Semana Santa | Antigua, Guatemala 2020 | April 4-10 with Donna Todd Instructing

What is Semana Santa?

The Spanish tradition of Semana Santa (Holy Week) arrived with the Spaniards to Guatemala in 1524. Almost 500 years later, Guatemala holds one of the most elaborate celebrations in the world … Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday, commemorating the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Semana Santa celebrations in Antigua, Guatemala 2018 ©Donna Todd Incense is used extensively during the celebrations. It is a sacramental used to venerate, bless, and sanctify. Its smoke conveys a sense of mystery and awe. It reminds the devotee’s of the sweet-smelling presence of the Lord. Its use adds a feeling of solemnity to the Mass. The visual imagery of the smoke and the smell reinforce the transcendence of the Mass, linking Heaven with Earth allowing entery into the presence of God. The smoke symbolizes the burning zeal of faith that should consume all Christians, while the fragrance symbolizes Christian virtue.

What makes Antigua unique?

A picturesque colonial Spanish capital of old Central America, it is nowadays a World Heritage Site, and possibly the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala. Founded by the Spanish in XVII century, it is full of historic colonial buildings, churches, cathedrals, markets, and parks.

Semana Santa celebrations in Antigua, Guatemala 2018 ©Donna Todd carrying the crown of thorns during the procession symbolizing Christs death.

AGUA VOLCANO: 93,766m/12,352 ft) a climb up this volcano is recommended for spectacular views of Antigua. Hiking time is about 5 hours from Santa Maria de Jesús or 2 hours from the end of a road that climbs partway to the top.

©Donna Todd

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Airport transfers

All necessary travel throughout the festival (in and around Antigua)

A day with Guatemala native, photographer, and workshop leader Rudy Giron

Local guide on other days

Translator for the group

Accommodations for 7 nights, double rooms, single occupancy

All Breakfasts

All Lunches

2 Group Dinners

Technical and creative Instruction by Donna Todd in the field, and critiques in the classroom. Please see bio below.

Logistics, and classroom critiques by Nancy McCrary. Please see bio below.

What isn’t included:

Travel expenses from your home to Guatemala City and Return

Dinners (unless noted above)

Alcoholic beverages.

PROPOSED AGENDA

4th (Saturday)

We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodations in Antigua.

We ask that you arrive from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.

6 pm: Group Dinner

5th (Palm Sunday)

Breakfast, Orientation, and then Shooting All Afternoon with Donna

6th (Monday)

Breakfast, time to wander, edit, and relax

After lunch we will have a slide show of your best work from the Sunday.

Nancy and Donna will critique and offer advice.

7th (Tuesday)

Breakfast, followed by a trip to the surrounding areas of Antigua.

You’ll see magnificent views of the volcano, the countryside, and small villages

A mid-day break

Followed by an evening of shooting with Donna

8th (Passover)

An early visit to the local markets, where you can see local produce and flowers. Followed by breakfast.

Free time until the late afternoon when shooting begins with Donna.

9th (Thursday)

A late breakfast and slide show of the best of your work

followed by a later afternoon into the evening shooting with Donna.

10th (Good Friday)

Breakfast, free time, and photo preparation for a beautiful group dinner followed with a final slide show.

11th (Saturday)

Returns to the airport. Again, please make flight arrangements mid-morning to mid-afternoon

If you would like to remain in Antigua through Easter Sunday please let us know and we’ll help to accommodate your stay if possible.

NOTE: We will attempt to stick to this agenda as closely as possible. However, we may add other events as the time gets closer, and changes may occur due to situations outside of our control. Also, some students may choose to do other things and that’s fine. Please just let us know if you’re deviating off schedule so we won’t worry. Thank you.

Total $3500 (if paying by check*)

Total $3675 (if paying by credit card)

Click Here to pay by Credit Card

NOTE: This workshop is limited to 10 students

Spouses and partners are invited to join us, to share your room and for meals and local travel for a companion rate of $400 (by check*)

$420 (by card)

Click Here to pay by Credit Card

* To pay by Check email nancy@sxsemagazine.com for instructions. Thank you!

Donna Todd:

Photographer-entrepreneur Donna Todd divides her time between Los Angeles, where she shoots models and actor portraits, and Melbourne, Australia.

Donna was one of the first female photographers in the Australian Press industry. The Melbourne-native spent 15 years as a senior staff photographer in hard news, fashion, and sports. She started what became one of the best known Australian portrait photography studios. Her company turned over a million dollars per year profit and employed a staff of 14.

Todd has intuitive artistic abilities, a dynamic results-driven business sense, and a deep understanding of marketing. To date she has won more than 100 major international photographic awards, has had her photographs and writings published in books, magazines and international exhibitions. Todd is an experienced Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer, Illustrative photographer, Press Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Corporate branding, and Commercial Photographer.

Todd has lived among and photographed indigenous peoples and NGOs in over 20 countries including Mongolia, India, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Nepal, Tibet, Cambodia, Vietnam, Mexico and Indonesia. She is passionate about anthropological photography and has a special interest in Animist belief systems. Regarding her work, she states: “It’s about creating empathy and connection. The greatest thing a photographer can do is to extract the extraordinary from the ordinary. What always remains most important in each individual picture, is that some soul is peeking through”.

www.donnatoddphotography.com

Nancy McCrary:

Nancy McCrary is the Editor and Publisher of South x Southeast Photomagazine, founded in 2011. In 2015 Nancy began South x Southeast Workshops and remains the director. She is the director of South x Southeast Gallery, began in 2017 and exhibiting the work of emerging and established photographers throughout the world. She was co-director of SlowExposures Photography Festival for 8 years. Before South x Southeast Nancy had a career in niche publishing with positions are managing editor and marketing director for several magazines. Shehas reviewed portfolios at PhotoNOLA, LOOK3, SlowExposures, Click! Photo Festival and for private clients. She practices photography but mostly enjoys encouraging, and exhibiting the work of, others.