San Miguel
The charming colonial town of San Miguel de Allende is consistently recognized as one of the world’s great cities. For the past two years, Travel + Leisure readers have named it #1—the world's best city! In 2016, they named it #3 on the list of the world’s best cities and, in 2014, Conde Nast Traveler readers named San Miguel the #1 travel destination in the world.
Located in the historic, central highlands of Mexico, San Miguel offers a gracious and safe environment for exploring the culture of this vibrant town while pursuing your creativity and personal style in workshops with Erika Larsen, Keith Carter, Jennifer Spelman, Nick Merrick, Joe Baraban, Dan Burkholder, Sam Abell, Arthur Meyerson, Eddie Soloway, and Michael Amici.
Since 2001, La Posada de la Aldea, an enchanting hotel complex just blocks from San Miguel's historic central plaza, has been home base, with our administration and operations offices, three classrooms, a restaurant, and comfortable accommodations for our travelers. La Aldea's extensive grounds—featuring gardens, fountains, a swimming pool, and secluded courtyards—provide a stimulating setting for your photographic discoveries.
Join us for an unforgettable photographic experience in the beautiful setting of San Miguel de Allende.
NEW THIS YEAR! We are also offering a Day of the Dead workshop in nearby Oaxaca. Like San Miguel, Oaxaca is also a UNESCO world heritage site, but the Day of the Dead celebrations there are more traditional and widespread than in San Miguel. See details on this one-of-a-kind workshop.
iPhone Artistry: Travel Photography with a Mobile Touch
Dan Burkholder |
October 2 - 7, 2018
Creative Vision,
Fine Art,
One-of-a-Kind
Amateurs, Advanced Amateurs, Professionals
Uncover the capabilities of the iPhone—an ingenious combination of camera, darkroom, and visual research laboratory.
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Light, Color, and the People of San Miguel de Allende
Joe Baraban |
October 2 - 7, 2018
Beyond the Basics,
Creative Vision,
Documentary,
Travel
Spend five memorable days in San Miguel exploring the compositional elements that create mood and strengthen your images.
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The Thoughtful Traveler
Eddie Soloway |
October 9 - 14, 2018
Beyond the Basics,
Creative Vision,
Fine Art,
Landscape & Nature,
Travel
As you slow down and engage with your environment, you are rewarded with lasting friendships and meaningful images.
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The Portrait and the Nude
Jock Sturges |
October 9 - 14, 2018
Fine Art,
Portraits
Advanced Amateurs, Professionals
Discover new techniques for connecting with your artistic spontaneity to create exceptional portraits and figure studies.
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Photographing the People and Culture of Mexico
Jennifer Spelman |
October 16 - 21, 2018
Beyond the Basics,
Creative Vision,
Portraits,
Travel
Focus on responding confidently with your camera to capture uniquely expressive portraits and culturally authentic images of this vibrant Mexican city.
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Seeing Gardens in San Miguel de Allende
Sam Abell |
October 16 - 21, 2018
Creative Vision,
Fine Art,
One-of-a-Kind
Advanced Amateurs, Professionals
Clarify your vision as you create a compelling body of work that expands your concept of what it means to truly see “gardens”.
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The Color Moment
Arthur Meyerson |
October 16 - 21, 2018
Creative Vision,
Fine Art
Advanced Amateurs, Professionals
Cultivate your visual sensitivity and heighten your awareness of color as you master how to gracefully capture those “decisive moments.”
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Day of the Dead in Colonial Mexico
Jennifer Spelman and Michael Amici |
October 29 - November 3, 2018
Beyond the Basics,
Documentary,
Travel
Immerse yourself in the sights & sounds of Mexico's most colorful celebration as you hone your photography skills.
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Intensive: Off-Camera Flash
Michael Amici |
October 29, 2018
Beyond the Basics,
Documentary,
Studio and Lighting
Beginners, Amateurs, Advanced Amateurs
Explore the many moods of light as you discover how simple tools can help set your images above the rest.
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View Workshop Calendar (82 upcoming workshops)
Upcoming Workshop Highlights
Workshops in Santa Fe
Workshops in San Miguel
Workshops in Cuba
NEW! Writer's Lab
Educational Partners