Mexico’s ancient cultural heritage can be glimpsed through the traditions of its people. This 3 day photography workshop (which includes 3 half-day Aztec photoshoots) focusses on the Aztec, also known as the Mexicas. An indigenous community who’s sacred Mitote dance has roots that go back nearly 1,000 years.
In this workshop, we’ll spend the first part of each day learning to use storytelling and cinematic lighting techniques. The second part of each day will be spent on a 4 hour outdoor Aztec photoshoot.
We’ll travel to pre-scouted locations (typically rivers, jungle and beaches), to photograph Aztec models in their awe-inspiring regalia. On the final day, we’ll also cover post-processing to help bring out the magic in your photos!
I only work with small groups (1 to 3 people) as it makes for a more productive and enjoyable experience. I only run a dozen workshops a year, so book early to avoid disappointment.
Interested? Register Here.
3 outdoor photoshoots
Limited to 3 guests
Taught by JP Stones
Includes all accomodation
Includes all transportation
Includes lunch & snacks
We had high expectations for these Aztec photoshoots... and JP and his team exceeded all of them!
- Adrianne Van Strander
We start off with an introductory chat over a traditional Mexican breakfast. Next, we jump straight into a 3-hour tuition session. This session will cover photographic skills that will be put into practice in the afternoon photoshoot. You don’t have to worry about being overwhelmed, as all guests will be of a similar skill level.
After lunch, we will head over to our first outdoor (beach or jungle) location to set up our lighting gear and meet our model. We will shoot in several nearby locations throughout the afternoon before finishing the day’s shooting after the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Maybe a bit later if we decide to do some night shots.
The second day starts with a quick Q&A over breakfast. Here we discuss the what we learned in the previous day’s photoshoot. I’m also on hand to help resolve any queries. Then we dive straight into the tuition session. All tuition is done in my studio. I’m a big fan of learning through practice so there is very little sitting down to learn theory. It’s a much more hands-on experience.
Over lunch, just like the day before, we’ll discuss the concepts for the afternoon photo shoot. I’ll share my planning methods, including how I find ideas, scout locations and everything else that goes into setting up a stress-free photo shoot.
On the last day we turn things around, kicking off with the last of our Aztec photoshoots. The change of light at this time opens up new locations and opportunities.
After our last lunch together, the rest of the day is set aside to for Post-Production. Editing is a huge part of my photography process. It’s a vital part in helping tell the stories that these photos deserve. So I will spend an hour editing a recent photo I took, describing the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of every step. Then, using these techniques, you can edit your favorite photo from the workshop. I’ll be on-hand to help and guide you to a great final edit!
Contact me for Availability
$2,250 USD
Do you have a specific concept in mind? Sounds like you need Custom Workshop.
See what previous clients had to say about this workshop:
Below is a comprehensive FAQ, as well as the Terms & Conditions associated with this workshop. If you have any questions that are not addressed here please get in touch.
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. All transport during the workshop.
3. Accomodation for 4 days in 4* accommodation.
4. The use of our comprehensive equipment kit. From lights, triggers, tripods and reflectors to smoke machines.
What is not included in this workshop?
The following is NOT included in this workshop:
1. Your flight or travel costs to Sayulita.
2. Insurance. We strongly suggest you carry Travel Insurance and Camera Equipment Insurance.
What level of photographer is this workshop targeted at?
This workshop is designed for anyone that wants to improve their photography while shooting the photographs of a lifetime.
A basic understanding of your camera is required. This means you should understand how to correctly expose photos on manual mode.The beauty of small groups is that I can spend time with each person, adapating my tuition to their level.
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.
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.
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.
Payment
You can book directly through the website booking engine, or pay by bank transfer. Please contact me if you wish to pay by bank transfer.
A 50% deposit is required to secure 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 90 days before the workshop date. You can also choose to pay in full in one payment.
Refund Policy for 3 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 60 days before the booked date. We will provide a 25% refund of your total payment if you cancel more than 30 days before the booked date. No refund will be provided on cancelations less than 30 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 accommodation, travel or any other costs incurred due to a cancellation.
Company Details
Registered Name: JP Stones Photography Workshops
Owners: JP Stones, Brei Barron
Address
Mexican Studio: 20 Guanabana Calle, Sayulita, Mexico
Contact Details
Mobile/Cell (Mexico): +52 1 322 779 4912
Email: Contact Page