photography in tulum


each day we will gather with our cameras for a guided conversation that blends practical photography techniques and creative concepts. you will learn about exposure, light, composition, camera angles, color, movement, focus and more.

then, we go take pictures!

our time together will flow naturally and playfully from conversation into practice as you are invited to join laura to visit some of the most amazing places in tulum. you'll use your new skills to explore a rich visual world and create images in a fresh way. together we will explore the beaches of the riviera maya, the ancient mayan temple ruins, and the vast and breathtaking sian kaan biosphere.

on your own, you may wish to wander through the town of tulum, get lost on a rented bicycle, or explore what washes up on the miles of ocean shore and white sand outside your door. the world here is your visual oyster.


what to bring

  • you will need a digital camera. please bring a digital single-lens reflex (dslr) camera with manual controls if possible.* of course, you are perfectly welcome to bring your film cameras too (i love film and will be bringing one of my own) but having a digital camera will allow you to see your images and progress in real time and, if you're comfortable, share your work with others.
  • please bring your camera manual. this is very important. while i know where to find controls in the menus and functions of many cameras, there are more cameras in this world then any one person could possibly master. and camera makers are getting more tricky about where they hide things. having your manual handy to reference will save your time and energy.
  • lens choice is up to you. if you have multiple lenses, feel free to bring any or all of them. i do recommend you bring your "fastest" lens (the one with the widest possible aperture - for example i am bringing a 50mm 1.4). if you don't know what this means, don't worry about it.
  • bring a tripod if you can. we will spend some time exploring movement with slow shutter speeds, and also night photography, and a tripod will enhance your experience.
  • flash. most cameras have an on-camera flash and for our purposes, this will be sufficient.
  • extra batteries and chargers. please don't forget! a power strip to plug in and charge your equipment at night is also recommended.
  • a plastic freezer bag. tulum is a tropical place, and it may rain. if it does rain, it will be wet outside. you can still shoot in the rain, but only if your camera is protected. some people have fancy waterproof housings for their cameras, which are fabulous. my own camera's waterproof housing consists of a gallon-size glad freezer bag with a hole cut in the bottom for the lens to poke through. works like a charm.

*if all you can bring is a compact camera, don't despair. simply be aware that there will be some technical learning that a compact camera will not allow you to fully practice. a dslr will give you more control over the photographic process. but, you will still have an incredible amount to explore and shoot throughout the week with your compact camera. remember: a great camera does not make a great photographer...it's what a photographer is able to do with the tool s/he has at hand.