Yucatan, Mexico
January 26 - February 1st, 2025
5 DAY EXCLUSIVE PHOTOGRAPHY AND TOURISM EXPERIENCE
fine art portrait
Yucatan Retreat
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Join Me For A Once In A Lifetime Experience
After years of traveling around the globe teaching workshops on Fine Art Photography, I finally decided it was time to put together an experience in the part of the world I have called home for the last 20 years. Yucatan is one of the most beautiful areas of the world and I have spent a very long time getting to know not only the parts of the Peninsula that are beautiful, but also all of the secret spots that tourists never see. This will also be a time to escape the cold weather, connect with a small group of other photographers and enjoy relaxing and sipping margaritas by the pool.
Who is this retreat for?
I wanted to create a unique experience that photographers would love. The first thing I thought was, what would I want to do? So I have been working for the last few months wit my team to fill each day with amazing experiences and photography opportunities in all of Yucatan's most beautiful spots. I have listed below the full literary so you can see the exact plan. In addition to the day trips we'll be having, everyone will be staying next to Historic Merida Centro, which will allow us unique opportunities for photo walks and enjoying the local nightlife.
How Big Is Our Group?
It's important to me that we are a small group, so I have limited the group size to 8 people maximum. I feel like that's a good number for all of the things I'd like to do and will allow everyone the opportunity to get the attention they need.
For more information, please refer to our FAQ section below.
RETREAT OVERVIEW
Sunday, January 26
Arrival at Merida International Airport (MID) Transportation provided!
8:00 PM - Opening Mayan Ceremony with food and drinks!
Monday, January 27
6:00 - 7:00 AM - Breakfast
8:00 AM - 11:30 AM - Photo Tour of Historic Merida Centro
1:00 PM - Lunch In Downtown
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM - Styled Photo session at the historic Colonial Home
7:00 PM - Dinner
Included meals: Breakfast + Dinner
Tuesday, January 28
7:00 - 8:00 AM - Breakfast
8:00 AM - Photo Tour of Mayan Ruins Xcambo and the Salineros (with Model)
12:00 PM - Yacht Tour of Progreso with Ceviche and Drinks
4:00 PM - Stylized Beach Photo Shoot
7:00 PM - Dinner in Progreso*
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch on the boat
Wednesday, January 29
5:45 AM - Departure to San Antonio Mulix
7:00 - 9:00 AM - Private photo shooting in Cenote X´Batun
9:00 - 11:30 AM - Swimming and enjoying cenotes
2:00PM - 4:00PM - Lunch followed by a Hacienda Photoshoot
5:00 PM - Return to Merida
7:00 PM - Editing Images In Photoshop with Jason Buff
Included meals: Breakfast package, brunch/early lunch
Thursday, January 30
7:00 - 9:00 AM - Breakfast
9:00 AM - Departure to Hacienda Ake
10:00 AM - 2:30 PM - Hacienda Tour and Photo Session
1:30 PM - Traditional Yucatecan Cuisine At The Hacienda
2:30 PM - Departure to Izamal, The Yellow City!
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM - Tour of Izamal and Styled Photoshoot
6:00 PM - Group dinner in Kinich*
*Not Included
Friday, January 31
8:00 AM - Journey to Celestún!
9:30 - 1:00 AM - Boat Tour of Manglares with Photoshoot of Local Fauna
1:00 - 4:00 PM - Lunch On The Beach
5:00 PM - Return to Merida
6:00 PM - Closing ceremony and final meal together
7:00 PM - Optional Final Editing Session with Jason Buff
Saturday, February 1st
All Day Transportation Provided to MID Airport
Our Beautiful Home Away From Home
FAQ
Where will we be staying?
We are in final talks with a beautiful house in Historic Merida Centro, so this will be resolved in the next two weeks and updated here on the page. We will do whatever we can to make sure you are comfortable and happy with your living arrangements while you're here.
What should I bring?
Of course the most important thing to bring is your camera and lenses. I recommend bringing one wider lens and one zoom lens. A 24-70 would be a really good choice I think. You may also want more of a zoom, like a 135 or even possibly a 70-200 for the Celestun trip. But that's pretty bulky to travel with. You will also want your computer for editing. Of course, outside of editing, you should brink clothes for warm/hot weather. Bathing suits, and of course, underwear. Also shoes for the water, like Tevas, are good to have since we'll be in the water a lot. And of course any of your prescription medicine.
Is Yucatan safe?
Yes, very safe, too safe really because people keep moving here to live. I wish it was a little less safe, but there we are.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Yes! It is highly recommended you have some sort of travel insurance while you're here. Even though we will do everything possible to make sure you are safe and taken care of, we aren't liable and can't be sued in case of accidents. There isn't really anything we'll be doing that's dangerous.
Can I Use My Images?
Yes! Your images are yours and you can do whatever you want with them. We will have model releases for all of our models.
How physically rigorous is the retreat?
There are times when we will need to do a little bit of hiking to get where we're going, but honestly. I'm totally out of shape and if I can do it, most people can do it. However, if you have any mobility issues you probably will want to hang back on certain activities. I believe the cenotes are the only areas that require going up and down a lot of stairs.
For any further questions please feel free to send me a message on social media or to my email: info@jabustudio.com