Mexico Weekender 2026
Day of the Dead
This is a special one-off bucket-list Weekender to photograph Dia de los Muertos.
It will take a unique format compared to how Weekenders usually operate:
1. The duration is longer, and includes more than street photography! You also:
- Learn how to shoot great portraits using available light (I’ve shot over 600 people in the face not in a studio or with any special lighting set-up)
- Learn how to build a photo story (this will be done over the course of the briefings), so your work will have a little “travel documentary” twist (I gave two talks about street photography in travel at the Nat Geo Masterclasses 2020).
2. The itinerary includes some breaks during daylight hours or a free morning as we'll be doing evening shoots after dark using available light such as candles, torches, street lights etc (bring a flash if you have one and would like to experiment, but learning how to use flash is not covered)
3. Assignments will assume knowledge from previous Weekenders (including reading Stop Looking, Start Seeing), and will be "recap" in style to allow for training in portrait and photo story building. You can expect 5-6 briefings over the Weekender. The goal of the workshop will be to create a "street travel photo story"!
4. Group meals will consist of big lunches in restaurants and then street food for dinner so we can make the most of golden hour, twilight candle lighting time, and shooting the ceremonies and processions taking place after dark (Food and drink at your own expense as usual)
What remains the same are: the bad jokes, the friendships, and the fun!
You get to shoot: life on the colourful streets and lanes of the historic quarter of San Miguel de Allende where you'll find alters and Day of the Dead decorations, the Night of the Catrinas informal promenade, the candlelit cemetery vigil, and the official Catrinas parade. Also, no doubt there will be locals drunk on tequila, face painting on every corner, more marigolds (not the gloves) than you can count, dancing, singing, bands, artists, murals, installations... In short - a lot of colour and energy! Perfect for street photography.
WHERE
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
DATES + DEETS
DAY 1: Saturday 31 October 2026
START at 3pm Afternoon + Evening Shoots*
DAY 2: Sunday 01 November 2026
Morning + Afternoon [with a rest break] + Evening Shoots*
DAY 2: Monday 02 November 2026
FREE MORNING + Afternoon + Evening Shoots*
DAY 4: Tuesday 03 November 2026
Breakfast meet-up for debrief and goodbyes!
ENDS after brekkie**
* [Evening shoots take place until around 8-10pm depending on the event]
** [Meals, drinks and other expenses are not included]
WHO
Me, you, and at least 7 others! Max 12-13
HOW TO GET THERE
Option 1 (closest)
Querétaro (QRO) / Travel time to SM: Approx. 1.5 hours / Transfer: Private drivers or shuttles
Option 2 (2nd closest)
León/Guanajuato (BJX) / Travel time: Approx. 1.5-2 hours / Transfer: Direct bus or private driver
Option 3 (most convenient hub for directs flight from Europe)
Mexico City (MEX) / Travel time: Approx. 3-4 hours / Transfer: Bus to MX Bus Station + Bus to SM or private driver
WHY
Because this is bucket list stuff (it's on mine and has been for a long time, and I've said "next year" for years! And I don't want "next year" to become "never")
PLUS it's gonna be a blast, and just imagine the awesome photos you'll have, not to mention the memories... it's DotD y'all! 💀🌼💃🏻🕯️🇲🇽
Why San Miguel de Allende and not Oaxaca (where everyone goes)? Because Oaxaca is where everyone goes! All the photo groups go, yes there will be tourists, gringos, and photographers in San Miguel, but there won't be the 8-10 photography tours you'll find in Oaxaca.
Why San Miguel de Allende and not Mexico City? Because Mexico City is huge, not as pretty (San Miguel de Allende was voted the most beautiful city in the world multiple times by Travel + Leisure in its World's Best Awards in 2017, 2018, and 2025. It was also named "Best Small City in the World" by Condé Nast Traveler in 2013 and 2020)
Why book a year in advance? Because as soon as the minimum group size (8) is reached then I can confirm the Weekender, and you'll be able to take advantage of the cheapest airfares. Most airlines will release fares for October 2026 10-11 months before date of travel (and as flights fill up seat prices increase). PLUS you get something truly amazing to look forward to! And also... the group size is limited soooooo...
You know what to do! *wink 👇🏼
Book now to secure your spot!
Any discount will be applied to your initial payment if opting for a payment plan.
Terms and conditions apply.
