Why offer workshops in Antigua, Guatemala?

We felt the need to produce workshops outside of the United Sates in order to provide a completely different feel and background for our students. The town of Antigua was selected because of its magnificent beauty, ancient heritage, and wonderful indigenous people. With its surrounding majestic volcanoes, cobblestone streets and rich, saturated colored buildings, Antigua is quite simply a photographic paradise. In addition, it’s relative proximity to the United States and Los Angeles (about 5 hours nonstop) makes it an an easy travel adventure.

Will you be offering workshops in Antigua just this one time or into the future?

We believe that students will have such a great time photographing in Antigua that we envision this new programming becoming a staple of our curriculum into the distant future.

I’d love to go, but I see you’re offering four workshops during 2012. Which one should I choose?

You can enroll in any one of the four workshops:  1) xxx with Phil Borges; 2) Mastering Your Flash with Julia Dean; 3) xx with Greg Gorman ; 4) xxx with Joyce Tenneson. A basic understanding of photography fundamentals is required for all the workshops. If you’re uncertain regarding your level of experience or wish to receive more information for a specific workshop, please call 323-464-0909.

I see two payment options: 1) Full, 2)  Deposit. Can you explain?

You may select one of two payment options (Full or Deposit) for each workshop. Selecting “Full” pays your entire tuition of $1795. Selecting “Deposit” ($200) holds your place in a given workshop. The balance of $1595 will be due by November 1st.  You are responsible for booking airfare and securing a hotel reservation.

What does the workshop fee include?

The workshop fee includes class tuition, opening & closing night cocktail parties and reception, five lunches (Monday-Friday) at Porta Hotel Antigua, Monday & Wednesday evening instructor presentations, and Tuesday evening portfolio night.

What does the workshop fee not include?

The workshop fee does not include airfare, hotel, transportation to & from La Aurora International airport in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and evening meals.

How far is Antigua from Guatemala City, Guatemala and how do I get there?

Although located roughly 25 km (about 15 miles) from Guatemala City, getting to Antigua will take about 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Upon arrival in La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, Guatemala, you will need to secure transportation to Antigua. Taxis wait outside the airport’s arrival exit. Official fares are posted on a sign here, but in reality you may have to pay a bit more, $35 USD (not including tip) one-way to Antigua. Be sure to establish the price before getting in. A tip is expected. Shuttle buses are also available and more economical if traveling with more than one person. Car rentals are available as well.

I see the dates for the workshops are listed January 30 – February 3. Are those the actual dates for the workshops?

Each workshop will run Monday – Friday, January 30 – February 3, 9 am – 5 pm. However, check-in will take place on Sunday, January 29th, 2-4 pm, followed by an opening reception/cocktail party from 4-6 pm. Consequently, we strongly recommend an arrival date in Antigua, Guatemala for Saturday, January 28th. The workshops will end on Friday, February 3rd, following a closing reception/slide show presentation from 6-8 pm. Saturday, February 4th will be the departure date from Guatemala. To obtain a full workshop/photo festival schedule please click here.

Where will check-in and the opening reception/cocktail party take place?

Porta Hotel Antigua, located at 8a Calle Poniente #1  in Antigua, Guatemala.

Where are the actual classrooms?

The classrooms and actual workshops will be based at Porta Hotel Antigua in a courtyard/compound directly across the street from the hotel’s main entrance.

What’s the weather like in Antigua during January and February?

Antigua enjoys a delightful climate almost year-round. Its location in a valley at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level ensures that it never gets excessively warm. Additionally, Antigua traditionally enjoys its “dry” season during December – February, ensuring that visitors will normally not require rain gear. However, this time period can often become quite chilly, especially during the evenings, with arrival from the north of frequent cold fronts coinciding with the northern hemisphere’s winter season. Days are usually pleasant with temperatures in the mid to upper 70’s,

What should I wear in terms of clothing and shoes?

During the daytime, t-shirts or shorts can be worn with temperatures approaching 80 degrees. However, during the evening warms clothes are recommended with temperatures cooling off to the mid-low 60′s. Further, concrete houses with tile floors are the most popular form of architecture and aren’t typically heated or carpeted, making it feel even colder. Antigua’s streets are lined with cobblestone, making it a requirement to bring appropriate footwear. Tennis shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended.

Can you let me know the currency in Guatemala and the exchange rate?

The quetzal (local pronunciation: [keˈtsal]) is the currency of Guatemala. The current exchange rate is approximately 8 quetzals for $1 USD. Two excellent websites for the current exchange rate are CoinMill.com and XE.com.

What is the voltage in Guatemala and what kind of adapter should I bring?

The voltage in Guatemala is the same as in the United States, 110. It’s recommended you bring a two/three prong adapter.

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