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.