To begin to understand a city and a country through its people is also to learn about its culture. Historic San Miguel de Allende—with its blend of beautiful and gracious Mexican people and an international colony of writers, sculptors, and painters—possesses the ambience of an old European town. Discover the richness of this colorful city, and its gentle people and vibrant culture, with resident Holly Wilmeth as your guide.

Holly shares her adopted hometown with you as you create a portrait of San Miguel through images of its people. As photographers, we strive to enter the field ready to observe and respond to the magic of life as it unfolds before us. How can we approach our work with an active eye, heart, and mind? To answer these questions, we delve into the inner mechanisms of the creative process as we explore San Miguel de Allende and nearby villages and ranchos. We learn how to use available light to make memorable images while photographing people in their natural environments, working with both hired models and local residents on the streets, at local markets and parks, in their place of business, and in their homes.

We take special care in addressing our individual hopes and aspirations, while also navigating the anxieties that naturally arise when making photographic portraits. Holly leads daily discussions and reviews of work in progress, followed by morning exercises and afternoon assignments designed to facilitate the individual creative process.

Join Holly for a journey of discovery as you learn techniques for revealing your spirit through image-making.