What an unforgettable photography experience. The workshop gave me the opportunity, knowledge and support to create some truly amazing photos.
- Antony Boffey
As Seen In
Recommended By
AN UNFORGETTABLE PHOTOGRAPHIC AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Travel photography often focuses on landscapes and cityscapes, but a country’s true heritage is its people. This 1 Day Workshop has been designed to help photographers looking to capture that human element that makes Mexico unique.
I have established strong ties with the local indigenous communities. It’s these ties that allowed me to develop this unforgettable photographic and cultural experience.
Over the course of the full day workshop, you’ll learn and put into practice a range of new skills. We’ll prepare for the photo-shoot in my Sayulita studio, before moving to beautiful pre-scouted jungle and beach locations.
Read our Cover Feature on Good Light Magazine
In their recent Culture issue, I had the opportunity to chat with the team at Good Light Magazine about my photoshoot planning process. Read about how I take an idea from concept, planning and through to execution. Available on the blog or at Good Light Magazine.
WORKSHOP SYNOPSIS
Travel photography often focuses on landscapes and cityscapes, yet a country’s true heritage is its people. This 1 Day Workshop has been designed to help photographers, both amateur and experienced, looking to capture that unique human element of a place.
There will never be more than 3 people on this workshop. These small group sizes are vital, as they ensure everyone has time to relax into the experience and get creative! Working with just 3 people also means I can customize each workshop: focussing on topics and photoshoots that best fit the group’s interests and experience.
These workshops are meticulously choreographed to ensure you walk away with a series of stunning magazine-quality photographs, a wealth of new knowledge and an experience you will never forget.
- JP Stones
1. Over 3 hours of dedicated private photoshoot time with an Aztec Conchero in full ceremonial dress.
2. All photoshoots happen in gorgeous pre-scouted locations. From lush jungle to secluded black sand beaches.
3. There are never more than 3 people on these 1 day workshops. So you can improve your photography, lighting and posing skills with dedicated tuition from JP Stones
4. Full outdoor photography kit: strobe lights, softboxes and smoke machine! Everything you need to create truly magical photos!
5. Experience a side of Mexican culture most tourists never see.
DATES
On-demand.
DURATION
Full day.
LOCATION
Puerto Vallarta area.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
All levels.
WORKSHOP SIZE
2 or 3 guests.
PRICE
$500 USD.
Bring a 2nd Person & Save $100!
THE WORKSHOP ITINERARY
Every part of this 1 Day Workshop is designed to help you to come away with your own stunning Aztec photos.
We begin by spending a few hours familiarising you with the lighting equipment and photographic techniques we will be using on the shoot.
Planning & Tuition
All our workshops are structured around dedicated tuition. With max workshop sizes of 3 people, you are not in a large group. This is a tremendous customized learning opportunity. Depending on your level of experience we consider fundamentals such as composition, camera settings or different lighting setups, all specifically geared towards the upcoming photo shoot. We then discuss the potential locations we will be shooting at. We are blessed with a range of stunning jungle and golden beaches within the local area; at each workshop, we consider which of our pre-scouted locations best fits the weather, models and photographers’ needs.
Then it’s time for lunch!
Photoshoot
After lunch, we head over to our first location to set up our lighting gear and meet the Conchero who will be modeling for us. They will give us a brief but fascinating introduction to their outfit and instruments, which will also help us when asking them to pose. Throughout the process, you will be aided by JP Stones, and his assistant, who will be available to help with lighting and posing.
Wrap Up
JP will backup all the photos from the day. This gives you peace of mind that, if anything happens to your camera on your trip home, your photos are always safe and available in the cloud! You are then driven back to your hotel.
These times vary based on seasonal variations.
Post-Production
We also offer an optional post-production half-day course. Here we take the RAW files from the shoot and, using simple to learn but powerful Lightroom and Photoshop techniques, create that perfect photo:
- Sharpening and Clarity (Lightroom) tips to make you images really pop.
- Frequency Separation (Photoshop) to reduce shine and skin blemishes.
- Liquify and Puppet Warp (Photoshop) to adjust posture and body shape when needed .
For more information on this please ask when your Register your interest.
TESTIMONIALS
Don’t just take our word for it. See what our clients had to say about this workshop:
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 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!
Contact Us
Still have some questions? That’s fine, I’m sure we can answer them.
The Small Print
We have put together a comprehensive FAQ but contact us if you have any questions about this workshop. We reply to emails within 24 hours.
Will this workshop go ahead with only 1 client?
No. This group workshop requires at least 2 people to go ahead. If you are the only client you can upgrade to a Private Workshop for an additional $250 USD.
What equipment do you need to bring for this workshop?
You will need to bring the following:
1. An SLR camera. If you have a high-quality mirror-less camera you should also have no problems. If you have any doubts about your camera, please contact us to discuss. A Canon 5D III is can also be used if your camera has compatibility issues with the lighting equipment.
2. This workshop contains a mix of up-close portraiture and environmental portraiture. As such, we suggest the following lenses (or a zoom lens that covers the focal lengths): 24mm, 35mm and 85mm. The wider the aperture on these lenses, the better. We can rent out lenses if required.
What is included in this workshop?
The following is included in this workshop:
1. Lunch, drinking water and snacks.
2. Transport to and from your hotel in Puerto Vallarta or local area (when purchased).
3. The use of our comprehensive equipment kit. From lights, triggers, tripods and reflectors to a smoke machine.
What is not included in this workshop?
The following is NOT included in this workshop:
1. Your flight or travel costs to Puerto Vallarta.
2. Hotels costs. Though we can, through our local partners, arrange great accommodation for you.
3. Insurance. We strongly suggest you carry Travel Insurance and Camera Equipment Insurance.
What level of photographer is this workshop targeted at?
The workshop is designed for anyone that wants to improve their photography while shooting the photographs of a lifetime.
While a basic understanding of photography and your equipment is assumed, the beauty of private tuition is that it is fully customizable. We can focus on whatever areas of your photography you feel needs improving.
How many people will be on this workshop?
I run three types of workshops: group, private, and custom. This is a group workshop. It will never have more than 3 people.
Can I bring a non-photographer to the workshop?
Absolutely, you’re welcome to bring a friend or partner. We just ask that they pay $25 to cover food, transport and other costs. Please contact us directly to discuss.
Many non-photographer spouses, partners and friends join us just to gain a greater appreciation for photography and be part of this unique cultural experience.
Who owns the copyright on photos taken at a JP Stones Photography workshop?
You own all photos you take with your camera. If you rented a camera from me, you also own those photos.
All models have signed a model release form. For details of this agreement please contact me.
Both me and my photography assistant will be taking photos and video during the workshop. This may include ‘behind the scenes’ content I can use to promote future workshops. We own the copyright for this content.
If you have any issues with any of this, please tell us before your book the workshop so we can try and work something out.
Registration
Our registration process is a non-binding expression of interest. It only takes a few minutes to complete, but gives us the information we need to contact you and progress your booking.
Payment
A 50% deposit is required to secure a booking. This deposit needs to be received a maximum of 7 days after a booking. This deposit is used to cover initial expenses for the workshop and as such is non-refundable.
The remaining balance must then be paid 7 days before the workshop date.
Refund Policy for 1 Day Group Workshops
If a conflict arises and you need to cancel your participation in a workshop, JP Stones Photography will try to extend every courtesy possible and grant you a refund. However, due to some non-recoverable costs incurred on our side, this may not always be possible. As a result, we have to implement a sliding refund scale based on the amount of time we are left with to attempt to fill a vacancy.
1. We provide a 1 day (24 hours) cooling off period on all bookings. If you cancel your booking during this period, you will receive a full refund on your payment (minus any fees).
2. We will provide a 50% refund of your total payment if you cancel more than 7 days before the booked date. No refund will be provided on cancelations less than 7 days before the booked date. If you do not turn up for the workshop, you will not get a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
3. No refunds will be given for any accommodation, travel or any other costs incurred due to a cancellation.
Weather
Unfortunately, JP Stones Photography is unable to give refunds due to unforeseen weather events that occur during a workshop. If poor weather makes the outdoor portion of a workshop unsafe, then it will be moved into the studio.
If a weather warning is received a day (or more) ahead of the workshop, then the workshop may be rescheduled for a different date: if a new date can be found for all attendees. If no new date can be found the workshop will occur inside the studio.
Health & Safety
JP Stones Photography does not accept liability for any loss of camera equipment, personal possessions, valuables, bodily injury, illness, accidents, injuries, carelessness, negligence, lack of fitness, punctuality or death during the workshops.
The workshops are often outdoors and as such require some traveling to areas where medical and toilet facilities are not readily accessible. All bookings are accepted on the explicit understanding that you understand these potential risks.
All clients are responsible for ensuring they have the correct insurances in place.
Company Details
Registered Name: JP Stones Photography Workshops
Owners: JP Stones, Brei Barron
Address
Mexican Studio: 2 Calle Guasima, Sayulita, Mexico
Contact Details
Mobile/Cell (Mexico): +52 1 322 779 4912
Email: Contact Page