Oaxaca: Ritual and Revelry with Stella Johnson

@ The Griffin Museum and Stella Johnson are pleased to present an immersive, five-day photography workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico, timed to coincide with the final days of Carnival. Oaxaca offers an extraordinary setting for photographers: processions moving through historic streets, brass bands and dancers filling public squares, bustling markets, equestrian traditions, artisan workshops, and Carnival celebrations rooted in the distinct histories of the region’s communities. Against this visually rich backdrop, participants will explore how to photograph unfamiliar places with curiosity, intention, and respect, moving beyond conventional travel imagery to create photographs shaped by close observation and meaningful engagement. © Stella Johnson Trip Overview Each day combines guided photographic excursions with approximately two to three hours of group critique and discussion. Stella will work closely with participants as they edit new images, consider sequencing and visual relationships, and refine their individual approach to photographing people, place, movement, and tradition. The daily rhythm of photographing and reviewing work allows ideas to develop throughout the week rather than waiting until after the journey is over. © Stella Johnson Participants will photograph in Oaxaca City and surrounding communities, with opportunities that may include Carnival processions, the historic Santo Domingo district, the renowned Sunday market in Tlacolula, traditional pottery-making in San Bartolo Coyotepec, charros and equestrian practice, artisanal mezcal production, and the Carnival traditions of San Martín Tilcajete. This workshop is designed for photographers who want to challenge their ways of seeing, strengthen their editing skills, and create a thoughtful body of work within an intensive and supportive environment. Stella encourages prospective students to visit her website and contact her directly with any questions about the workshop: [email protected] Trip Overview Thursday, February 4 Participants arrive in Oaxaca. Welcome dinner with the group. Friday, February 5–Tuesday, February 9 Photography excursions, instruction, and daily critiques. Wednesday, February 10 Participants depart on Ash Wednesday or extend their stay and continue exploring Oaxaca independently. Itinerary The itinerary will remain flexible so the group can respond to local schedules, changing conditions, and the strongest photographic opportunities available during Carnival. Friday, February 5 Photograph charros and horses practising in the ring, or visit a traditional mezcal-production site to observe the preparation and roasting of agave. Saturday, February 6 Photograph processions, street activity, and Carnival preparations in Oaxaca City, including the area surrounding the Church of Santo Domingo. Sunday, February 7 Travel to the celebrated Sunday market in Tlacolula, followed by additional Carnival processions or street photography. Monday, February 8 Visit San Bartolo Coyotepec to photograph its renowned pottery-making tradition, or continue photographing Carnival activities in the streets. Tuesday, February 9 Photograph the culmination of Carnival and its distinctive masked figures, costumes, music, and dancing in San Martín Tilcajete. Daily group critiques will last approximately two to three hours, depending on enrollment. Dates February 4 – 10 Oaxaca Instructor Stella Johnson Local transportation for all scheduled workshop activities Welcome + Farewell Dinner Visits to artisanal studios Plane tickets and accommodations not included. © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson © Stella Johnson About the Instructor Stella Johnson by © Ramon Cruz Stella Johnson is a photographer and educator known for her intimate, empathetic documentary work. For over forty years, she has built long-term relationships in communities across Mexico, Nicaragua, Cameroon, and Greece, creating images rooted in trust and shared experience. During the COVID pandemic, she found a similar sense of community at Venice Beach Skate Park in California, reinforcing her belief in the power of human connection. More recently, her project The Ghost Bride explores the loss of cultural traditions in Oaxaca, Mexico. Johnson is a Fulbright Scholar and the author of Al Sol (2008) and ZOI (2018), which reflect her enduring focus on community and cultural continuity. Important Information Tuition Includes Five full days of photographic instruction and guided fieldwork Daily group critiques and editing discussions Welcome dinner on February 4 Farewell dinner Local transportation for all scheduled workshop activities Not Included Participants are responsible for: Airfare and other travel to Oaxaca Accommodation; the Museum will provide a list of recommended hotels Transportation between the airport and hotel Meals other than the welcome and farewell dinners Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses Travel and health insurance Important Information All participants must carry valid travel and health insurance for the duration of the programme. The itinerary is subject to change based on local event schedules, access, weather, and other circumstances beyond the Museum’s control. Accomodation Accommodation in Oaxaca can fill quickly during major celebrations, so participants are strongly encouraged to reserve their hotel as soon as their workshop registration is confirmed. Deposit Information Save your place for this trip. Deposits are fully refundable until November 1st. The Griffin Museum of Photography Add to calendar Google Calendar iCalendar Outlook 365 Outlook Live