7-Day Street Photography Workshop during the Day of the Dead Celebrations in Oaxaca, Mexico | 2025
Day of the Dead, or Dia de los Muertos, is one of the most photographically interesting and thought-provoking cultural celebrations I have experienced to date. This workshop will push your photography skills to new levels while immersing you in an experience like no other.
From the street parades with colourful floats to vibrant outfits and creatively painted faces, Oaxaca transforms into a sea of interest for your camera. Delving deeper into the celebrations, you start to understand the meaningful relationship that Mexicans have with the dead.
Key Workshop Details:
Duration: 7 Days
Dates: 28th October – 3rd November 2025
Price: £1800 £1400 GBP [Early Bird Price. Ends 31st January 2025]
Photography Skill Level: All
Number of Attendees: 6
Over the 3 days of the celebrations, I will take you to the most interesting locations at the best times. From the cemeteries where you may be invited to join a family sharing stories of their passed loved ones over a glass of handmade mezcal, to the numerous street parades/parties and theme parks that pop up creating a vibrant festival vibe. For a street photographer’s eye, there are stories and visual interest around every corner.
Why Oaxaca? It is believed that the origins of the Day of the Dead started over 3,000 years ago by the Aztecs in what is now Oaxaca (a UNESCO heritage site). The city is also a playground for street photography in its own right (which we will be enjoying for the 4 days prior to the celebrations) and home to some of the best Mexican cuisine in the country. Those that have been on one of my workshops before, will know that I believe food to be an important part of the cultural experience. Look forward to street markets, local restaurants, mezcal bars and the best hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted (Oaxaca is famous for it).
What to expect from this 7-day photography workshop?
This workshop won’t be a relaxing holiday in the sun. The days will be long and you will be pushed. However, the payout both in terms of your photography development and the depth of the experience, will be huge. That I can promise.
On the workshop, you can expect a mix of theory, critique and a lot of shooting the streets in the unique and character-rich city of Oaxaca. Throughout all of our photo walks, I will be around to provide guidance. The only skill-level requirement is that you feel comfortable with the camera you will be using. By limiting my workshops to 6 participants, I can provide a lot of 1-2-1 guidance with critiques and advice tailored to your challenges, interest and goals.
Most of our time will be spent focused on the art form of Street Photography, which takes a creative candid approach to photographing in public. This approach trains your eye to see so much more of the world around you and offers a richer way to explore and photograph Oaxaca and Day of the Dead celebrations. I will also provide some guidance on Street Portraiture which is a useful method for highlighting the impressive outfits and makeup artwork seen during Day of the Dead.
On one day, a local street photographer will be joining us to give a talk, offering you a unique insight into life in Oaxaca, from someone who lives there.
During the 7 days, we will be learning, shooting and enjoying meals together. Expect some early starts and late finishes, to help make this experience as rich as possible. You will also be introduced to dawn and night shooting.
Meet Your Instructor
Hi, I’m Matt. I’m a full-time photographer, Street Photographer, and Educator based in London, UK. I run Street Photography Workshops and experiences worldwide and am excited to launch my next workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico, for the Day of the Dead celebrations.
I am married to a fellow photographer who I am fortunate to share many photography adventures with. I am passionate about photography, travel, and education. I care about treating people with respect, especially while a guest in their country. Over the past decade, I have spoken at dozens of photography events and had my work featured in a handful of global publications, including the BBC, Fstopeers and PetaPixel.
“Matt’s depth of knowledge and passion for street photography makes him a ridiculously inspiring & talented educator. His morals & ethics also shine through in his street teachings.” – Kevin Kheffache
“Matt creates a great feel-good atmosphere with his patient and humorous manner, which makes learning easy and his honest criticism was constructive at all times.” – Nadine Lotze
6 Reasons to Join this Day of the Dead Photography Workshop
1. Develop Your Photography Skills
The most rewarding part of any workshop for me is witnessing how much participants' photography skills, and how they see the world, develop and grow over the week. Expect to be pushed outside of your comfort zone at times. You will learn via theory elements indoors, mini assignments and 1-2-1 time with me, both on the streets shooting and reviewing photos via critique.
2. Immersive experience of Day of the Dead
In addition to being a highly visual celebration to capture, the Day of the Dead has deep cultural routes and raises questions about how we identify with death. My first Day of the Dead was a profound thought-provoking experience.
3. Explore Oaxaca
The city of Oaxaca is in its own right a playground for Street Photography. The workshop offers 4 days to explore the city and develop your skills before the Day of the Dead celebrations begin. During breaks, expect to sample the local cuisine that Oaxaca is famous for.
4. Learn From A Local Photographer
I will be inviting a local photographer to share a presentation on the topic of their choice with us, and spend one of the days shooting with us. Offering you a more local perspective.
5. Support Local Community Efforts
Recognising that we are guests in a country where many don't experience the same opportunities we do, 10% of the money I make from this workshop will go to a charity supporting local communities. The specific charity I choose will be announced during the workshop.
6. Walk away with a collection of amazing images
Having your images critiqued is one of the best ways to learn and improve. I offer regular 1-2-1 critiques throughout the week, allowing you to apply what you learn during the remainder of the workshop. On the last day of the workshop, I help all participants select their 10 best images so they leave with visual proof of how far they have come.
Testimonials
“I haven’t stopped raving about ‘Street with Matt’ since I returned. What a Street Photography Wizard this man is!”
– Becci Wiles –
“Getting a glimpse into Matt’s mind and how he visualises the world before creating the picture is fascinating.”
– Carla Banc –
“I’ve been doing street photography for a long time and thought I knew quite a lot but Matt taught me so much more. He is patient, kind, caring and knowledgeable and his method of teaching is suitable for all types of learners. I have already signed up for his next workshop.”
– Philip Wark –
“I have recommended Matt’s workshops to every photographer (professional and hobbyist) I know, and everyone comes back saying how great it was!”
– Erica Hawkins –
“Matt breaks the practice down to a really easy-to-understand level that would suit photographers of all abilities and backgrounds. It was a perfect mix of theory and practical and his constructive feedback was incredibly helpful.”
– Danny Jack –
“Plus, Matt and his lovely wife Corina found some local gems for our food and drink – we ate and drank so well in some really cool and intimate bars and restaurants and I’d recommend this trip just for that!”
– Jo Quint –
“His obvious passion for, participation, experience and talent for shooting the street arm him with a wealth of information that even seasoned street photographers can learn from.”
– Denise Slark –
“I’m a full-time photographer and have shot street with Matt around the world over the years, and I still learned SO much from Matt on this workshop!”
– Anna Pumer –
“Matt really gives you the confidence to go out there and shoot street, which I’d never done before, at all. I was nervous for sure, but Matt really helped calm any anxieties, both from what he teaches and from his calm and friendly demeanour. He was also never far away, so if I needed some tips or advice, or just some moral support, he was always there.”
– Alan Law –
“The information Matt provided was so valuable and I could transfer the new knowledge far beyond photography and it already helped me a lot in my daily life.”
– Ludmilla Parsyak –
“Your presence and your advice during the workshop were a real game changer for my photographic vision.
I can’t wait to participate in your next workshop!”
– Alexis Pauwels –
“One of the best workshops I’ve ever attended – highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn street photography no matter what skill level you’re at with your camera!”
– Rahul Khona –
“I felt refreshed and left itching to apply what I had learned in my future photography.”
– Soven Amatya –
“Thanks Matt! You’re a fountain of knowledge and the streets are definitely the photographer’s best playground!”
– Becky Wood –
Day of the Dead Workshop Schedule Overview
The first half of the workshop will be focused on developing your photography skills (through a combination of theory, mini assignments and critiques) and exploring the city of Oaxaca with our cameras. This way you will be prepared to make the most of the Day of the Dead celebrations when they begin.
Oaxaca is also a fascinating city for street photography, filled with interesting backdrops (from colourful walls and artwork to churches), characters and great light. It is a great city to hone your skills while playing with loads of interest.
The second half of the workshop will be focused on the Day of the Dead celebrations themselves, which take place 31st-2nd. I will be taking you to all the key locations at the best times, from the cemeteries to the parades and party areas.
As the workshop progresses, you’ll be encouraged to develop your own voice and style, based on where your interest is drawn to. Throughout the week, I will be there to offer guidance and point you in the direction of inspiration.
What will you learn?
- ⇒ Street Photography Compositions and Themes
- ⇒ Overcome the fear of shooting in public
- ⇒ Take impactful images that stand out
- ⇒ Shoot with respect for your subjects
- ⇒ Recommended Camera Settings
- ⇒ Night-time shooting
- ⇒ How to Build Complex Layers
- ⇒ Develop your own voice/style
- ⇒ Learn to see the Extraordinary in the Ordinary
What is included?
- ⇒ Matt as Your Guide
- ⇒ Guided Photo Walks
- ⇒ 1-2-1 Critique Sessions
- ⇒ Connect with an awesome group who share your passions/interests
- ⇒ Internal Transportation in Oaxaca for the workshop
- ⇒ 10% of your booking going to local community efforts
What is NOT included?
- ⇒ Your travel expenses (flights, visas, travel insurance etc)
- ⇒ Your expenses during the workshop (accommodation, meals etc)
Ready to Secure Your Place on the Workshop?
Only 6 Attendees Per Workshop
Day of the Dead, Mexico
£1,800
The early bird price of £1400 GBP is available until the 31st of January 2025.
If sold out, email matt@streetwithmatt.com to join the wait list
Day of the Dead Workshop FAQs
What is included in the price?
All educational elements including theory sessions, critiques and 1-2-1 mentoring during the trip are included. I will also be taking you to the best street locations and restaurants/bars/cafes in the city, which has been researched in advance.
You will be responsible for all of your own expenses during the trip, including flights, travel, visas, accommodation, travel insurance and meals.
Will we stay at the same hotel?
Recognising that people’s budgets and preferences can vary greatly when it comes to accommodation, I leave you to choose your own accommodation. I will always recommend a hotel so that we can try and stay close to each other, making meeting up easier.
Is Oaxaca safe?
Yes, Oaxaca is very safe. While there can be instances of petty crime (scams, pickpocketing etc), violent crime is extremely rare.
What gear do you recommend for street photography?
When it comes to gear with street photography, less is generally more. So I always recommend one body and one prime lens. It’s also good to have a relatively wide lens. Personally, I always shoot with a 35mm or 28mm prime lens (full frame). The quality of the lens or camera isn’t important as long as you are comfortable using it.
What skill level is required for this workshop?
This workshop is for all skill levels. The only requirement for attending this workshop is that you are comfortable using your camera (I do not recommend buying a new camera, which you are not familiar with, for this trip).
The first day will cover an intro to street photography theory and fundamentals, along with some mini assignments on the street to help train your eye to see more of the world around you.
The rest of the week will focus on helping you discover your own street photography style and exploring the exciting city we found ourselves in. With only 5 attendees per workshop, you will receive a significant amount of 1-2-1 time with me.
How many people will be on the workshop?
My 7-day workshops are limited to 6 attendees. The smaller number allows us to blend in more with our environment on the streets when we’ve got our cameras out. It also allows me to target the content more towards your ability, especially during the 1-2-1s.