Oaxaca De Juarez is a photographer’s dream, offering a tapestry of colors, textures, and lively scenes that beg to be captured. Whether you’re a seasoned shutterbug or just looking to improve your skills, Oaxaca offers a variety of tours designed to turn your camera into a storytelling tool. Many of these experiences—like the Oaxaca walking tour with a local photographer—are perfect for exploring the city’s iconic sites while learning how to take better photos. Others, such as the Day of the Dead Catrina Photoshoot & Mezcal “Spirited Faces”, give you the chance to dress up and create memorable images of Oaxaca’s vibrant cultural traditions. With options ranging from quick city snapshots to elaborate costume shoots, there’s something for every kind of photographer.
Quick Overview
This list showcases a mix of guided city walks, themed photoshoots with local models, and cultural costume experiences—all designed with photography in mind. Whether you want a brief but focused photo session like the Oaxaca: Photo Tour of the City, or a full experience transforming you into a Catrina with professional makeup, this guide helps you find the best fit. Now, let’s dive into what each tour offers.
1. Oaxaca walking tour with a local photographer
At number one, this Oaxaca walking tour with a local photographer combines sightseeing with hands-on photography lessons. For just $109 per person, you get 1.5 hours exploring the city’s most photogenic spots, from colonial façades to bustling markets. Your guide is a professional photographer who will offer tips on manual camera settings, composition, and lighting, helping you take your photos from good to great. The tour starts at Monumento Cruz de Piedra and includes a stop at a cozy local coffee shop where you can enjoy fresh juice or coffee—perfect for a quick break and photo review.
What makes this experience stand out is the focus on practical skills tailored to your camera type. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a DSLR, you’ll learn techniques to improve your photos on the spot. Plus, the opportunity to practice your Spanish with a local guide adds a cultural layer to your photo walk. This brief but intensive tour is perfect for travelers who want to elevate their photography skills without a long commitment.
Bottom Line: An ideal pick for travelers looking for a quick, skill-boosting introduction to Oaxaca’s best photo spots with expert guidance.
2. Oaxaca: Photo Session with a Mr. Oaxaca Model
Number two on our list is the Oaxaca: Photo Session with a Mr. Oaxaca Model. For just $63 per person, this two-hour experience offers a relaxed, fun way to capture standout photographs. The highlight? A local man who once held the title of Mr. Oaxaca will help you pose confidently and find the best angles. This is less about a guided tour and more about a dedicated photoshoot, making it perfect for travelers wanting high-quality mementos.
The session takes you to the city’s top spots for photos, ensuring your images include Oaxaca’s characteristic streets, colorful buildings, and cultural landmarks. The focus on posing and professional assistance guarantees memorable results—an excellent value at such a low price. One reviewer mentioned how they loved having a model guide them on how to look natural and confident in front of the camera.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, personalized photoshoot that produces great memories and keepsakes, especially if you’re camera-shy or want polished images.
$63 per person
3. Oaxaca: Photo Tour of the City
At number three, the Oaxaca: Photo Tour of the City offers a quick but comprehensive look at Oaxaca’s most photogenic spots in just one hour. Priced at $38 per person, this tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want quality images of the city’s highlights. The guide will lead you through streets where you can photograph Santo Domingo’s baroque architecture, the iconic stone cross, and the lively tourist walkway.
The tour includes a photo session, with the digital images delivered via a drive link within three days. While the reviews are mixed (rated 3.7/5), many find it a good value for such a short, focused experience. It’s best suited for those who want quick, professional-quality shots of Oaxaca’s main sights, without the fuss of a prolonged tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time who want to capture Oaxaca’s top landmarks without sacrificing professional quality.
$38 per person
4. Day of the Dead Catrina Photoshoot & Mezcal “Spirited Faces”
If you’re visiting during the Day of the Dead, this Catrina photoshoot with mezcal offers an immersive cultural and photographic experience for $191. Over two hours, you’ll be transformed into a glamorous Catrina, complete with professional makeup and traditional attire. You can select your own route through Oaxaca’s streets or its bohemian corners, stopping at iconic sites like Santo Domingo and the aqueduct.
The experience includes 12 professional photos and one video, giving you a lasting digital memory of your cultural costume. Plus, sharing mezcal with locals while walking through Oaxaca adds a lively, authentic touch. The detailed makeup and costume transformation make this a standout experience for travelers wanting bold, colorful images that capture Oaxaca’s essence.
Bottom Line: An exceptional cultural photoshoot blending traditional costume, local scenery, and mezcal tasting—ideal for those seeking memorable, vibrant images.
$191 per person
5. Oaxaca: Photography Shoot with Ballerina and Guide
Next up is the Oaxaca: Photography Shoot with Ballerina, priced at $218 for two hours. This experience focuses on capturing the grace of a local ballerina amid Oaxaca’s colorful streets. A professional photographer will guide you through techniques to photograph movement, dance, and textures that make Oaxaca special.
This tour is particularly good for those interested in capturing dance-related imagery or seeking a more artistic, dynamic photo session. The guide’s expertise helps you make the most of the vibrant street scenes, especially if you want to experiment with motion blur or close-ups of traditional costumes. The combination of a local dancer and expert advice makes it stand out for creative photography.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting to explore movement, dance, and street textures with a professional’s guidance—perfect for artistic shots.
$218 per person
6. Show off your beauty wearing a typical Oaxacan costume + photo session
Closing our list is the Costume Photoshoot, offering a full culture for $218. You’ll be outfitted in a traditional Oaxacan costume, with makeup and a traditional hairstyle, then guided through a photo session at Santo Domingo. The experience begins at C. Macedonio Alcalá and includes a scenic walk, visit to the church, and a guided tour.
This experience is ideal if you want to connect deeply with Oaxaca’s indigenous culture and create stunning, personalized images. The professional guidance ensures that your photos highlight your beauty against the backdrop of Oaxaca’s most iconic site. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a meaningful cultural experience and memorable photographs.
Bottom Line: Perfect for cultural enthusiasts and anyone wanting a personalized, authentic Oaxaca photo session dressed in traditional attire.
$218 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Photography Experience
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If quick, expert-guided tips appeal to you, the Oaxaca walking tour offers a practical introduction. For a personalized, high-quality photoshoot, the Mr. Oaxaca Model session is a fantastic value. Those during the Day of the Dead should consider the Catrina photoshoot for a culturally rich experience.
If short on time, the City Photo Tour delivers quick, memorable images of Oaxaca’s landmarks. Want something more artistic? The Ballerina photo shoot emphasizes movement and street textures. And for an immersive cultural experience, dress in traditional outfits with the Costume Photoshoot.
Final Thoughts
Oaxaca offers a rich setting for every photographer. Whether you want practical lessons, a themed costume shoot, or a cultural portrait, there’s a tour that fits. For most travelers, the walking tour provides a great balance of guidance and exploration. For those looking to create one-of-a-kind souvenirs, the Catrina photoshoot is hard to beat.
Remember to book early, especially during busy travel seasons or festivals, to secure your spot. Oaxaca’s streets and stories are waiting to be captured—so bring your camera and a sense of adventure.