Step beyond the ordinary and into the heart of Oaxaca for an unforgettable, behind-the-scenes exploration of mezcal culture and craftsmanship. With celebrated photographer Jordan Hughes as your guide, you’ll refine your photography skills while capturing the rich spirit and traditions of this storied region.

This is more than a workshop—it’s an immersive, hands-on adventure. From distillery visits and curated mezcal tastings to guided creative sessions and breathtaking shoots at golden hour, Copita Camera is where creativity meets cultural connection.

*PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A PAID EXPERIENCE. Attendees are responsible for their own flights, lodging, and meals. Banhez Mezcal Artesanal provides exclusive access to agave fields, distillery locations and producer subjects, expert-led tastings and demonstrations, and educational sessions with Jordan.

For more information on the experience, terms & conditions, please click here.

  • Elevate your skills through immersive workshops and real-world shoots, including cocktail styling, bottle shots, portraiture, and environmental storytelling under the expert guidance of Jordan Hughes.

  • Learn to capture compelling narratives that spotlight the mezcal-making process—from smoky distillation and fire-lit tastings to golden hour agave fields and the faces behind the craft.

  • Go behind the scenes with exclusive access to traditional agave cultivation, fermentation, and distillation. Engage directly with the Banhez co-op and brand leaders to deepen your understanding of the craft spirits industry.

  • Produce high-quality, unique visuals for personal or professional use, with the potential for your work to be featured in Banhez marketing campaigns.

  • Join a tight-knit group of photographers, creators, and industry pros in an inspiring environment designed to push your creative boundaries and refine your artistic voice.

  • Soak in the rich heritage of Oaxaca through its landscapes, food, and traditions—and return home with not just stunning imagery, but a deeper appreciation for mezcal, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

  • ARRIVE IN OAXACA AND TRANSFER TO EJUTLA: Begin your journey with a scenic transfer from Oaxaca city to Ejutla, the heart of Banhez Mezcal production.

  • CHECK-IN AT PARAÍSO BANHEZ: Get settled into your accommodations nestled within the mezcal-producing region, where tradition and community come together.

  • WELCOME DINNER & CREATIVE KICKOFF SESSION: Enjoy a warm welcome meal with fellow participants followed by an inspiring introductory session covering the principles of editorial and documentary-style photography, setting the tone for the creative days ahead.

  • EXPLORE THE PALENQUES AND AGAVE FIELDS: Immerse yourself in the rich terrain of Oaxaca’s agave landscape with guided visits to working palenques and the agave fields that fuel mezcal's story.

  • CAPTURE THE MEZCAL-MAKING PROCESS: Document the stages of mezcal production—from roasting to fermentation to distillation—through hands-on photography experiences.

  • PORTRAITURE & ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS: Participate in focused creative workshops designed to hone your skills in capturing compelling portraits and natural scenes that reflect the soul of the Banhez community.

  • JOURNEY TO OAXACA CITY: Travel from Ejutla into the vibrant cultural center of Oaxaca for the next phase of storytelling.

  • LEARN BRAND-DRIVEN CONTENT CREATION: Gain insights into how to align your photography with brand storytelling goals, including editing techniques and content strategy discussions.

  • SHOOT ON-LOCATION AT A LOCAL OAXACA BAR: Put your skills to the test with an on-location beverage photography session, capturing real-world brand imagery in an authentic Oaxaca hospitality setting.

  • MORNING WRAP-UP AND GROUP REFLECTION: Share highlights and reflections with the group, revisiting your favorite images and insights from the trip.

  • DEPART OAXACA: Say farewell to Oaxaca with a refreshed creative eye, new connections, and a rich portfolio of mezcal-focused content.

Jordan Hughes is a Portland-based creative working at the intersection of food, beverage, and visual storytelling. As a commercial photographer, videographer, recipe developer, and social media consultant, Jordan has partnered with various brands, bars, and restaurants across the industry. In 2017, he launched the Instagram and blog High-Proof Preacher, which quickly gained national attention with features in Forbes, AskMen, Liquor.com, and VinePair, and won both the Editor’s and Reader’s Choice for Best Drinks Instagram 2019 from Saveur Magazine. Today, Jordan runs his online learning platform, Cocktail Camera, where he teaches the art of food and beverage photography and video. Having worked closely with Banhez Mezcal over the years and traveled to Oaxaca to visit their mezcaleros, Jordan brings a deep appreciation for the people, craft, and culture behind the spirit—making this experience a full circle.

  • Copita Camera is an immersive photography and mezcal experience in Oaxaca, led by photographer Jordan Hughes. Participants gain exclusive access to Banhez Mezcal's production process, refining their photography skills while capturing the essence of Oaxacan craftsmanship.

  • This experience is ideal for photographers, content creators, and spirits enthusiasts eager to enhance their skills in beverage, portrait, and documentary-style photography within a real-world brand setting.

  •  Attendees will:

    • Master beverage and documentary photography through hands-on workshops.

    • Learn to style and capture compelling cocktail and bottle shots.

    • Develop visual narratives highlighting the mezcal-making process.

    • Improve shooting in dynamic conditions like fire-lit tastings and golden hour agave fields.

    • Engage with Banhez’s co-op and brand leaders to deepen industry knowledge.

    • Create high-quality visuals with potential for feature in Banhez marketing.

  •  The experience encompasses:

    • Arrival in Oaxaca and transfer to Ejutla.

    • Check-in at Paraíso Banhez accommodations.

    • Welcome dinner and creative kickoff session.

    • Exploration of palenques and agave fields.

    • Hands-on photography sessions capturing the mezcal-making process.

    • Portraiture and environmental photography workshops.

    • Journey to Oaxaca City for brand-driven content creation insights

  • Copita Camera is a paid experience. Attendees are responsible for their own flights, lodging, and meals. Banhez provides exclusive access to distillery locations, expert-led tastings, and educational sessions with Jordan Hughes. More information on booking accommodations will be provided to accepted applicants.

  • To apply for Copita Camera, please fill out the application form available on this page.

  • The application includes submitting a short video (2 minutes max) where you share a bit about yourself and your photography background, why you’re interested in attending Copita Camera, and how you plan to apply the skills learned from the experience.

    The video doesn’t need to be professionally produced—we encourage creativity! It can include still photos, video footage, stop motion, voiceover, or captions—whatever format best reflects your style and story!

  • Applicants will be notified via email no later than July 15. If selected, you'll receive next steps including payment details, what to pack, and guidance on booking accommodations and travel.

  • Copita Camera is designed to be accessible to a range of skill levels. While a basic understanding of camera settings is preferred, Jordan Hughes and the team provide hands-on instruction throughout the experience — making it perfect for intermediate creators looking to push their craft further.

  • Participants are encouraged to bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses (especially prime or wide-angle for low light and environmental shots), a laptop for editing, and any personal accessories (tripods, lights, batteries, memory cards). A packing guide will be provided in advance.

  • All workshops and sessions are conducted in English. However, there will be interactions with local mezcaleros/as and community members where Spanish is spoken — Banhez team members and local hosts help with translation where needed.

  • Copita Camera is a small-group experience to foster collaboration, feedback, and one-on-one time with Jordan. Expect around 6–10 participants to allow for a close-knit, immersive environment.

  • Yes. Group transport is provided from Oaxaca City to Ejutla and for all scheduled activities. Attendees are responsible only for flights to and from Oaxaca City.

  • Upon acceptance, attendees receive terms outlining deposit requirements, refund windows, and policies around cancellations or travel changes. Travel insurance is recommended.

  • Yes. The Banhez team ensures that all locations are safe and respectful of local communities. Guests are advised to stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and follow guidance for food and water consumption.

IF YOU HAVE FURTHER INQUIRIES ABOUT COPITA CAMERA, FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT USING THE FORM BELOW: