DAY OF THE DEAD - OAXACA
OCTOBER 28 TO NOVEMBER 4, 2027
PACKAGE PRICE:
$ 5900 FOR SINGLE OCCUPANCY. FOR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY,
$ 700 CREDIT WILL BE APPLIED
Photograph Mexico's Most Spectacular Cultural Celebration
Join us in Oaxaca, Mexico, for an unforgettable Day of the Dead photography workshop, where ancient traditions, vibrant street celebrations, and intimate family ceremonies create extraordinary photographic opportunities.
The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is one of the world's most visually stunning and culturally significant festivals. During this immersive photography experience, you'll capture the heart and soul of this centuries-old Mexican tradition through exclusive access and carefully planned photographic encounters.
Exclusive Photography Opportunities
Photograph the colourful comparsas, lively parades of costumed children and musicians dancing through the historic streets of Oaxaca. Experience iconic graveyards illuminated by thousands of flickering candles as families gather to honour their loved ones. Capture the beauty of marigold-covered graves, painted faces, traditional rituals, and emotional moments that define this remarkable celebration.
Our workshop takes you beyond the tourist experience and into the authentic heart of Day of the Dead traditions. We will photograph:
- Traditional Day of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca and the Etla Valley
- Stunning candlelit cemeteries and family vigils
- Street dances and colorful cultural performances
- Portraits of local people, young and old, adorned in traditional face paint
- Ancient ruins, village homes, and historic settings that provide evocative backdrops for storytelling images
- Exclusive Access to Local Families
Over the years, I have developed close relationships with three local families who graciously welcome our group into their homes. One family specializes in traditional weaving, another in candle making, and the third in traditional dance.
This unique access allows you to photograph not only their beautifully decorated altars but also intimate family moments that few visitors ever experience. These authentic encounters create powerful storytelling opportunities and meaningful cultural connections.
More Than a Tour—An Intensive Photography Workshop
This is not a sightseeing tour. It is an intensive Day of the Dead photography workshop designed to elevate your photography skills while helping you create an extraordinary portfolio.
This is not a sightseeing tour. It is an intensive Day of the Dead photography workshop designed to elevate your photography skills while helping you create an extraordinary portfolio.
During the week, you will participate in:
- More than 15 guided photo shoots
- Daily lectures and demonstrations
- Image editing sessions
- Constructive critiques and portfolio reviews
- Personalized instruction and storytelling guidance
- Learn to create better images in-camera
- Our highly visual lectures cover:
- Digital camera settings and techniques
- Accurate metering and exposure
- Low-light photography
- Creative use of motion and movement
- Basic flash techniques
- Visual storytelling and composition
We focus on creating compelling photographs in-camera, rather than relying on Photoshop.
More Than a Tour — An Intensive Photography Workshop
Grow as a Photographer
The heart of this workshop lies in our daily critique sessions, where images are reviewed, analyzed, and developed into each participant's personal story of the week.
On our final evening, we celebrate everyone's creative journey with a slideshow featuring each photographer's best work and unique vision of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca.
Join Us for an Unforgettable Day of the Dead Photography Adventure
If you are passionate about travel, cultural, documentary, or portrait photography, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to experience and photograph one of Mexico's most extraordinary traditions from the inside.
Limited spaces available. Reserve your place today and experience the magic of Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
- 7 NIGHTS
- BOUTIQUE HOTEL Na'ura Centro
MEALS
- MEALS
- ALL BREAKFASTS AND 2 GROUP DINNERS
TRANSPORTATION
- ALL TRANSPORTATION FOR THE EXCURSIONS
- TUITION
*Price is per person, single occupancy.
Airfare from/to your home cities, airport transfers, meals not listed above, alcohol, personal expenses, visas if required are not included.
A deposit of $ 500 is required to reserve your space.
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Welcome to Oaxaca! Registration takes place at our campus, Hostal de La Noria, in Oaxaca City.
You will have time to settle into your room before we gather for cocktails, dinner, and orientation.
DAY 2
We have our first Lecture – Camera Settings and Composition in the morning. After lunch, we continue with our second Lecture – Managing Light and Flash.
Late afternoon, we depart for our first shoot around the town and Santo Domingo Square, where kids from local schools will be parading and dancing as part of the famous comparsas.
DAY 3
We start our day with our first critique, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we have our third lecture – Visual Storytelling. From there, we will have amazing photographic opportunities at the Santo Domingo Museum & Church, where locals congregate for more comparsas.
DAY 4
Right after breakfast, we depart and photograph at the Day of the Dead Market in Mitla, followed by a remote flash practice at a local family’s altar. On your return to Oaxaca, you will select your images and get ready for your second photo critique. That night, we will be shooting in the Old Xoxocotlan Graveyard.
DAY 5
We welcome a brand new day at the Atzompa, where a sea of candles illuminates the graveyard. Upon your return to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to rest and select your images for the afternoon photo critique. That night, we photograph the famous Etla comparsas where hundreds of locals dance in the streets in a myriad of bizarre costumes.
DAY 6
You start your day by editing your images and preparing for the class critique. Right after lunch, you depart for Teotitlan del Valle, where we will photograph two artisanal families – one of weavers and another of candle makers. We will end the day shooting the town’s graveyard.
DAY 7
This will be your last photo critique. After lunch, you will depart for San Antonio to photograph the town’s cemetery, where hundreds of graves have been carefully decorated with flowers for the annual competition. On your return, you will get ready for the class closing dinner and show.
DAY 8
Airport departure
