1 Spot Left! October 28–November 3, 2025: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mérida, Mexico

Workshop Details

Photography Workshop: Día de los Muertos in Mérida

Dates: October 28 – November 3, 2025

Base: Hotel Villa Mercedes Curio Collection by Hilton

About the Workshop

Step into the heart of one of the world’s most visually stunning cultural celebrations — Día de los Muertos — in the vibrant city of Mérida, Mexico. This is more than a photography trip; it’s a week-long creative immersion where you’ll live, breathe, and photograph the colors, rituals, and emotions of this deeply moving traditionWith Mérida as our base, we’ll be there for the most dynamic and photogenic days of the festival — from the first altars and flowers appearing on street corners to the breathtaking Paseo de las Ánimas (Procession of Souls), when thousands of costumed participants, glowing candles, and marigold-lined paths transform the city into an open-air theater of life, death, and remembrance.

Each day blends hands-on shooting, insightful lectures, and constructive critique sessions, designed to help you deepen your skills and create work that resonates. You’ll photograph vibrant markets overflowing with flowers and sugar skulls, intimate moments of altar building in family homes, emotional rehearsals at dance schools, and grand cultural performances in the city’s plazas. Between shoots, we’ll savor Mérida’s exceptional cuisine at some of the city’s best restaurants and enjoy a warm, supportive environment where inspiration flows freely.

Whether you’re an emerging photographer or a seasoned visual storyteller, this workshop will push your creative boundaries, strengthen your technical skills, and leave you with an unforgettable portfolio — and memories to match.

When you sign up and are confirmed for the workshop, Steve will provide an assessment of your portfolio and a tech check to discuss your gear and the best ways to use it — regardless of brand. Together, you’ll make adjustments to maximize your speed of response, which may include back button autofocus, Auto ISO, easy exposure compensation, frame rate, and playback options. These best practices are designed to simplify your process, build your muscle memory, and free you to focus on the moment — increasing your success rate by letting the technical fade into the background during the workshop.

Why Mérida?

Mérida, the cultural capital of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is a city that hums with history, color, and rhythm. Its Spanish colonial architecture, sun-drenched plazas, and bustling markets create a rich backdrop for photography year-round — but during Día de los Muertos, the city transforms into a living canvas. Streets fill with marigolds and candlelight, music drifts from plazas, and families welcome visitors to see the altars they’ve built to honor loved ones. Every corner offers a new frame: weathered facades painted in pastels, horse-drawn carriages rolling down tree-lined boulevards, and the friendly faces of locals proud to share their traditions. 

While Oaxaca  is another well known destination for Day of the Dead, it’s also the most crowded — making it harder to get the kind of intimate, unhurried images we look for. Mérida offers all the color, emotion, and cultural richness of the celebration, but with a more welcoming pace and easier access to people, places, and moments without getting tourists in every frame. Here, you’ll have time to truly work a scene and connect with your subjects. For depth over hustle, Mérida is the clear choice.

As a base for our workshop, Mérida is ideal — walkable, safe, and bursting with photographic potential at every turn. By day, we’ll wander vibrant neighborhoods, from the grand mansions of Paseo de Montejo to the intimate markets of Santa Ana and Santiago. By night, the city glows with flickering candles, street performers, and the hum of celebration. Between shoots, we’ll enjoy world-class Yucatecan cuisine, from cochinita pibil and sopa de lima to modern twists on ancient flavors. Mérida is not just the backdrop for our photography — it’s a living, breathing subject that will inspire.                                    

Our carefully curated 7-day itinerary keeps you in the heart of the action, including:

• Early morning street photography in markets and neighborhoods

• Altars, cultural performances, and dance rehearsals

• Visits to local dance and folklórico schools in preparation for the parade

• Portrait opportunities with painted locals and performers

• The main event — Paseo de las Ánimas — thousands in costume in a candlelit procession

• Critique, editing, and lecture sessions to elevate your work each day

• Exceptional dining experiences in Mérida’s top restaurants

This is more than a workshop — it’s an invitation to step inside one of the world’s most soulful celebrations and return home with images that carry its spirit. Mérida offers us the chance to capture meaningful images. Your photographs will not just document what you see — they’ll capture the pulse of a city that honors life, memory, and love. Join us this October, and let the magic of Día de los Muertos transform your photography — and you. 

Our Venue: Villa Mercedes, Curio Collection by Hilton — Mérida

About the Hotel 

Nestled in the heart of Mérida’s elegant Centro district, the Hotel Villa Mercedes, Curio Collection by Hilton offers a seamless blend of colonial charm and modern comfort. Its iconic blue-hued façade and restored architectural details set the tone for a stay marked by both style and convenience. Located about a 5-minute walk from Paseo de Montejo and the Yucatán International Convention Center, the hotel places you in the perfect spot for immersive exploration. It's close to all festival events but far enough away to be a quiet, restful place to edit and recharge. 

Inside, you’ll find 127 rooms featuring plush pillow‑top beds, hypo‑allergenic bedding with Frette Italian sheets, free high-speed Wi‑Fi, minibar, coffee maker, and thoughtful touches like in‑room safes and bidets for added comfort. 

Amenities for Comfort & Convenience

• Dining: Enjoy on-site meals at the elegant El Centro restaurant or opt for room service—perfect for late-night editing sessions or relaxed meals after a full day of shooting.

• Relaxation & Fitness: Take a dip in the outdoor pool or stay active in the well-equipped fitness center.

• Business & Gathering Spaces: The hotel meeting room will be our place for post-shoot critiques, group discussions and lectures. 

• Service Highlights: 24-hour front desk, concierge service, laundry/dry cleaning, and strong multilingual staff support ensure a smooth, hassle-free stay.

Why It’s a Perfect Home Base for Photographers

This hotel will be our strategically placed, comfortable launchpad for our Mérida adventure. Villa Mercedes ensures that our workshop experience is focused on photography—not logistics.

QUICK VIEW: Fast look at the week’s flow:

Day 1: Arrive in Mérida, hotel check-in, evening orientation.

Day 2: Paseo de Montejo architecture; Santa Lucía & La Mejorada neighborhoods; night shoot in historic center.

Day 3: Lucas de Gálvez Market; lecture & critique; evening altars photography.

Day 4: Santiago & Santa Ana neighborhoods; calaveras & community altars; early vigils & processions.

Day 5: Morning cemetery shoot; highlight event: Paseo de las Ánimas candlelit procession.

Day 6: Morning street shoot; final image review; farewell dinner.

Day 7: Breakfast & departures.

FULL ITINERARY

Day 1 – Tuesday, Oct 28 – Arrival & Orientation

Arrive in Mérida and check into your private room at the centrally located Hotel Villa Mercedes. Evening group meeting to review the week’s schedule and set creative goals.

Meals: Dinner on your own.

Day 2 – Wednesday, Oct 29 – Paseo de Montejo & Neighborhoods

Morning shoot along Paseo de Montejo, followed by an introductory session at the hotel. Lunch at La Chaya Maya, then an afternoon walk through Santa Lucía and La Mejorada. Dinner at Hacienda Teya, followed by night photography in the historic center.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 3 – Thursday, Oct 30 – Markets & Evening Altars

Photograph the bustling Lucas de Gálvez Market in the morning. Lunch at El Cardenal, then a lecture and image critique. Evening shoot of altars as they are lit for the night. Dinner at El Campestre.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 4 – Friday, Oct 31 – Neighborhood Life & Early Vigils

Explore Santiago and Santa Ana neighborhoods in the morning. Lunch at Manjar Blanco, then photograph calaveras and community altars near Plaza Grande. Dinner at Rosas & Xocolate, followed by candlelight vigils and street processions.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 5 – Saturday, Nov 1 – Main Celebration Day

Morning visit to a local cemetery (with permission) to photograph altars and family rituals. Lunch at Oliva Enoteca and a midday workshop session. Evening shoot of Paseo de las Ánimas — Mérida’s most iconic Día de los Muertos procession. Dinner at Kuuk.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 6 – Sunday, Nov 2 – Final Review & Farewell

Morning street photography followed by our final image review at the hotel. Lunch at Villa Mercedes. Free afternoon for personal shooting, then farewell dinner at Hacienda Xcanatún.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Day 7 – Monday, Nov 3 – Departure

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Mérida International Airport.

Meals: Breakfast.

Street Philosophies

Steve will guide you through powerful, practical street photography techniques designed to move you beyond your comfort zone and elevate your work. Drawing from a lifetime of photographing urban life around the world, he’ll share his philosophies on seeing, anticipating, and capturing the kinds of lyrical, poetic, and decisive moments that bring the streets to life.

This immersive workshop is about developing your unique vision and refining your personal street style. Through carefully designed assignments, you’ll push past fear and cliché, building the confidence to approach strangers, read a scene, and make images that communicate the rhythm and energy of the streets during the most photogenic week of the year in Mérida.

We’ll explore techniques for framing, juxtaposition, layering compositions, and working with light and color (or black & white) to best match your vision. You’ll also learn how to recognize “the rhythm of place,” navigate the laws and ethics of street photography, and handle challenging situations with sensitivity and respect. Most importantly, you’ll spend the bulk of your time shooting — sometimes alongside Steve, sometimes on your own — in the vibrant theatre of Mérida’s Day of the Dead celebrations.

This workshop welcomes photographers of all levels. The combination of expert guidance, targeted assignments, and the cultural richness of Día de los Muertos will give you both the skills and the inspiration to create your strongest work yet. To maximize your time on the ground, we’ll connect for both a pre-workshop session to prepare you for the experience and a post-workshop session to review, refine, and reflect on your images.

Street Tech – Simplifying the Tools, Maximizing the Moment

In Mérida, you’ll dive deep into “street-tech” with Steve, who will share his minimalist approach to gear and a streamlined shooting process designed to maximize your response time when those decisive moments appear. His own street kit includes the latest Nikon mirrorless cameras and a carefully chosen selection of lenses, but he’s fluent in all systems — from mirrorless, rangefinder, and DSLR setups to compact cameras and even smartphones. Whatever you bring, Steve will help you get the most out of it.

We’ll cover lenses, autofocus settings, zone focusing, shooting from the hip, using live view, flash, and other techniques to help you work faster and with greater intention. While gear matters, Steve will show you why the technical side is often the easiest part to master — and how focusing on the moment will dramatically improve your results. The skills you learn here won’t just apply to street photography; they’ll elevate your work in every genre.

Closing the Gap

This workshop is about narrowing the distance between where you are now and the photographer you know you can be. Each day, we’ll review your best images from the previous shoots in group critiques — a safe, supportive space where ideas are shared, suggestions are offered, and new ways of seeing emerge. These sessions are a cornerstone of the workshop, giving you direct, actionable feedback to push your work forward.

You’ll also be encouraged to explore a personal theme for the week, building toward a cohesive final portfolio and slideshow presentation. Assignments will challenge you to see differently, work outside your comfort zone, and develop your own visual voice. If time allows and there’s an interesting exhibition in town, we’ll make a visit to a local photography gallery to broaden your inspiration. And every day, between lectures, critiques, and immersive shooting sessions, you’ll be absorbing the energy and theater of Mérida’s streets during one of the most photogenic celebrations in the world.

Join us in Mérida this October, and let the spirit, color, and soul of Día de los Muertos transform your photography and the way you see the world.

Testimonials

Gary Niederpruem, Chicago

“What a fabulous experience. I learned more about photography in one week than I had in 5 years. Steve is very knowledgable about the technical side as well as composition. He is very patient, gives excellent feedback and will work one on one with you on any photography subject you want. I asked him for help on night photography and at 10 PM he was out on the streets of Havana with me with step by step instructions on how to take the shot. 5 star plus rating!!”

Anna Blanco, New York City

“Best workshop I’ve ever taken! Steve is not only a great photographer, he is also a terrific teacher. He is patient and very hands- on. In some workshops the instructor sends students out to shoot after a short lecture–Steve goes out with his students, coaching them throughout the process. His course is well organized and covers diverse topics. He is funny and engaging and generous with his time and knowledge. I had SO MUCH fun and am ready to sign up for the next one. Highly recommended!”

Anne Dunford, Ithaca, New York

"My week in Steve’s Street Shooting workshop challenged me tremendously. There’s nothing like taking your work apart and putting it back together with new vision to make you a better photographer. If you take this workshop, I guarantee you will see the world differently at the end."

Paul Lavergne, San Juan, PR

"Steve’s passion for photography is contagious and his teaching abilities and knowledge extraordinary! I highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in photography."

Chapman Solomon, Mountain View, CA

“Participating in the NYC Street Photography Workshop was an enriching and exhilarating experience. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone to improve my skills. Steve’s curriculum and hands on approach offered me an opportunity to learn new techniques, add some creativity and visualize subject matter from another perspective. Each day presented abundant photo opportunities, resulting with the capture of some amazing images, exceeding my greatest expectations.”

Stephen Sholl, New York City

"Not only is Steve a great photographer, he is also a caring, compassionate person as well. He is constantly trying to help participants achieve their photographic goals in a gentle, caring, and sincere manner. Sadly, the critiques of my work were very helpful. Steve was right-on in terms of his suggestions to better my work. The totality of the workshop was terrific, primarily because the parts were all excellent as well. Choice of shooting locations, image reviews, suggestions, videos shown, and galleries visited were all great. Steve also promoted wonderful interactions among the participants. The venue was perfect for the workshop. We could spread out, leave your things there, use the facilities, and eat the goodies provided. You know you’re in good hands with Steve! An outstanding workshop!!"

Steve Lavelle, London

"This is an outstanding workshop, led by a world-class photographer. It is impossible to spend time in a room with Steve Simon and not be inspired to get out there and make great images …I had high expectations and you exceeded them…Steve is very personable, articulate and passionate about photography, very welcoming with a warm, engaging personality. Steve’s style is outstanding. I knew of Steve from the TWiP podcast and would have attended if he was talking about how to watch paint dry…”

Oscar Piñeyro, Dallas

"I just spent the last three days with Steve Simon, What a wonderful experience, the best time spent in a workshop ever. Steve is a perfectionist, every presentation not only had spectacular photography but also the perfect music to enhance the mood, a roller coaster of emotions. He cannot hide his journalistic background every single image tells a story. His technique is flawless; his teaching patience unparalleled. I am eager to start a new chapter of my photography applying what Steve taught me in the last few days."