the fascinating world of aerial photography, exploring how capturing images from above has shaped our understanding of the world below. Published by Mexico's Ministry of Culture through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), Alquimia offers a unique perspective on this visual art form.

"Aerial Photography," as the issue is titled, isn't just about pretty pictures. It examines how this technique, using everything from planes and helicopters to modern drones, has contributed to diverse fields, from geography and urban planning to archaeology and even art. The magazine brings together expert voices to explore this multifaceted subject.

One compelling story focuses on William Ferbrache Plaster, a World War II pilot turned "aerophotographer." The "Manuel Toussaint" Archive at UNAM recently acquired his collection of 6,000 photographs, offering a treasure trove of aerial views. As detailed by Columba Sánchez Jiménez, Plaster’s images aren't limited to industrial zones. They also capture the beauty of airports, bustling seaports, sprawling farmlands, and vast lumberyards, showcasing a unique perspective on the changing landscape.

The issue also explores the work of renowned photojournalist Héctor García. Curator Juan Ángel Salinas analyzes García's aerial images, published in books like Nueva grandeza mexicana and La Ciudad de México desde el aire. While these images were initially used to promote the "Mexican miracle" and the country's rapid modernization, García's work also revealed a critical eye, documenting the emergence of peripheral communities and the social realities beyond the gleaming new buildings. He captured the other side of the coin, the communities that were growing on the edges of the city.

Ricardo Alvarado Tapia, an expert from IIE, delves into the panoramic photographs of Vicente Cortés Sotelo, a cinematographer for the Mexican Air Force. Cortés Sotelo's stunning panoramic negatives, some measuring over four feet wide, offer a unique perspective on Mexico from above. Alvarado Tapia traces the history of aerial photography in Mexico, highlighting the role of publications like Tohtli magazine.

Adding a personal touch, documentarian Francisco Mata Rosas shares his reflections on the practice of seeking higher vantage points in photojournalism. From climbing trees to finding rooftop perches, Mata Rosas explains how elevation can transform a photograph, offering new perspectives on events, objects, and people. He shares insights from his own impactful series, including Chiapas, México-Tenochtitlan, and Tepito, bravo el barrio, illustrating how a change in perspective can change the story.

This issue of Alquimia celebrates the power of aerial photography to not only document the world but to also offer fresh perspectives and tell compelling stories. It's a must-read for anyone interested in photography, history, and the ever-evolving relationship between humans and their environment.