Photographing Oaxaca - Traditions Mexico Tours

Even without a camera this trip would be the experience of a lifetime, with settings ranging from waterfalls to hidden canyons and hanging springs, and encounters with indigenous folk in markets, their artisan studios, and their homes. The focus on photographic instruction and opportunities is a bonus for anyone who enjoys creating and taking home fine images. We will be helping you to see the potential for satisfying images at the locations we will visit, as well as with the techniques for capturing what you see.

Seeing and Technique. It can be frustrating to have the feeling that there is good photographic potential in a scene, but still be unsure of how to separate out a strong image from the whelter of competing forms, colors, and tones. And doubly so, if, after composing an image in the viewfinder, being uncertain of the technique to capture what you visualize. An experienced photographer at your shoulder helping you work through a scene can help you achieve successes and confidence in your enhanced abilities. I've been enjoying helping people express their own vision through seeing and technique since I began teaching photography classes and workshops 30 years ago, and both Eric and I are looking forward to working with you on this workshop.

But is this trip for you? You may have questions, such as whether your camera is "good enough" to take advantage of the opportunities, or whether you "know enough" about photography. Hopefully we have some answers below to those questions, as well as some help in preparing for the trip and what to bring.

Center for Photography, Oaxaca City

If you enjoy capturing images from exotic places that outsiders don't normally have access to, have a capable camera, have a reasonable knowledge of how to run the thing, and are looking for some fresh input on seeing and technique, then this trip is likely for you.

So what is a capable camera? A digital single lens reflex (DSLR) is in there, of course, with its quick response and low noise when the light gets dim. But DSLRs are bulky, and there are also some capable smaller-sensor "point-and-shoot" cameras capable of manual settings, which would also allow you to capture some fine images on a trip like this. Their main limitations are high noise in dim light (use of flash will generally be discouraged), slow response, and limited control of depth-of-field. But if you chose your camera based more on the depth of its controls than its color, you should be fine.

Potter, San Marcos

Do you know how to use your camera? We will place you in locations with good photographic opportunities, and help you to see the potential images there. You should bring along a fairly comfortable knowledge of how to use your camera. It would be good to have a beginning acquaintance with the concepts and ramifications of film speed, shutter speed, aperture, focal length, exposure compensation, metering modes, white balance, and focusing modes, and how to adjust those settings on your camera (you have studied the manual, and experimented with its various instructions, right?!). But we will be at your shoulder to help fill in any weak places in your knowledge in the best way - in actual shooting situations. Although we will not be subjecting you to formal workshop lectures, we will be helping you out in the field with techniques for best capturing the images you visualize. With our small group of participants and two experienced photographers, you will find that not only will you bring home some fine images, but that after photographing Oaxaca with Eric and I you will also have made giant steps in a broad range of photographic abilities, from seeing to technique.

Tony Mindling

PS -

You can also vicariously experience a Traditions Mexico trip through Tony's photographs in his book, "A Journey Into the Heart of Oaxaca", which documents a family trip led by Eric a few years ago. The photos depict many of the same locals which will be visited during our trip this October. The book may be viewed on-line at no cost via this link.

A Journey Into the Heart of Oaxaca by Tony Mindling

PSS

In this interview, photographer Bob Holmes points out that good travel photography, like any photography, depends on a few basics:

Focus on seeing, especially on seeing light, rather than being concerned with equipment. Learn to see as a camera sees.
Do your research before you visit a new location so you will have some goals in mind, then talk to people on the ground when you get there to learn more about the possibilities of the locale.
Composition is about being conscious of what you are including in the frame, and what you are leaving out. Everything within the frame should have a purpose for being there.
Digital cameras have a complex variety of settings. Check them often to make sure they are appropriate.
Practice and practice some more. Taking lots of photographs and being familiar with your gear is the key to capturing good images no matter what the underlying conditions.

The interview is 10 minutes well spent.

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