MEXICO CITY EXPERIENCE 2020
5 Day Photo Workshop
March 20-24, 2020
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$3,100
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Experience one of the worlds most beautiful city, Mexico City, with accomplished Mexican street photographer David Coleman. David is an expert with the Mexican people, customs, language, and world renouned Mexico City culinary cuisine.
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Rising from the ruins of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan, Mexico City offers a unique collision of contemporary city life and historic preservation. World-class museums, restaurants and parks rub shoulders with the remains of several cultures. The nightlife, the shopping and the history make it a must-see regardless of your photography style.
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David, born and raised in Mexico City, is an expert photography instructor and visual storyteller who provides a safe and fulfilling photography workshop experience, planning the best sites and times of day for shooting, local fare, and comfortable accommodations in advance. The workshop also includes visual storytelling instruction and image review sessions.
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"I joined David's Mexico City experience workshop and had a wonderful time. I was a beginner and also worried about safety in Mexico City. However, all these have proven to be un-necessary. Because it was a small group, David attended to my beginner questions individually. Also, I felt so safe with the group. There was no better way to learn photography and enjoy Mexican culture and food (yes, we ate so much yummy Mexican food; the variety was amazing) other than joining David's workshop!!!.”
- Ying Yi Hong, Palo Alto, CA
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“Mexico City is a world-class destination for museums, architecture, food, and street photography. David’s planning enabled us to take advantage of all that. The weather couldn’t have been better and the Mexican people couldn’t have been more polite and friendly. I came back with many successful photos of different types of subjects, including cityscapes, architecture, street portraiture, and street photography.”
- Eric Ahrendt, Orinda, CA
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“The venues we went to were carefully chosen to expose us to different types of photography (architecture, street photography, etc) and David was always helpful to provide suggestions to photograph in different conditions. […] As a teacher, he's very patient with students and I thought he did a good job balancing the needs of beginners to advanced photographers. Did I say he's from Mexico City? I thought it was wonderful to have a local to be your photography guide. […] I know I'll be back for more!”
- Yesim Tabanoglu, Redwood City, CA
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GALLERY
Mexico City Experience - a collection of videos and images taken by participants at the "Mexico City Experience"​
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INCLUDED
Private accommodations, leaders and local guides, all permits, entrance fees and taxes.
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Note on limited spaces: Workshops are limited to 7 participants. Small groups allow David to provide one-on-one photography coaching in the field. A workshop participant may bring an additional guest for an add-on fee of $300. The guest gets all the benefits as a workshop participant except for photography instruction.
SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE EXPERIENCE 2020
5 Day Photo Workshop
June 13-17, 2020
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Sold Out
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Channel your inner Matisse and find unbounded opportunity for photographic expression in a region revered for its wild beauty and time-honored cultural traditions.
Join accomplished Mexican street photographer David Coleman on this five-day photography experience, which weaves the "Dia De Los Locos" festival in the captivating town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with exploration of the charming adjacent city of Guanajuato.
Dia De Los Locos is a wild and woolly festival that is unique to San Miguel. Mingle with the vibrant locals as you witness the flamboyant procession wind through the cobblestone streets of town and dance to the beat of live music. While the costumes and masks of local politicians, actors, cartoon characters, and monsters appear secular, this colorful and complex festival actually has deep religious roots. David will provide one-on-one instruction in the field and help you capture the spirit of revelry, as the participants shimmy, shake, and stamp their feet aboard their truck bed floats, throwing fistfuls of candy at the crowds like Mardi Gras revelers.
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After three days in San Miguel de Allende, visit the nearby town of Guanajuato, built in a narrow valley hugged by rugged mountains and named a world heritage site in 1988. Observe the merging of past and present in this time-preserved town as you explore Jardin Union, a fountain and tree-filled plaza that is considered the “heart and soul” of the city. Stroll through the colorful Municipal Market (Mercado Hidalgo), a two-story architectural gem built in 1910 that sells everything from locally-made leather handicrafts and woven baskets to dried chiles, spices, and fruits.
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San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato are as much a feast for the eyes as for the culinary connoisseur. Experience local dishes that are as good or better than any Michelin-star restaurant, from the versatile casuelas - meals baked in earthenware pots and consisting of fresh local ingredients like potatoes, eggs, cheese, and herbs - to an array of pan dulce, the sweet and savory pastries of Mexico. You won’t leave hungry!
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David, born and raised in Mexico, is an expert photography instructor and visual storyteller who provides a safe and fulfilling photography workshop experience, planning the best sites and times of day for shooting, local fare, and comfortable accommodations in advance. The workshop also includes visual storytelling instruction and image review sessions.
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“San Miguel De Allende is a photographer’s paradise. David knows the secret spots to photograph and culinary hotspots that rival the restaurants of Europe. First and foremost, safety in San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato was never a concern of mine shooting into the late evening hours. I certainly felt safer than walking the streets of San Francisco."
- Ed Marlatt, Los Altos Hills, CA
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"Traveling with a small group of like-minded participants, I loved my fun trip to San Miguel de Allende, with camaraderie, local music, and excellent cuisine, while at the same time learning new skills in street photography. David handled all of the details from reserving a centrally-located hotel to finding restaurants that are hidden gems, ones that tourists may never find. Mexico is not only a safe place to visit and photograph, but it is also a beautiful and culturally-rich destination."
- Pam Perkins, Redwood City, CA
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"David is an outstanding, caring instructor, artist and storyteller. I've done several workshops with him, and most recently the incredible Oaxaca and San Miguel de la Allende experiences. He is encouraging, understands your level and works diligently with you to raise the bar. His day and longer trips are expertly planned and based on his extensive experience in the region, filled with excellent food, thoughtful and smart classroom presentations and critiques, practically flawless logistics, and excellent shooting opportunities."
- Bryan Scanlon, Walnut Creek, CA
GALLERY
San Miguel De Allende Experience - a collection of videos and images taken by participants at the "San Miguel de Allende Experience"​
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INCLUDED
Private accommodations, leaders and local guides, all permits, entrance fees and taxes.
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Note on limited spaces: Workshops are limited to 7 participants. Small groups allow David to provide one-on-one photography coaching in the field. A workshop participant may bring an additional guest for an add-on fee of $300. The guest gets all the benefits as a workshop participant except for photography instruction.
OAXACA EXPERIENCE 2020
Day Of The Dead
5 Day Photo Workshop
October 30 - November 3, 2020
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$3,100
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Experience Day Of The Dead (Dia De Muertos) in Oaxaca, Mexico, with accomplished Mexican street photographer David Coleman. David was born and raised in Mexico and is an expert with the Mexican people, customs, language, and world renowned Oaxacan culinary cuisine.
One of the world’s most colorful festivals, Dia De Muertos, or the Day Of The Dead, is both a celebration of ancestors and a cultural festivity. David, born and raised in Mexico, is an expert photography instructor and visual storyteller who provides a safe and fulfilling photography workshop experience, planning the best sites and times of day for shooting, local fare, and comfortable accommodations in advance. The workshop also includes visual storytelling instruction and image review sessions.
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“David Coleman leads fantastic workshops. Daily classroom work and hands on shoots make a perfect pairing for learning. He is an intelligent, funny, creative and kind teacher. He knows his stuff and loves to share with his students. Gracias mil veces!"
- Betsy Collins, Jackson, WY
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"David is an outstanding, caring instructor, artist and storyteller. He is encouraging, understands your level and works diligently with you to raise the bar of your work. His day and longer trips are expertly planned and based on his extensive experience in the region, filled with excellent food, thoughtful and smart classroom presentations and critiques, practically flawless logistics, and excellent shooting opportunities."
- Bryan Scanlon, Walnut Creek, CA
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“Everything about the Oaxaca Experience with David was just great—shooting locations with plenty of good subjects, helpful image reviews, instruction on becoming a visual storyteller, knowledgeable local guide, excellent food, fun workshop companions and more. David has photo trips to Mexico down to a science. Go with him and have a good time and come back with photos to add to your portfolio."
- Eric Ahrendt, Contra Costa, CA
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GALLERY
Oaxaca Experience - a collection of images taken by participants at the "Oaxaca Experience"​
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INCLUDED
Private accommodations, leaders and local guides, all permits, entrance fees and taxes.
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Note on limited spaces: Workshops are limited to 7 participants. Small groups allow David to provide one-on-one photography coaching in the field. A workshop participant may bring an additional guest for an add-on fee of $300. The guest gets all the benefits as a workshop participant except for photography instruction.
SECRETS OF SAN FRANCISCO
PHOTO WORKSHOP
À La Carte
If you are planning to be in San Francisco on vacation or on business, you want the local expert, David Coleman, to take you to the best places to photograph. David knows the secret spots for "The Best Of" photography in San Francisco. David will tailor the session to your particular needs at a time that is convenient for you. Not only he will take you to the hidden gems but he will also assist you with camera settings and give you a brief history on the location.
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You get to choose any mix of "Best of San Francisco" from the following:
Golden Gate Bridge, Mission District, North Beach, Chinatown, Haight-Ashbury, Dog Patch, Muir Woods, San Francisco Architecture.
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GALLERY:
Secrets of San Francisco Photo Workshop - a collection of images
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
​This is a private workshop and pricing depends how many hours are booked. Please see Private Coaching for pricing. There is a 3 hour minimum.
SAN FRANCISCO CHINATOWN
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Sacred Meets Sensory
$135
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Join International Street Photographer David Coleman and take a detour from tourist-rich streets to the locals’ hideaway in the authentic heart of Chinatown. Ornate temples and bustling street markets are just some of the sights you’ll see in one of San Francisco’s most popular yet mysterious neighborhoods.
David will teach you street photography techniques and visual storytelling skills for using the fresh (and often surprising) market fare, colorful window scenes, and elusive back alleys as the setting for your street photography. Along the way, you’ll learn local history and explore hidden places that only the most seasoned residents know about.
An (optional) group lunch at the culmination of this 3-hour photography workshop provides the chance to discover delicious local fare, connect with your small group of fellow photographers, and reflect on your experience in the field.
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GALLERY:
SF Chinatown Photo Workshop - a collection of images taken by participants at the "SF Chinatown Photo Workshop"
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WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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Three hours of small-group and one-on-one instruction, in which David teaches how to capture a public space and compose a personal narrative with images.
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A virtual, one-hour photography critique session (held one week after the workshop), in which David provides constructive feedback and uses Adobe Lightroom to demonstrate best editing techniques for each workshop participant’s photographs.
SAN FRANCISCO ARCHITECTURE
PHOTO WORKSHOP
$135
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Join international photographer, David Coleman, in this architecture photography workshop of iconic San Francisco's turn-of-the-century buildings and forgotten treasures. In this photography workshop you will learn the secrets on how to take stunning architecture photographs. Along the way David will share some of San Francisco's well kept secrets known only to a few historians.
WHAT TO BRING:
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Wide angle lens (the wider the better): 24-105mm or 16-35mm
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Macro lens for details
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GALLERY:
SF Architecture Photo Workshop - a collection of images taken by participants at the "SF Architecture Photo Workshop"
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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Three hours of small-group and one-on-one instruction, in which David teaches how to capture a public space and compose a personal narrative with images.
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A virtual, one-hour photography critique session (held one week after the workshop), in which David provides constructive feedback and uses Adobe Lightroom to demonstrate best editing techniques for each workshop participant’s photographs.
SAN FRANCISCO NIGHTTIME
PHOTO WORKSHOP
$135
Friday, April 3, 2020
International Street Photographer, David Coleman, will teach you how to capture a public space and compose a personal narrative at night. Learn how to photograph the stunning streets of San Francisco Embarcadero at night with the use of flash and other creative techniques under low light conditions. David Coleman will tailor the session to particular needs, assisting with camera settings, etc, to ensure your best possible night photography workshop experience.​
This nighttime photography workshop is best suited for those with a DSLR and a flash or speed light. Please no tripods. This is an advanced technical photography session. The class prerequisite is a good understanding of your camera’s settings: Shutter Speed, F-Stop and ISO.
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GALLERY:
SF Nighttime Photo Workshop - a collection of images taken by participants at the "SF Nighttime Photo Workshop"
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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2.5 hours of small-group and one-on-one instruction, in which David teaches how to capture a public space and compose a personal narrative with images.
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A virtual, one-hour photography critique session (held one week after the workshop), in which David provides constructive feedback and uses Adobe Lightroom to demonstrate best editing techniques for each workshop participant’s photographs.
SAN FRANCISCO MISSION DISTRICT
PHOTO WORKSHOP
Message in Murals
$135
Saturday, May 2, 2020
Join International Street Photographer David Coleman in colorful San Francisco's Mission District. Learn how to use your camera as a tool for capturing the visual messages that permeate San Francisco’s oldest neighborhood.
Mission’s vibrant murals serve as both art and political statements in reflecting changes— the most recent a gradual gentrification by mostly young professionals that threatens to push out many long-time residents. David will teach you street photography techniques and visual storytelling skills for using these murals as backdrops for powerful visual narratives. Along the way, you’ll learn local history and explore hidden places that only the most seasoned residents know about.
An (optional) group lunch at the culmination of this 3-hour photography workshop provides the chance to discover delicious local fare, connect with your small group of fellow photographers, and reflect on your experience in the field.
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GALLERY:
SF Mission District Photo Workshop - a collection of images taken by participants at the "SF Mission District Photo Workshop"
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WHAT’S INCLUDED:
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Three hours of small-group and one-on-one instruction, in which David teaches how to capture a public space and compose a personal narrative with images.
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A virtual, one-hour photography critique session (held one week after the workshop), in which David provides constructive feedback and uses Adobe Lightroom to demonstrate best editing techniques for each workshop participant’s photographs.