Why you should attend my Day of the Dead photo expedition this year in Oaxaca
Discover this Photo Expedition and join us this year to the Day of the Dead 2023 in Oaxaca
Day of the Dead 2017, Oaxaca
This year the usual photographic expedition that has been very successful in recent years that we offer in Oaxaca on the occasion of Dia de Muertos returns with many added strengths. With the idea of better presenting this experience, I decided to write here 10 good reasons not to miss the DAY OF THE DEAD PHOTO EXPEDITION 2023:
1 – A TRUE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
I teach my students to work as a photographer who recounts an experience of this type should always do: we do not use models, as others do, nor do we push situations to bring an image home. With me you work like a true street photographer, always trying to create good quality photographs. We will have the most diverse photographic opportunities, ranging from portraits to street photography. We will focus on creating visual stories, producing great photos in a direct style. The participants will come home from this workshop with a different awareness, and will be able to read the images, choosing the good ones to present a photographic work.
2 – DIA DE MUERTOS IN OAXACA WILL CHANGE YOU
As it did with me. Oaxaca in Dia de Muertos is something unique. First of all I tell you: forget the idea of a sort of Halloween in a Mexican version. Here we are talking about a celebration that derives from Mexica and therefore pre-Hispanic cults. Photographing the night in the ancient cemetery of the village of Xoxocotlan Santa Cruz put me in a very special state of mind. The perception of life and death has totally changed in me in 2015. This will not be a simple journey or just a workshop for the participants, but a very important stage in their lives.
3 – OAXACA
That's right: only Oaxaca, understood as a city and as a state (they are homonyms) and its people, its extraordinary cuisine, its unique atmosphere. Guys, now I'll tell you something. They sent me to Oaxaca to scout for the first photographic expedition: I was supposed to spend three days there photographing to get the photos that we would then use for promotion and obviously explore and learn about the state of Oaxaca. The first day we arrived tired at the hotel. Two hours was enough for me on the second day to make my wife say, while we were sitting at a table in a bar: I want to come and live here. We haven't fulfilled this dream yet but we both have it in mind as a life project. It's not normal to fall completely in love with a city in two hours. And you know what? Every time I go back to Oaxaca, I feel at home.
4 – OAXACA CUISINE
Did you know that in 2018 Oaxacan cuisine took first place, surpassing even French and Italian cuisine? Attention: we are not talking about Mexican cuisine, but that of Oaxaca. Oaxaca alone. And I can't wait to see your faces as you savor a tlayuda or a mole from Oaxaca.
5 – OTHER VICTORIES OF OAXACA
In addition to the culinary recognition Oaxaca has recently achieved:
Top spot as a destination for weddings.
Second best city in the world according to travel + Leisure magazine.
Among the 21 most impressive destinations in the world according to National Geographic.
First place in Taekwondo at the National Olympics at the hands of Tuxtepecano Willian Arroyo.
The best trombonist in the world: Faustino Díaz.
The new best actress of Hollywood: Yalitza Aparicio.
First place in the world dance competition in Russia: representation of the dance of the feather and Flor de Piña.
First place in the youth triathlon in Australia: Cecilia Ramírez.
Top place to study nursing degree.
First Place in National Song: Bistly Madai.
First Soprano Mixe: María Reyna
National Children's Voice Award: Tik Tak's Ship
First place in national papaya production, second to Piña and Mango.
Third place in the world fashion competition: Diego Alcázar.
6 – THE KIND OF EXPERIENCE WITH US
But what kind of photographic journey will it be? Oaxaca is a city that I deeply love and that I know very well, and this is to the full advantage of this photographic expedition. The trip will not only include the city of Oaxaca, we will also go to different small towns in the state of Oaxaca. In addition to working hard, we will have a lot of fun while working on our visual stories of the many events that will enliven Oaxaca day and night. We will provide you with all the necessary information before departure and we will make sure you experience one of the best trips of your life.
While others tend to dazzle with activities that have little to do with the culture of Oaxaca and Dia de Muertos, we are particularly interested in offering a true experience, profitable from a purely photographic point of view and therefore that cannot be separated from the human experience.
We will avoid all those carnival-like aspects that are typical of those who, coming from outside, think that Dia de Muertos is a sort of Halloween in a Mexican version. Our highest cultural reference is and remains the approach of Mary Ellen Mark who in Oaxaca offered her workshops during the Dia de Muertos celebrations.
The fact of living together for more than a week in a private house tends to create a cohesive work group oriented towards great results, under my guidance.
7 – OUR PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL BE PART OF A TRULY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
With this trip THE STREET PHOTOGRAPHY CHANNEL will be involved by making video footage of the trip and making the experience even more fascinating, knowing that our photographers will become part of a community of people interested in visual art.
8 – THIS EXPERIENCE INCLUDES A CONTEST
Well yes. To make this trip even more special we thought of creating a competition reserved for its participants. On the final day of the photographic expedition, the author of the best photograph (chosen by me) will be rewarded with a camera.
One more reason to participate in this photographic expedition.
9 – THE JOURNEY INCLUDES PARTICIPATION IN AN EDITORIAL PROJECT
We will publish a printed book containing our photos, mine and those of the participating photographers. In this way you already know that by participating you will have the responsibility to do a good job and in fact, you will be working on a project. This gives a complete, different dimension to this photographic journey.
And then... and then who knows. We are thinking of a photographic exhibition in an art gallery.
10 – A JOURNEY WITH ALEX COGHE
Yes, the tenth good reason is me. Do you know why? Because I am a real street photographer. No pretense or staging: direct photography is what I promise you, made with passion and enthusiasm, truly humanistic photography. Every day there will be a part that we will dedicate to reading the images and I will follow each of you, to make you come up with a work that is an expression of your inner voice, not mine. I don't teach a method of taking photographs and I don't want to create my own imitators. I will also follow you after this photographic journey, because being my pupils means continuing to work together to help you achieve real and important results with photography.
BOOK YOUR SPOT AND YOU WILL NOT MISS THIS UNIQUE EXPERIENCE:
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.
✔ Guided photographic experience during Oaxaca's Day of the Dead celebrations
✔ Daily photography coaching and field guidance
✔ Group image reviews and constructive feedback
✔ Private participant community before and after the workshop
✔ Post-workshop online editing and storytelling session
✔ Individual portfolio review of your best images from the experience
✔ Publication of selected participant photographs in a collective Day of the Dead Photography Experience eBook
✔ Featured photographs in the official workshop recap video published on YouTube, with photographer credits
✔ Opportunity to be featured in the participant showcase gallery on Alex Coghe's website
✔ Certificate of participation
✔ Street and documentary photography sessions throughout Oaxaca.
✔ 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.
Why This Experience Is Different
Most photography tours end when you board your flight home.
This experience continues beyond Oaxaca. Participants receive feedback, publication opportunities, portfolio development guidance, and the chance to see their work included in projects that celebrate the collective visual story created during the workshop.
The goal is not simply to photograph Day of the Dead, but to leave Oaxaca with stronger images, a deeper understanding of visual storytelling, and work that deserves to be seen.
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.
ABOUT THIS PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE YOU CAN READ:
https://fstoppers.com/opinion/dia-de-muertos-cannot-be-photographed-hurry-902337
