Why I Chose Querétaro for My First Street Photography Workshop
When I decided to host my first-ever street photography workshop (okay I did do that one workshop in 2022 per request), I knew it had to be somewhere special. Not just visually interesting—but somewhere that would ignite curiosity, challenge comfort zones, and inspire creativity. After years of traveling, shooting, and reacting to photos from around the world, Querétaro, Mexico kept popping up on my radar—and eventually, it grabbed me by the lens.
Let me tell you why.
***this is a collaboration with the
Mexico International Street Photography Festival organization
A City That’s Still Underrated—But Not For Long
When people think of street photography destinations in Mexico, they usually default to Mexico City, Oaxaca, or maybe Guadalajara. But Querétaro? It’s still flying under the radar. That’s exactly what drew me in.
There’s a magic to places that haven’t been over-saturated by tourists and influencers. Querétaro is one of those cities. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colonial architecture, tight alleyways, grand plazas, and neighborhoods layered with stories. You can feel the rhythm of everyday life just by stepping onto the street. Markets buzz. Locals linger. Light spills onto stone in ways that feel cinematic. In short: it’s a visual playground.
But more than that, it feels authentic—and authenticity is the heartbeat of street photography.
I Wanted to Be the Student Too
This will be my first time in Querétaro. That might seem like a weird choice for a workshop leader—shouldn’t I know every corner of the city?
Here’s the thing: I didn’t want to walk you through a pre-scripted tour. I wanted this to feel like what street photography actually is—observing, reacting, adapting. When I shoot in a new city, I rely on instinct, energy, and gut feeling. I want you to see that process up close.
We’ll be exploring together. Watching how the light changes. Following where the sound of music or a heated conversation leads us. This isn’t a teacher pointing out where to stand for the perfect shot. This is a photographer inviting you into his process.
You’ll see how I size up a scene, decide whether or not to engage, and how I move through unfamiliar environments. And I’ll see how you do the same. That’s where the magic happens—when we learn from each other.
Querétaro Is Friendly, Walkable, and Full of Surprises
One of the first things I look for in a street photography location is how people respond to the camera. In Mexico, there’s often a warm, vibrant relationship with photography. Querétaro has a slower pace than bigger cities, which makes it easier to approach moments with intention. People are generally friendly, open, and unbothered by cameras—perfect for learning how to get close without confrontation.
It’s also extremely walkable. The historic center is compact but packed with visual layers. Every few blocks offers a new type of texture: baroque buildings, murals, street performers, local vendors, candid human moments. It’s the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, look deeper, and wait for the story to unfold.
It’s Not Just a Workshop—It’s an Experience
This workshop isn’t about getting portfolio shots (though I think you will). It’s about leveling up your eye, building confidence, and learning how to see. Querétaro offers that in spades.
And when we’re not shooting, we’re still learning—through critiques, conversations, and shared meals. This is more than just a skill-building event. It’s a chance to connect with other photographers, get inspired, and create something lasting.
Join Me on the First Chapter of This New Journey
This is my first workshop. My first time teaching in this format. And my first time in Querétaro. That’s a lot of “firsts.” But to me, that’s the beauty of it.
I’m not showing up with all the answers. I’m showing up ready to shoot, ready to share, and ready to grow—right alongside you.
If that excites you, I’d love to have you join me.
Let’s chase the light, take some risks, and make something unforgettable in the streets of Querétaro.
Tim Huynh | Street Photography 