My photography workshops are for photographers who love to travel, but who don’t want to follow the crowds. For photographers who understand the essence of a country lies within its people and traditions, not just its photogenic landmarks.
JP's photo workshops are nothing short of amazing. I just had the best day I've ever had as a photographer!
- Ron Harr
We’ll get off the beaten track and visit towns that rarely see tourists. Discovering a Mexico where cowboys still ride through the streets on horseback. A Mexico where the indigenous Huichol people grow corn in the same way they have for millennia. You’ll watch as village elders share their ancestral stories under the stars and as the Mexica dance through the night in their ornate, feathered regalia, celebrating the coming of the new year.
Your travel portraits shouldn’t be rushed. That’s why we’ll take the time to set up our scenes. Because you’re not here to take photos, but to make them. To create images that depict a person’s character, their life, and their culture. To meet, and be inspired by the myths and the traditions that have shaped Mexico.
Join one of my photography workshops and take your travel photography to a better place!
Do you get frustrated on photo tours because you have to fight for space?
Do you feel like you’re just taking the same photos as every. one. else?
Or intruding on locals private lives as they try and get on with their day?
Do you wish you could spend hours photographing an amazing model?
Instead of just grabbing a quick snapshot as they walk past you?
Do you wish your portraits had that epic, cinematic light that makes people’s mouths drop?
If these issues sound all too familiar, then you are in the right place.
I designed these workshops to make sure none of these issues ever happen.
IT’S TIME TO TAKE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY TO A BETTER PLACE
Every photographer dreams of creating that portrait that feels like a National Geographic cover shot. But very few get the opportunity. There are just too many elements to line up: the model, the location, the light, the pose – and the time needed to get to know your model.
I know that feeling. I’ve been on those photography tours.
That feeling drove me to create these portrait workshops, so photographers – like you – could create amazing images, while actually interacting with the individuals they were photographing.
Imagine having hours of dedicated time to photograph cultural icons of Mexican folklore: the Mexica warrior, the rugged Charro, the Huichol village elder. Not just people playing dress-up, but the real deal. Communities that embrace their Mexican heritage.
This was far better than anything I’ve ever done before - and I've been on a lot of photography workshops! I can't wait to join JP for another workshop next year!
- Tim Rector
You’ll travel away from the crowds to beautiful pre-scouted locations: lush jungle, rugged mountains and deserted beaches. You’ll learn to use artificial lights that will give your photos that cinematic look: a look you just can’t get with candid shots.
This isn’t ‘battle photography’, you won’t be competing with dozens of other photographers. I only work with private individuals and small groups. And I’ll be on hand to assist as much as you need throughout the workshop. So there is no pressure, just the thrill of creating something beautiful.
“I’d like to know more, please send me a Workshop Information Pack!”
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS
- You’ll spend hours – not minutes – photographing models dressed in their own traditional regalia. And we’ll use that time to create powerful, emotive portraits.
- I’ve spent years establishing strong links with the local communities. So the models you’ll work with are not just friendly and professional, they’re also authentic. They live the lifestyle we’ll be photographing.
- Each workshop is different. We’ll test new concepts and visit different locations. You’ll come away with photos that are not just spectacular, but uniquely yours.
- The locations we’ll visit have all been carefully scouted ahead of time. I’ve found the best spots and we’ll arrive just as the natural light is perfect.
- Photography is about light. And to ensure that cinematic look, we’ll travel with a full light kit to each location. No reason to worry though, I’ll be on hand to help as much or as little as possible. So you can focus on being creative.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS 2023 & 2024
Because my workshops are private, you control the entire experience: the duration, the models and even the photography skills you want to work on. Each workshop is uniquely designed around you.
Want more options? See my full range of workshops here .
Are you looking to customize the duration or theme of your private workshop? Get in touch and we’ll work it out!
We’ll pack up our lighting gear and smoke machines and head into the jungle to take photos of one or more Aztec/Mexica models.
Take a step back in time by photographing working Charros and Charras in the beautiful mountain town of Compostela, a short drive from Puerto Vallarta.
Create stunning photos of Mexican Folkloric dancers as they perform with a variety of stunning regional outfits.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
See what previous clients had to say!
Many thanks for a wonderful photo shoot!
Many thanks for a wonderful photo shoot. We really enjoyed our 5 days with you. We learnt a lot about lighting. It was fantastic altering the lights ourselves. It really helped in understanding how it worked. Thank you for all the trouble you went to in organising great shoots and all your help. I would not have been able to do some of the shoots physically without your help. So again many thanks. Thank you again for a really great photo shoot. Kind regards
This was the most awesome experience I’ve ever had.
This was the most awesome experience I've ever had. I have some awesome pictures and I will never forget the sunset and the mood I had while doing the photoshoot on that beach with Juan and the fire. Thank you for the wonderful experience and your teachings.
What an amazing experience!
It was well worth the trip to take part in JP Stones' lighting workshop. JP was able to secure a model and find space in his schedule quickly. Communication was clear and comprehensive by email before I arrived in Mexico and JP even recommended a driver to ferry me both ways from my resort in Puerto Vallarta. JP explained some lighting basics so I understood the concepts. Then we headed down to the jungle with the Mexica model. JP had planned four locations in the jungle / beach and directed me to not only follow his direction but also use my own imagination. The whole afternoon was easy-going and you could sense JP's enthusiasm for the whole process, especially when he saw the images evolving in my camera. We finished the shoot on the beach with Juan delighting us all with his fire dancing on the shoreline. I was excited to see my captured images the next day on my computer and I was thrilled with the results. I'll book another workshop with JP to shoot the Charros ! What an amazing experience!
I realized I had just enjoyed the best day I’ve ever had as a photographer.
I am an amateur photographer and have to admit I was afraid I was in a little over my head. I had zero experience shooting portrait-style photographs, much less shooting at a jungle location with a full crew and model. When it was over, I realized I had just enjoyed the best day I’ve ever had as a photographer.
This was an incredible experience!
I never thought I would have the opportunity to photograph a direct descendant of the Mexica tribe. This was an incredible experience and I highly recommend this to anyone who is willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone, is willing to learn, and wants to improve their photography skills.
Some of the best photographs you will ever shoot!
I booked a workshop with JP as a surprise birthday gift. JP was in constant communication with me as matters developed and was exceptionally organized. The recipient thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a great deal. JP, his model, and the entire team worked well together to create an outstanding adventure. JP provides a unique experience rich in culture as well as content. I highly recommend JP and his team for a most memorable day, and some of the best photographs you will ever shoot!
JP put together an amazing workshop!
JP put together an amazing workshop! I had such a blast spending the afternoon with him. He is extremely knowledgeable in a variety of different forms of photography and loves sharing his knowledge and teaching others. He had some amazing spots lined up that would have taken me weeks of research to find on my own. I definitely walked away with new knowledge and additional tools added to my tool belt. I loved the photos that I walked away with from my trip as well. Absolutely recommended!
One of the best experiences of my life
I had the honor of joining JP Stones Photography on a photoshoot in Sayulita, MX during my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta. Meeting Juan and experiencing his culture was amazing, being able to record it through photography was one of the best experiences of my life. If photography and culture interests you, I highly recommend signing up for one of his workshops. It will not disappoint!
Total trip highlight!
I’m only a hobby photographer, but when I saw this workshop and the opportunity to learn more about lighting and posing - all while being out in the jungle with Azteca models - I had to try it. And I’m so glad I did. The whole day was great. It was epic! JP was a great teacher and I’m so glad I gave this a go. Total trip highlight!
Can’t recommend this enough!
I’ve owned an SLR camera for years but only ever used it on auto mode. Not any more! I saw these amazing photos on Instagram and just had to take the workshop. But I didn’t realize how much I would learn on the day, I’m now able to shoot in Aperture Priority mode. I feel like a pro!! This is a real bucket list experience. It’s a mix of a photography workshop and a cultural experience. The model, Tekie, was amazing. He explained what he was wearing and how he made it - even the myths behind his facepaint! Can’t recommend this enough to anyone who wants to come away with ‘real’ Mexico travel photos!
I want to come back for the three-day workshop!
I did this workshop recently and it was fantastic! I learned a ton, had a great time, and went away with some great images! JP does a marvelous job of tailoring the day so that you learn what YOU want to learn. Many thanks, JP, Miguel, and Juan. Now I want to come back for the three-day workshop! 🙂
This was by far the highlight of the trip!
I did the 1-day workshop, but in that time we squeezed a lot in. We worked on composition, lighting, and posing models. It was so much more than a normal workshop. Half the day we spent out in the jungle exploring gorgeous locations to shoot in and then setting the lights up to create really amazing photos. I felt like I was on the set of a movie or TV show. JP is an absolute professional when it comes to photography. He has a great personality and kept the workshop very exciting and relevant. I am walking away from this workshop with a deeper appreciation of the Mayan/ Aztec culture and new knowledge of adventure photography. I can’t recommend this enough to amateurs or pros. It’s more of an experience than a workshop. This was by far the highlight of the trip.
THIS IS A ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE!
I am an amateur photographer and have to admit I was afraid I was in a little over my head. I had zero experience shooting portrait style photographs, much less shooting at a jungle location with a full crew and model! But JP was excellent from the very beginning. By the time we hit the pre-scouted locations in the jungle and on the beach I was more than ready and very excited. And when it was over, I realized I had just enjoyed the best day I’ve ever had as a photographer. This is a once in a lifetime creative experience for any photographer!
WHAT I ACCOMPLISHED WAS AMAZING!
As an amateur photographer, I’m always searching for experiences to improve my skills. I was very nervous before the day began, but because JP and his staff are so easy to work with, it made for an exciting day. JP had asked what I hoped to learn and catered the whole program to my needs. The personal attention made for lots of learning. I will definitely return next year. What I accomplished was amazing, I would encourage anyone looking for a photography workshop to sign up! Thanks JP for your encouragement, tips and lots of patience.
JP WAS THE ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL
The entire workshop was perfectly balanced between teaching and photo shoots. JP is an excellent photographer, but most especially a wonderful teacher! You can tell that he truly loves what he is doing and cares so much about the Indigenous models and their culture. From booking, to finish, JP was the ultimate professional.
I TOOK SOME FANTASTIC PHOTOS!
JP was just great to work with! He and his team made the experience really special. I was able to take some fantastic photos! No matter how much experience you have as a photographer, it will be worth your time to book this 1-day workshop!
JP HAD EVERYTHING METICULOUSLY PLANNED
I contacted JP with a proposal for a shoot that was very important to me. He kept in constant contact, sharing updates and details as we closed in on the big day. Everything was meticulously planned. So he's not only a great photographer, but a trustworthy man! The crew JP put together for me was spectacular. They made one of my greatest wishes come true. If you want a truly unique experience, I would recommend booking a private session.
MY PHOTOGRAPHY IMPROVED SO MUCH!
JP is a great photographer and teacher. It was crazy how much better my photography became with his guidance on composition and lighting. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in photography. Nothing else compares! The Aztec headdress was even more beautiful up close than it looked in photos!
“I’d like to know more, please send me a Workshop Information Pack!”
ABOUT JP STONES
“I started my Narrative Photography Workshops because I was frustrated at not being able to create the travel photos I wanted to. Candid photos are fine, but I wanted my portraits to show the personality and history of the people I was photographing.”
“A great portrait is a blend of multiple factors: the model, the environment, the lighting, and the composition. But as a tourist you can’t control many of these factors. I wanted to change that, bringing tourists and local communities together, in a harmonious way. The more we learn about someone else’s culture, the more we’re likely to embrace and respect it. As a foreigner in Mexico, that idea means a lot to me.”
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