Art Workshops in Guatemala - Photography, Video, Film Course Descriptions

Photography / Still and Moving Pictures

SPIRIT OF PLACE - Artist, photographer and popular instructor Doug Beasley has been teaching this course with us for more than 20 years !! Most often during his favorite Guatemalan festival, Todos los Santos (November 1 - All Saint's Day and called Day of the Dead in Mexico).

The itinerary for this workshop reflects Doug's interest in meeting, interacting with and photographing the indigenous Mayans who live throughout Guatemala's highlands. and his love of how they celebrate All Saint's Day (Todos los Santos) on November 1st. We spend that feast day exploring local cemeteries filled with families visiting their loved ones who have died, eating 'fiambre' and celebrating into the night.

Click here for more information on Doug's October 2017 class

Challenge your creative vision and open yourself to new ways of seeing on this visual exploration of Guatemala - a land where indigenous Mayans live as they have for centuries. Doug leads students outside of themselves to look inward - thereby helping participants increase the boundaries of their visual world.

Doug works with students to help them let go of their visual expectations and see what is actually through their viewfinder. Daily group discussions concerned with both internal and external exploration help him determine each individual student's directions and needs.

Doug's skill lies in initiating and facilitating thought-provoking discussions - about all sorts of things that affect our view of the world - which is what our art is all about. Incredible images abound !!!

This workshop is designed for photographers searching to expand their artistic/creative horizons. Emphasis will be less on technique and more on increasing your visual awareness of the world around you. The itinerary for this workshop reflects the instructor's interest in indigenous religions around the world. It is appropriate for photographers of all skill levels.(Image: Maximon Man by Doug Beasley)

To see student's work from Doug's previous Guatemala workshops: Student Work / Guatemala Judy Tillinger Gallery / Doug's class Dave Peterson Guatemala Book Emma Freeman Photo

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPLORING THE LAND OF THE MAYA - Join photographer Liza Fourre on a photographic journey through the heartland of the Maya, visiting local markets, families in their homes, and small villages outside both Antigua and around Lake Atitlan. You'll learn not only how to create great images, but also experience a bit of Mayan culture - see lifestyles that haven't changed in centuries.

It's important to remember that if you want to take your photography to the next level, you need to pay attention to light. Stunning images require magnificent light -- and a photographer who understands how and when to shoot in that light. Its quality, its color, and where its coming from all determine whether your resulting images will be mediocre or exceptional !!

Liza spent 15 years as an independent photographer, best known for her ability to help people feel comfortable in front of the camera, and therefore look great on film. So she'll focus on people photography skills, but also cover the use of natural light and tips for better composition.

We start out in Guatemala's comfortable old colonial capital ANTIGUA, but then head into the highlands to incredibly beautiful LAKE ATITLAN. It is particularly impressive during that 'magic hour' when its three volcanoes rise out of the early morning mists. There are plenty of lakeside villages to explore before returning to Antigua, a delightful small town with an international ambiance, wonderful outdoor cafe's and restaurants, but as throughout all of Guatemala, most importantly, warm-hearted, welcoming people. It's an incredible experience !!

A highlight certainly will be the opportunity to photograph the processions that wind thru the streets of Antigua every Sunday during Lent. Families construct carpets - alfombras - made of sawdust, pine needles and flowers in the streets in front of their homes. The air is thick with incense and gives a surreal quality to your images. It's an incredible experience !!

This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels. Come ready to stretch yourself as a photographer and return home with once in a lifetime images!!

Click here for more information on March 2012 class

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY / CAPTURING GUATEMALA'S LIGHT AND CONTRASTS - Guatemala is a land of ancient architecture, colorful Mayan markets, beautiful indigenous faces and magnificent light - everything you need to create stunning images. It's simply a matter of knowing how and when to put it all together. Join award winning photojournalist David H Wells for this unique opportunity to experience a new culture, stretch yourself as a photographer and come away with once in a lifetime images.

David covers the use of natural light, composition and an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the digital world. This includes digital workflow, how to work with different file formats, raw files, storage formats, and outputting options. He is an experienced and dedicated instructor and his students praise him for his ability to explain things clearly. Thank goodness !! You'll spend early mornings and evenings out shooting (when the light is magic) and mid-day in class and critique sessions. David also works one-on-one with each participant helping them determine and achieve their photographic goals.

We base out of Guatemala's comfortable old colonial capital ANTIGUA, but get out to nearby villages to give you a more realistic view of life in Guatemala. One day we'll take you to spend time with Zoila Garcia and her family, where you'll try your hand at making tortillas and sample a delicious typical meal of Pepian. The food is as much fun as the photography !! Then we'll head further into the western highlands - to LAKE ATITLAN - breathtakingly gorgeous, particularly during that 'magic hour' when its three volcanoes rise out of the early morning mists.

Click here for more information on David's April 2014 class

David was named one of "The Best Photography Workshop Instructors by PDN (Photo District News).

Take a look at work from David's March 2009 students : The Wells Point Gallery

THE PORTRAIT / PHOTOGRAPHING THE SOUL OF INDIGENOUS GUATEMALA - A successful portrait is an intimate glimpse at our subject's soul. Come explore the heart and soul of Guatemala by photographing her people during the spectacular festival of TODOS SANTOS with award-winning Canadian photojournalist Nance Ackerman. You'll have many opportunities to photograph indigenous Guatemala - at colorful markets, weaving their trajes, but the most fun will be on November 1, All Saints Day.

Click here for more information on Nance's October 2010 class

During daily class sessions, Nance discusses the basics, such as how to get the best possible image with the natural light available to you (she shoots exclusively w available light) - gear, self-editing IN the camera, appropriate backgrounds and tips on working with people. Nance also discusses shooting with respect. Her work is proof that a photographer can be considerate of the culture he/she is in and respectful of the people he/she is shooting and still come away with beautiful images with impact and a message. As a class you'll discuss: What makes a socially conscious picture?? How much time do you take to get to know your subject before shooting?? When are you sending their message vs sending your own message with your images?? How can you shoot less invasively??

There will be assignments and critique sessions where Nance uses the computer as a learning tool to demonstrate cropping and impact with your images. She also spends individual time with each participant, out shooting with them and reviewing their work. Many students find this to be the most valuable learning experience for them. Join us in Guatemala. You'll come away with a great images. Shot respectfully.

Take a look at some of Nance's student's work: CIDNE HART / October 2010 workshop

BLAKE MARTIN / October 2007 workshop JASON LONGCHAMPS / October 2007 workshop

ADVENTURE TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY / EXPLORING THE IXIL TRIANGLE -The Ixil Triangle consists of three Mayan villages - Nebaj, Chajul and San Juan Cotzal, in a valley surrounded by the Cuchumatanes mountains, located in the heart of the Quiche Mayan highlands. It is an area that had been isolated for many years, due to bad road conditions, and was particularly hard hit during the 30 year civil war. It is also one of the most beautiful areas of Guatemala. High mountains, foggy mists, gorgeous high altitude light, green fields, and of course beautiful people wearing colorful traje. Join us for this unique opportunity to experience a new culture, stretch yourself as a photographer and come away with once in a lifetime images.

We start out in Guatemala's comfortable old colonial capital ANTIGUA, but soon head north to NEBAJ and the rest of the Ixil Triangle. We'll then visit Chichicastenango (it's right on the way) to incredibly beautiful LAKE ATITLAN. It is particularly impressive during that 'magic hour' when its three volcanoes rise out of the early morning mists. There are plenty of lakeside villages to explore before returning to Antigua, a delightful small town with an international ambiance, wonderful outdoor cafe's and restaurants, but as throughout all of Guatemala, most importantly, warm-hearted, welcoming people. It's an incredible experience !!

This workshop is designed for our more adventuresome traveler. Come ready to stretch yourself as a photographer and return home with once in a lifetime images!!

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY - Join photographer Steve Northup for a stunning visual journey through the highlands and backroads of colorful Guatemala. Steve's objective is to help students 'capture on film what they see with their eyes.' So, he starts by helping you look -- and then translate what you see onto your film (or cd, these days.) He'll discuss films, the digital world in photography, "the numbers" - what every number on your camera means and how to make it your friend, and the use of strobes.

But the backbone of the class will be photographic outings - sometimes via pickup truck (a common mode of transport for many Guatemalans) - and visit the neighboring villages of Santa Maria de Jesus, San Antonio Aguas Caliente and Santa Catarina Barahona. Steve prefers to take his group out on location to shoot together, and quietly seeks out each participant, offering them personal suggestions and advice on an ongoing basis.

A highlight of this workshop is the opportunity to photograph the processions that happen every Sunday during Lent. Families construct carpets - alfombras - made of sawdust, pine needles and flowers in the streets in front of their homes -- for the processions that wind thru the streets all afternoon and evening. Incredible images abound!!! (Image: Anda in front of Cathedral by Steve Northup)

INTRO TO DOCUMENTARY VIDEO FILMMAKING - This workshop is designed to provide an overview of, and hands-on experience in the growing field of documentary video filmmaking. Two our of instructors, Betty Hahn and Nance Ackerman both produce films and teach and will cover everything you need to know from pre-production issues to filming, directing, all the way through the editing process.

Whether you are a budding Hollywood director, have great ideas for shorts you'd like to see entered in a local film festival, or have simply always had an interest in the documentary film field, this is a fabulous opportunity to learn the skills you need, to help you clarify where you need to go next. Due to time constraints, this class is an overview, providing you with the beginning skills you need to further pursue you interest in documentary filmmaking.

Along with the other workshop participants, now a production team, you'll chose a subject matter (plentiful here in Guatemala) learn by doing the basics of the documentary process, and complete a documentary short. Each participant should have a working knowledge of their video camera and come ready to write, shoot, direct and edit your movie!

Take a look at student work from one of our earliest workshops. Jon Kaplan's Adventure Travel to Nebaj in 1997. That child on Liza's lap is now 20 years old !!

THE PORTRAIT / EXPLORING THE ESSENCE - CREATIVELY - Join award-winning photographer and best-selling author Judy Olausen for a wonderful opportunity to explore the heart and soul of Guatemala through photographing her people - in the Mayan markets, on the streets and in our courtyard garden.

Environmental portraiture, whether for commercial, editorial or personal work, requires juggling many elements and having them come together successfully at that "decisive moment" to make the magic happen. During daily classes sessions Judy will discuss the basics, such as lighting techniques, gear, appropriate backgrounds and working with people, but will emphasize the need for creativity and intuition in making unique images.

There will be assignments, critique sessions and local people available for you to photograph. Judy will spend individual time with each participant, shooting with them and also reviewing their work and helping them map out a program to achieve their photographic goals.

Art Workshops in Guatemala Email: info@artguat.org Phone: (612) 825-0747