Oaxaca City Photo Session - What to Expect During Your Photo Session

Oaxaca City Photo Session

Discover Oaxaca City through a professional 1-hour photo session, capturing stunning sights and authentic moments with expert guidance for memorable souvenirs.

If you’re heading to Oaxaca and want to turn your memories into high-quality, artistic photos, the Oaxaca City Photo Session is a fantastic option. Led by Paco Cuevas, a seasoned photographer with six years of experience working with the State Tourism Secretariat, this experience promises not just pictures but a curated photographic journey through the city’s most photogenic spots. For travelers eager to skip awkward selfies or strangers’ camera skills, this private or small-group session offers a professional touch that truly highlights the beauty of Oaxaca.

What we love about this experience is the expert guidance on timing and locations, ensuring you get those perfect shots at the best light. Plus, the digital delivery of high-resolution photos with some retouching means you’ll walk away with souvenirs that look as good online as they do printed. The slight downside? The tour lasts just an hour, which might feel brief for die-hard shutterbugs wanting a more extensive shoot. Still, for those wanting a quick, meaningful photographic keepsake, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for couples, families, friends, or solo travelers eager to document their trip with style and professionalism.

Key Points

Oaxaca City Photo Session - Key Points

  • Expert Photographer: Paco Cuevas’s background ensures high-quality, well-composed photos.
  • Prime Locations: Starts at the iconic Santo Domingo and explores Oaxaca’s most colorful spots.
  • Fast Delivery: Photos arrive digitally within 3-5 days, ready for sharing or printing.
  • Private Experience: Only your group participates, making it personalized and flexible.
  • Affordable Value: At $97.49, you get around 30 high-res photos, which is a good deal considering the quality.
  • Convenient Meeting Point: Located in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic center, easily accessible.

The Heart of the Experience: Location and Itinerary

Oaxaca City Photo Session - The Heart of the Experience: Location and Itinerary

The tour kicks off at C. Macedonio Alcalá 640, right in the lively heart of Oaxaca’s historic center. From this central starting point, Paco guides you through some of the most photogenic corners of the city. The first stop is the Temple of Santo Domingo, one of Oaxaca’s most emblematic landmarks, famous for its stunning baroque architecture. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to capture the intricate facade, the towering columns, and the vibrant colors that make this site so photogenic. Paco emphasizes timing here, knowing the best hours to photograph the temple to catch the light just right — a detail that makes a real difference in your photos.

From there, the streets open up as Paco takes you through the colorful, lively streets of Oaxaca’s historic center. Expect to explore narrow alleys, bustling markets, and charming plazas, each offering unique backdrops filled with vibrant murals, colonial architecture, and local life. Paco’s familiarity with the city means he knows where to find those authentic moments that will make your photos stand out — whether it’s a street vendor, a local artisan, or a view of the cityscape.

The entire session lasts about 1.5 hours, a duration that balances a comfortable pace with enough time to capture a variety of scenes. You’ll likely revisit some spots for different angles, with Paco guiding you on the best light and composition. The tour ends back at the meeting point, ideally leaving you with a collection of lively, authentic images that reflect both the beauty and spirit of Oaxaca.

What to Expect During Your Photo Session

Oaxaca City Photo Session - What to Expect During Your Photo Session

When you book this tour, Paco provides a friendly and professional experience, ensuring you’ll feel comfortable in front of the camera. He offers guidance on posing, framing, and using natural light — invaluable tips for producing photos that you’ll cherish. Along With his photographic expertise, Paco includes bottled water for each participant, a thoughtful touch for staying refreshed as you explore.

The photos delivered are high-resolution, suitable for posting on social media or printing out as souvenirs. Paco personally retouches light, shadow, and color, meaning your images will look polished but still natural — no over-the-top filters. Deliveries are made via Google Drive or Dropbox within 3-5 days, giving you a quick turnaround to relive the experience.

The session is tailored for small groups or private bookings, which means your family, friends, or partner can enjoy a personalized experience without the distraction of strangers. If you have specific requests, Paco’s flexibility makes it easy to customize the shoot within the scheduled time.

The Value of a Professional Photo Tour

Oaxaca City Photo Session - The Value of a Professional Photo Tour

At $97.49 per person, this experience offers significant value, considering you’ll receive 30 or more high-quality images. Compared to hiring a photographer for a full session, this shorter tour is budget-friendly and focused on key vistas. Plus, the fact that Paco has worked in tourism photography means he’s adept at capturing not just the sights but the feeling of being in Oaxaca — lively, colorful, and full of character.

Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the photos, with one noting that Paco was “accommodating and flexible,” and the images turned out “very high quality.” Such positive feedback underscores the professionalism and care Paco puts into his work.

While the session is relatively brief, it is designed to maximize the visual impact of your trip, making it ideal for travelers with limited time but high expectations for memorable photos.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Oaxaca City Photo Session - Who Should Consider This Tour?

This photo session is perfect if you’re looking for a professional souvenir of Oaxaca, especially if you want more than just selfies. It’s great for couples wanting romantic shots, families eager to capture genuine moments, or solo travelers who prefer a polished, artistic record of their journey. If you’re someone who values high-quality images and a knowledgeable guide to help you find the best spots, this experience will suit you well.

However, if you’re seeking a lengthy photoshoot or want to explore more remote or extensive locations outside Oaxaca’s historic center, you might find the 1.5-hour, city-focused tour a bit limited. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own way to the meeting point, which is conveniently located but worth considering for those arriving from outside the immediate area.

The Sum Up

Oaxaca City Photo Session - The Sum Up

For travelers wanting a quick but meaningful way to preserve their Oaxaca memories, this photo session offers an authentic, professional, and fun experience. Paco’s expertise ensures you get stunning, lively images that truly reflect the spirit of Oaxaca, all while exploring some of the city’s most iconic and colorful spots. The digital delivery makes sharing your trip with friends or printing a keepsake simple and accessible.

This tour is best suited for those who value quality over quantity and want a guided, personalized photography experience. It’s especially appealing to couples, families, or solo travelers who are ready to turn their trip into a visual story. At a reasonable price with flexible timing, it provides a great way to enhance your Oaxaca adventure with a professional touch.

✨ Book This Experience

Oaxaca City Photo Session



5.0

100% 5-star

“It was a joy to be with Paco for the photo session. Paco was accommodating and flexible throughout the experience. And best of all, the photos are …”

— EvanGiorgio D, Jun 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Oaxaca City Photo Session - Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the photo session last?
The session lasts approximately 1.5 hours, covering key spots in Oaxaca’s historic center.

What is included in the price?
You get a digital gallery of 30 or more high-resolution photos, with some retouching for light, shadow, and color.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at C. Macedonio Alcalá 640, in the heart of Oaxaca’s historic district.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just yourself and perhaps a smile! Paco provides bottled water, but no specific equipment — he handles the photography.

Is this a private tour?
Yes, only your group participates, making it a personalized experience.

When will I receive the photos?
Photos are delivered via Google Drive or Dropbox within 3-5 days after the session.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Is transportation included?
Transport is not included; you’ll meet at the designated location in the city center.

Is this suitable for children or pets?
Most travelers can participate, including service animals. For others, it’s best to check with Paco for specific needs.

What if I want to customize my experience?
Since this is a private activity, you can discuss your preferences directly with Paco, who is flexible and accommodating.

In summary, the Oaxaca City Photo Session is a practical, enjoyable way to add a professional photographic touch to your trip. With expert guidance, iconic locations, and high-quality images, it’s an excellent option for travelers who want to bring home authentic visual memories of Oaxaca.