Total Solar Eclipse, Mazatlan 2024

On April 8, 2024, at 10:51 am, Mazatlan Mexico will be plunged into the complete darkness of night.  The last time a total eclipse happened in North America was in 2017, the next time this will happen won’t be until 2044. The longest duration of the eclipse; 4 minutes and 27 seconds, will take place in Mazatlan. The trajectory of the eclipse will project a path of night from Mazatlan to Maine.

Of all the places to experience and photograph along the path of the “Great American Solar Eclipse” of 2024, we chose Mazatlan. This choice was obvious, Mazatlan offers the sunniest skies. In the United States, the path of the eclipse is from Texas to Maine, here, the best you can hope for is a 50/50 chance of clear skies. Mazatlan has an over 80% chance of clear skies. Mazatlan has an international airport with lots of flights from the US, making it easy to access. Mazatlan has incredible countryside and rich cultural history, which makes it a wonderful destination for photographers.

We have developed this workshop to optimize this rare opportunity to capture a Total Eclipse of the Sun.

Itinerary

April 5,

Arrive at the airport, we will pick you up and get you settled at your hotel. Orientation and welcome dinner.

April 6,

We drive the famous “Espinazo del Diablo Highway” into the Sierra Madre Mountains. Bring your long lens for birds and your landscape filters for the rugged natural beauty. In the evening we will walk through Mazatlan’s historical district and the Cathedral Mazatlán Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción.

April 7,

Our adventure today begins with the Las Labradas Nature area and Archeological site. In the evening we will have a sunset stroll of Mazatlan’s Malacon a miles-long beach walk.

April 8,

The big day! The eclipse will be full at 10:51 am but we will be up early for preparation and travel to our selected location.  While the eclipse only happens for 4 and 1/2 minutes we will be prepared and will work with you to ensure that your camera is set for a stunning capture. In the afternoon we will visit the Tequila Distillery La Vinata “Los Osuna” The last night will be a farewell dinner at one of Mazatlan’s many fine dining restaurants.

April 9,

Transportation to the airport for trip home.

Physical Ability:

This workshop includes a fair amount of walking city streets or historical locations. Typically the streets and sidewalks are cobblestones or uneven pavement. You should expect a moderate level of physical exertion.

Photographic Subject and Instruction:

During this workshop, we will provide guidance and instruction on the following styles of photographic subjects, street photography, landscape photography, and bird photography. As a result, you will have the opportunity to practice and improve these skills. If you are into photographing birds, bring your bird lens as there will be opportunities to expand your life list.

Instruction will be primarily one on one, with some group field demonstrations. While there is no classroom instruction during this workshop, we welcome the opportunity to review your work individually and help you realize your photographic goals.

Safety

Photographing a Solar Eclipse requires special precautions. Whenever any part of the photosphere of the sun is visible, it is essential to view the Sun through a special solar filter. Such filters are widely available and cost at most a few dollars. We will work with you prior to the workshop to ensure that you have all the proper filters and equipment for safely viewing and photographing the eclipse. Looking at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed Sun without the proper equipment is a recipe for serious and potentially permanent eye injury.

About Your Photography Tour Guides:

John Gregor and Tomy O’Brien are award-winning photographers. Each of them has over 40 years of photographic experience. Gregor has 30 years of experience running workshops and tours, and O’Brien is fluent in conversational Spanish. Both Gregor and O’Brien are experienced travelers and travel photographers, together they have traveled throughout Mexico, having driven over 32,000 kilometers and visited 26 of the 32 Mexican States. Their photography is published in magazines and online worldwide.

Includes ground transportation and guided photography tours to local destinations.

Does not include, food, or transportation to Mazatlan, except for the welcome and farewell dinners.

Accommodations

Once you are registered we will provide lodging information.