Last days left for joining the expedition in Oaxaca
Yesterday I made a live on my youtube channel and I share it here
The essential component of my photography is that I enjoy myself. Yes, after all these years I still have fun. And this emerges. You can see it. And so also in my workshops the participants have fun. We have a really good time. I offer serious but not serious experiences. And in which the fun component never fails. With me they will never find someone who sits in the chair, but rather a friend to take pictures with. You learn and get real results, really good photographers came out with me, but my attitude is never distant or worse snobbish. Because I'm not like that and I never could.
With that said in Oaxaca it is even more special. And so this year I will back to that magical land where I will be busy with my classical Day of the Dead Photo Expedition. We have spots left but the deadline for joining is September 30th. With all that the expedition offers to the participants is the cheapets proposal that you can find there. We count with a private car and driver and a private home. Everyday there will be a lot of activities, day and night, in Oaxaca city and villages around. There will be briefings and portfolio reviews. If you want join you can send me an e-mail.
Oaxaca Día de Muertos Photography Experience 2026
More than a decade leading Día de Muertos photography expeditions in Oaxaca
October 30 – November 2, 2026 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Overview
There are few places in the world where photography, culture, memory, and human emotion intersect as powerfully as they do in Oaxaca during Día de Muertos.
For four days, we will immerse ourselves in one of Mexico's most meaningful traditions, exploring not only the public celebrations but also the quieter moments that often tell the deeper story.
This expedition is designed for photographers interested in documentary and street photography rather than staged imagery. We will work with reality as it unfolds, responding to the atmosphere, the people, the rituals, and the unexpected moments that emerge naturally throughout the city and surrounding communities.
Oaxaca during Día de Muertos is intense, emotional, chaotic, beautiful, and deeply human. It offers endless opportunities for visual storytelling while demanding sensitivity, patience, and respect.
This is not a photography tour focused on collecting images.
It is an experience focused on observation, presence, and creating meaningful work.
Expedition Leader
The expedition is led by Alex Coghe, an Italian documentary photographer, photojournalist, educator, and writer based in Mexico.
For more than fifteen years, Alex has dedicated his work to documenting everyday life, urban culture, and the human condition through long-term photographic projects. His images have been published internationally, while his work has been exhibited and recognized across multiple countries.
Known for his immersive and observational approach, Alex has photographed extensively throughout Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and the United States, developing a visual language rooted in authenticity, proximity, and storytelling.
Since 2011, he has led workshops, expeditions, masterclasses, and educational programs for photographers seeking to strengthen both their technical abilities and their personal vision. His teaching philosophy emphasizes observation, intuition, visual narrative, and the creation of meaningful photographic work.
Rather than focusing on technical perfection, Alex encourages participants to engage deeply with their surroundings and develop a more personal relationship with photography. The goal is not simply to take photographs, but to create images that carry atmosphere, emotion, and meaning.
Throughout the expedition, participants will receive direct field guidance, individual feedback, editing support, and insights drawn from years of professional editorial and documentary practice.
Important Booking Deadline
Accommodation in Oaxaca becomes extremely limited during Día de Muertos, often selling out several months in advance.
For this reason, registrations will close on August 30st, 2026, or earlier if all available places are filled.
Until July 31st, 2026 a particular early bird discount is applied.
Participants are strongly encouraged to secure their spot as soon as possible to avoid difficulties with flights and accommodation availability.
What to Expect
Over four intensive days, we will photograph throughout Oaxaca's historic center, traditional markets, neighborhoods, cemeteries, public gatherings, and cultural events connected to Día de Muertos.
The schedule remains flexible, allowing us to respond to the strongest photographic opportunities as they arise.
Alongside daily shooting sessions, we will dedicate time to image editing, sequencing, portfolio discussions, and individual feedback.
The focus is not simply on making successful individual photographs, but on building a coherent visual narrative that reflects your personal experience of Oaxaca during these extraordinary days.
For Whom
This expedition is intended for photographers who are genuinely interested in people, culture, and visual storytelling.
Previous experience in street or documentary photography is helpful but not required.
What matters most is curiosity, openness, and a willingness to engage with the world attentively and respectfully.
You Will Gain
A cohesive body of work created during the expedition.
Personal mentoring and photographic guidance throughout the experience.
A deeper understanding of documentary storytelling.
Greater confidence working in dynamic public environments.
Practical insights into editing and selecting photographs for long-term projects.
Gear Recommendations
Travel light.
One camera and a single prime lens are often all you need.
A 28mm, 35mm or 50mm lens is particularly well suited to the environments we will encounter.
Bring spare batteries, memory cards, and a laptop with Lightroom or Capture One for editing sessions.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
Important Note
The itinerary is intentionally flexible.
Día de Muertos is a living celebration, and the most meaningful photographic opportunities often emerge unexpectedly.
Our priority will always be to follow the strongest visual stories rather than rigid schedules.
What the Expedition Includes
Three nights accommodation in a centrally located place in Oaxaca City.
Welcome dinner on the first evening.
Daily photographic guidance and mentoring.
Street and documentary photography sessions throughout Oaxaca.
Editing, sequencing, and image review sessions.
Local transportation related to expedition activities.
Pre-expedition assistance and preparation guidance.
Small group experience limited to a maximum of 7 participants.
What Is Not Included
International or domestic flights.
Airport transfers.
Meals other than the welcome dinner.
Travel insurance.
Personal expenses and gratuities.
Anything not specifically listed in the “What the Expedition Includes” section.
Places disappear. Traditions evolve. Photographs become historical documents faster than we imagine. This expedition is an opportunity to witness and document Oaxaca during one of the most extraordinary moments of its year.
