It was well worth the trip to take part in JP Stones' lighting workshop. I booked my spot at relatively short notice, but JP was able to secure a model and find space in his schedule quickly. Communication was clear and comprehensive by email before I arrived in Mexico and JP even recommended a driver to ferry me both ways from my resort in Puerto Vallarta. The first couple of hours were spent going over the basics of lighting so I understood the concepts. After lunch, we headed down to the jungle with the Mexica model, Juan who had spent the lunch hour transforming himself into a Mexica/Azteca Shaman with full face and body make-up and stunning regalia. JP had thought-out three-to-four separate locations and scenarios in the jungle and on the beach and directed me to not only follow his direction but also use my own imagination and cue the model to strike different poses. The whole afternoon was easy-going and you could sense JP's enthusiasm for the whole process, especially when he saw the images evolving in my camera. We finished the shoot on the beach with Juan delighting us all with his fire dancing on the shoreline. I was excited to see my captured images the next day on my computer and I was thrilled with the results. I am even thinking of booking another workshop with JP to shoot the Charros or the Folklore Dancers! What an amazing experience!

I had the honor of joining JP Stones Photography on a photoshoot in Sayulita, MX during my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta. Meeting Juan and experiencing his culture was amazing, being able to record it through photography was one of the best experiences of my life. If photography and culture interests you, I highly recommend signing up for one of his workshops. It will not disappoint!

JP put together an amazing workshop! I had such a blast spending the afternoon with him. He is extremely knowledgeable in a variety of different forms of photography and loves sharing his knowledge and teaching others. He had some amazing spots lined up that would have taken me weeks of research to find on my own. I definitely walked away with some new knowledge and additional tools added to my tool belt. I loved the photos that I walked away with from my trip as well. I absolutely recommend JP to anyone interested!

I booked a workshop with JP as a surprise birthday gift. JP was in constant communication with me as matters developed and was exceptionally organized. The recipient thoroughly enjoyed the experience and learned a great deal. JP, his model, and the entire team worked well together to create an outstanding adventure. JP provides a unique experience rich in culture as well as content. I highly recommend JP and his team for a most memorable day, and some of the best photographs you will most likely shoot.

My mother gifted this experience to me as an early birthday present, and I had no idea what to expect. We arrived in beautiful Sayulita at his office, went over lighting principles and techniques, the importance of lighting, and how it contributes to the story you're telling. I have only worked with outdoor ambient lighting, so this was a great introduction to something I haven't worked a lot with. We then moved to the jungle, where our model, Juan, would be photographed for the day in his Mexica (may-shee-kah) regalia. Juan is a fantastic model to work with, and takes direction very well. We took shots underneath a massive tree in the jungle, and eventually made our way out onto the beach, where there were giant rocks to climb upon and little ponds of still water that we could use for reflection shots. Working with JP one-on-one was an absolute pleasure. He is knowledgeable about photography composition, an extraordinaire at dramatic lighting, and knows how to adapt to different learning styles. We started with training wheels, and by the end of the session, JP gave me full creative control to create the photographs I wanted to see. I never thought I would have the opportunity to photograph a direct descendant of the Mexica tribe. This was an incredible experience and I highly recommend this to anyone who is willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone, is willing to learn, and wants to improve their photography skills.

I am an amateur photographer and have to admit I was afraid I was in a little over my head. I had zero experience shooting portrait style photographs, much less shooting at a jungle location with a full crew and model. The photo shoot was a Christmas present from my wife. When it over, I realized I had just enjoyed the best day I’ve ever had as a photographer. JP was excellent from the very beginning. He corresponded often by phone and email to make sure no detail was left to chance. Once I arrived at his house, he immediately set me at ease and we got to work. We went over the lighting equipment, accessory equipment, and did test shots so I wouldn’t be doing it all for the first time in the jungle. We talked theory, creativity, and technical aspects not only about our upcoming shoot, but about many photo shoot possibilities. Then it was off for a wonderland lunch and more bright and useful conversation about photography. By the time we hit the pre-scouted locations in the jungle and on the beach I was more than ready and very excited. JP, Dan, and Jaun, the model, we a dream to work with. I laughed, sweated, learned, but most of all had a fantastic time. Juan was very easy to work with. He is very experienced yet listened to my ideas and let me get as creative as I wanted. JP was there every step of the way, letting me learn and experiment while filling in my experience gaps with lots of helpful tips and ideas. I would recommend this once in a lifetime creative experience for any photographer. JP provides a stress free, fun, informative, and creative workshop. I plan on returning to build on what I learned. JP is an amazing professional photographer, a great instructor, and a very trustworthy and fun guy to do business with. A few things about the trip. We took a taxi from Puerto Vallarta to and from Sayulita. The trip was 1.5 hours there and 2 hours back. It was 850 pesos (about 45 dollars) each way. JP did offer to set up transportation both ways, and did help get my taxi back to Puerto Vallarta which was a huge help.

JP is an increadible teacher who does not believe in just light theory but actually teaches practicle lighting in the field. The Mexica models are very creative and teach you a lot about their culture and history! I got blessed by one! :) I would highly recommend this workshop. I took back a lot! Looking forward to JP's other upcomming workshops! I know I will be signing up!

This was the most amazing three day workshop ! I have done many workshops with Nikon, Sony, Sigma, and some private workshops in the Philippines, Mexico, and Cuba. This workshop was far better than anything I’ve ever done before. JP was wonderful about asking ahead of time what it was that I wanted to focus on, in my case it was the use of artificial light and how to put a photo shoot together. I was a professional photographer when I was younger but I have always maintained using natural light sources. I bought my first speed light four months before this trip for a shoot in Oaxaca Mexico. I love his approach putting together photo ideas, and sketches, building a storyboard before you head out with the model, you are not just taking photos you are "creating a story" Not only were we using different types of light sources, strobes, and speed lights we were also using a smoke machine to create these amazing photos. All of that is taking place in the middle of a stream in the jungle. Way Cool ! The team that JP has put together were so helpful and that really made the experience more enjoyable. Thanks Dan for keeping track of all the cameras and equipment ! I would highly recommend this to anyone, it does not matter whether you are professional, or amateur or somewhere between. With JP’s approach any skill level will be successful ! I so totally enjoyed watching my wife have such a wonderful time during the three day workshop. This is not “combat photography” where you’re battling with a dozen people to trying to get the “shot” I highly recommend the workshop, and can’t wait to do it again!

As an amateur photographer I’ve been searching for an experience to improve my skills. I was very nervous before the day began and found JP and his staff easy to work which made for an exciting day. The personal attention made for lots of learning. JP asked what I hoped to learn and catered the whole program to my needs. I told him I will definitely return on a future visit and would encourage anyone looking for such a workshop to take advantage of the opportunity. What I accomplished was amazing. Thanks JP for your encouragement, tips and lots of patience.

A year ago, I booked a photography workshop for my husband's birthday but due to a family emergency, was sadly not able to attend. We planned another trip to PV for this February and eagerly signed up once again for JP's workshop. We could not possibly have been happier with our decision! JP and his workshop were worth waiting one year for!! Sadly, though, had we taken the workshop a year ago, we would have now have had two workshops under our belts as we will make JP's workshop part (the best part of) every trip we make again to Puerto Vallarta! From booking, to finish, JP was the ultimate professional. JP asked us a lot of questions before we arrived in PV about our skill levels, what we hoped to accomplish, etc. He truly tailored our trip to our skill set and desires. My husband is a very skilled photographer and I am really pretty much a novice. It was amazing how JP was able to seamlessly and creatively manage our experience being that we are at completely different levels of skill. Our workshop started late due to our flight being cancelled because of snow in Seattle. JP did not miss a beat in re-thinking our workshop to make sure that we would be able to maximize what we could in a now shorter period of time. JP was patient with me every step of the way, finding a new way to explain something to me if I did not get it the first, second, or third time! On our first day, we went to a beautiful location in a jungle near the ocean to shoot photos of Juan, our delightful indigenous model. It was such a fabulous experience shooting Juan in his beautiful native costume in the jungle as well as on the beach. JP came prepared with lights, props, smoke, and fire which really helped to make our photos dramatic and special. We had our own camera's but JP encouraged us to also use his Canon which was very educational for me as it really forced me to step outside of my Nikon box! Day two and three were spent shooting two different and wonderful models, Linda and Santos, both who were lovely, kind, eager to please, as well as consummate professionals. Linda was actually photographed from in a river and Santos in JP's studio. Throughout all three days, there was the perfect amount of teaching intermixed with the photo shoots. JP is an excellent photographer but most especially teacher and chief workshop leader! You can tell that he truly loves what he is doing and cares so much about the Indigenous models and their culture. JP also really cared about our experience and went out of his way, every step of the way, to make sure that we were loving our experience, learning new techniques, and coming away with some fabulous images!! JP was wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. We also so appreciated and loved getting to work with Dan, JP's assistant, who was so helpful with the props, helpful making sure we did not fall in the river, helpful with EVERYTHING, and kind and encouraging!! The whole team could not have been more perfect and all contributed greatly to ensuring that we had a perfect experience!! Thank you JP, Dan, Linda, Juan, and Santos for everything! You truly make our trip so very special!!!

As a professional photographer I am always looking for a concept of exceptional beauty. I contacted JP Stones in Sayulita Mexico with a proposal for a shoot that was very important to me. Once we had the plan and he accepted the gig it was on. JP kept in constant contact with updates and details for my approval. As this process went on, I realized that he had everything meticulously planned. He is not only a great photographer but a trustworthy man. You do not have to be a professional to work with him, he has the ability to help you raise your skill level and at the same time feel comfortable on location. If you want the most unique experience, I would recommend contracting a private session. Don’t miss the opportunity.

I’ve lived in Mexico for a while and have always been fascinated by Aztec/Maya culture. This workshop gave me the chance to bring that interest together with my passion for photography. I did the 1 day workshop, but in that time we squeezed a lot in. We worked on composition, lighting and posing models.It was so much more than a normal workshop. Half the day we spent out in the jungle exploring gorgeous locations to shoot in and then setting the lights up to create really amazing photos. I felt like I was on set of a movie or TV show. JP is an absolute professional when it comes to photography and Aztec photography. He has a great personality and kept the workshop very exciting and relevant. I am walking away from this workshop for a deeper appreciation of the Mayan/ Aztec culture and new knowledge of adventure photography. I can’t recommend this enough to amateur or pros. It’s more of an experience than a workshop. This was by far the highlight of the trip. I only wish I had more time to learn from JP and explore the beautiful Jungle.

I did this workshop recently and it was fantastic! I learned a ton, had a great time and went away with some great images! JP does a marvelous job of tailoring the day so that you learn what YOU want to learn. Many thanks JP, Miguel and Juan. Now I want to come back for the three day workshop! :)

I’ve owned a SLR camera for years but only ever used it on auto mode. Not any more! I saw these amazing photos on Instagram and just had to take the workshop. But I didn’t realize how much I would learn on the day, I’m now able to shoot in Aperture Priority mode. I feel like a pro!! This is areal bucket list experience. It’s a mix of a photography workshop and cultural experience. The model, Tekie, was amazing. He explained what her was wearing and how he made it - even the myths behind his facepainy! JP then set up the lights around the model (on a lovely quiet beach near Sayulita) and we started taking photos of Tekie as he did a traditional dance. It was stunning as the sun was setting. And that was just the final location of a great day. Can’t recommend this enough to anyone who wants to come away with ‘real’ Mexico travel photos!

I’m only a hobby photographer, but when I saw this workshop and the opportunity to learn more about lighting and posing - all while being out in the jungle with Azteca models - I had to try it. And I’m so glad I did. The whole day was great. We started in the studio brushing up on skills we would use on the photoshoot. We then drove out to the jungle, where we met the model and set up the lighting equipment. Ir was epic! JP was a great teacher and I’m so glad I gave this a go. Total trip highlight!