On the 24^th of December, Christmas Eve Day, the annual Pase del Niño Viajero parade explodes onto the historic streets of Cuenca, Ecuador.

The brilliant colors and intricate outfits are stunning, and the rose petals swirling down from the heavens, dropped from a helicopter, are like bursts of fireworks on a clear night. The enthusiasm of the participants and crowd is contagious.

The procession, which lasts all day, celebrates not only the deep Catholic faith shared by many here, but also the traditions and beliefs of the many indigenous people of Ecuador. Literally thousands of participants come from all over, and one is taken away quickly by the sights and sounds. One after another scene goes by: floats festooned with flowers, fruits and vegetables representing the agriculture of regions; marching bands; groups performing cultural dances; handsome, proud horses ornamented with candies, cuy (South American guinea pig – a traditional dish here)

and chickens, and on the horses’ backs, the most beautiful children you’ve ever seen; donkeys carrying Mother Mary and the baby Jesus; carts with sleeping children in a makeshift manger with whole roasted pigs lashed onto the back; and the most gorgeous assortment of costumes and cultural wear you can imagine.

I was lucky enough to be here in Cuenca again for this year’s parade – my second opportunity to witness this very special festivity. With camera in hand, I prepared to capture the moment (or in this case, the hours of moments).

But I quickly realized that I would have to decide on which camera lens I should use. Macro for precise closeups that seize, in great detail, smiles, frowns, eyes and excited or bored expressions.

Unfortunately, though perfect for closeups, the Macro completely misses the larger expression and excitement of the parade and its jubilant crowd. A 55 mm is fine for freezing in time the outfits worn, but then the fine details of hair and wrinkles are sacrificed. Uggg.

Or maybe I should employ my telephoto lens to capture the participants that are on the far-side of the street? Back and forth I switched, finally settling in on my Macro lens. It was just too risky to chance losing the many precious children’s faces for the sake of capturing the larger blur of action.

As my camera continues to teach me, if I choose to view the world through only one lens, I will miss the grandeur of the larger overview life has to offer. However, if I stick to enjoying the vast vista, refusing to change lenses, I’ll miss the fine details seen only on close, focused examination.