Tom and I celebrate great images from workshop participants by selecting a Photo of the Month. For January we chose an image taken on our Oaxaca Mexico Workshop. The image was taken by Monica Whitt during our Dia de los Muertos photo shoot. Monica is a commercial and portrait photographer from Anchorage, Alaska. Check out her work at Monica Whitt Photography
Congratulations to January 2024 ‘s featured photographer – Monica Whitt
The Story…
The way the lights were set up was amazing. The Clam Shell format is pretty cool. It really highlights the face.
The background light was also convenient. The wall was already red. The background light with the red gel cap accentuated the color and added mood.
It was great to have the strobe trigger and be able to direct the model. I tried to get as many expressions in the face as possible. I asked her to turn around and to tilt her face a bit.
I also shot in portrait and landscape. I zoomed in and out. I was using my Canon 28-70 2.0 lens. This worked well for zooming. I just kept experimenting to see what worked best.
The villa was amazing. The arches, the color, the flooring. The whole place helped the mood and the vibe. It was comfortable and not at all hot. So colonial. I loved it!
EXIF Data:
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Lens: 28-70 2.0
Aperture: f8
Shutter: 1/100 sec
ISO: 100
Mode: Manual
About Photographing in Oaxaca
It was my first time in Oaxaca. Photographing people was a highlight of the week. This is why I signed up for the workshop.
I was also fascinated by the murals all over town. Then adding the couple (of models), this made it so much better.
I frequently had to decide what angle to photograph. Literally in a 360′ view, there would be 1000 photos right there. The people were just wonderful.
Monica’s Tips for Travel Portraits
Tip 1
I recommend environmental portraits in Oaxaca. They showcase where the person works and the area.
Tip 2
Shooting in shade makes for even lighting. If there is no shade, try putting the sun behind the person.
Tip 3
Depending on their comfort level – tell the models to do whatever they want. They feel free and really show more natural expressions and genuine smiles.
Tip 4
I try to get a variety of expressions. When I work with high school seniors I ask them funny questions like, “Are you the smart one in the family?” They laugh and I get great expressions.
On Monica’s Horizon:
Patagonia
Germany – to visit family
Portraits of Native Alaskans
Interested in joining us in Oaxaca in January 2025? Learn more
Tom and Cree are headed to Borneo with a workshop this weekend. They will be photographing an area with the largest population of Orangutans in the world. After that they join a group in Alaska for Northern Lights and the Iditarod.
Happy trails!
Tom and Cree