Monday, February 27, 2012

5th Anniversary Fiesta at Cantina Habanero

5th ANNIVERSARY FIESTA
CANTINA HABANEROS
Today!!
Monday, Feb 27
Live Music from 4 Live Bands!!
Music Kicks Off at 3 pm.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Introducing Las Casitas -- Coming to Puerto Morelos in Spring of 2012

Las Casitas is Coming to Puerto Morelos in Spring of 2012!


Visit the Las Casitas Website for More Details!!

It Completes the "Must Have" Feature List!
Oceanfront
Close to Town Square
Elevator
Spacious Indoor & Outdoor Living
Quality, Low Maintenance Construction
Beautiful Mexican Hacienda Architecture
Incredible Mexican Furnishings
Totally Turn-Key
Hurricane Windows
First Floor Master Bedroom
Pool & Hot Tub
2, 3, & 4 Bedroom Options


Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Jypsy Playing at Cantina Habaneros on Sunday

Sunday at Cantina Habaneros!!
7:30 p.m.



Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Puerto Morelos Public Sewer Project

Here is a link to an news article about the ongoing sewer project.

Photo Credit: elquintanarroense.com
The Google Translate (mas o menos) English translation:

The governor Roberto Angulo Borge meets families of Puerto Morelos, with the introduction of the sewer network for the benefit of more than 3 000 inhabitants, a work that gives certainty to this tourist destination development and contributes to the "Green Quintana Roo" axis of the Government Plan 2011-2016, said the director general of the Committee on Water and Sewerage Authority (CAPA), Jose Alberto Alonso Ovando.explained that the state through the CAPA and the Federation through the National Water (Conagua), invest a total of 10 million 300 thousand 741 pesos, from the Program Water and Sewer and Sanitation in Urban Areas (APASZU) for the construction of this work along the coast of Puerto Morelos, municipality of Benito Juarez. explained that the work presents physical progress of 31 percent, and involves the introduction of 3 000 750 meters of PVC sanitary pipe and installation of 867 sanitary discharges, benefiting 3 000 902 inhabitants of this strip, which will have a comprehensive sanitary sewer system, a work that will guarantee public health and reduce the risk of contamination to groundwater. Jose Alberto Alonso Ovando emphasized that in Karachi the CAPA invests over 300 million pesos in 16 actions that are in process, which are mainly drainage and sanitation, due to the priority of the head of the state to protect the most important tourist destination Upstate. Finally, he emphasized that "Your governor will meet" in Puerto Morelos, since These actions will provide a better service to the population, and ensuring the orderly growth of the area, without affecting the environment to contribute to the preservation of natural resources, according to the axis "Quintana Roo Green" Roberto Borge management Angulo.

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Sodus Point, NY vs. Puerto Morelos, Mexico - Any Questions??

Are You in Puerto Morelos Yet??



Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Puerto Morelos Update

Lots of little things in town to bring you up to speed on:


  • Charity Bazaar this Weekend! Reminder that the Annual El Mundo Para Puerto Morelos Charity Bazaar is this Saturday, from 9 am - 1 pm in the Town Square. More details here.
  • The Annual Swimming Meet (5k, 2.5k, 1.25k) is also Saturday. Swimming starts at 9 a.m. More details here.
  • Tonight, at Casa Caribe, there is a wine tasting event for Argentinian Wines. I attended the last event and it was FABULOUS. If you can; GO!  Reservations required.  More info here.
  • Live Music is everywhere! There is Live Music now nearly every night of the week!  Good Tunes can frequently found at Pangea (behind our office building); David Lau's; El Faro (above Casa Martin Grocery); Cantina Habanero; the newly re-opened Beach Bar Unique (near Casitas Blancas Condos); Sativa; and Bara Bara.

    Any live music events that I get, I will post to the Events Calendar.  (Hint, Hint to Restaurants: Send me your events!!)
  • Sewer Installation: As those of you know who have been in town over the last month, workers are busy installing what is said to be the first (of multiple) phase of sewer drains in Puerto Morelos.  While their timing couldn't be worse, having public sewers is promising! Other than that, I honestly don't know much else about the project. Hopefully more details will surface soon!
  • Workshops every Tuesday at 5 pm! Just a reminder that we are hosting our free workshops every Tuesday at 5 pm.  Learn about Living, Working, & Retiring in Mexico!  See you there!!


Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Jose Canseco is going to be a Cancun Tigre!

You heard right! The Cancun Tigres have signed Jose Canseco.

Can't wait for baseball season to begin!  Here is the Tigres website.  Be sure to plan some games into your social plans this spring!  First game is March 16th.

Thanks to Rob at Alma Libre Bookstore for the "Puerto Morelos Press Release"!

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

"Tales of Mayan Skies" Planetarium Show


"Tale of the Mayan Skies" is a new Planetarium Show!  Is it playing at your local planetarium?  According to the website, it is playing at Merida's Planetarium. [Click the link to view the trailer.] It may be a great excuse to visit Merida (as if you need one) soon!

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chichén Itzá, Mexico, the “seventh wonder of the modern world.” Listen to the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the Maya Skies.

With unprecedented realism Tales of the Maya Skiesimmerses us in Maya science, art and mythology, using full dome digital technology to transport us back into the world of the Maya.

Produced by Chabot Space & Science Center, Tales of the Maya Skies inspires and educates through its description of the Maya’s accurate astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the Universe.


Synopsis:

Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee, Lila Downs, narrates, as Tales of the Maya Skies brings us back to the ancient jungles of Mexico, where the Maya built cities and temples aligned to movements of the Sun, Moon and planets. Over many years they observed and documented astronomical events with great accuracy.

The Maya made sense of an ever-changing world by observing, recording and predicting natural events such as solstices, solar eclipses, weather patterns, and planetary movements. These observations, in combination with a sophisticated mathematical system, allowed them to develop a precise calendar system; their measurements of the length of the solar year were more accurate than measurements the Europeans used as the basis of the Gregorian calendar. The Maya also predicted eclipses, were able to forecast seasonal change and developed the concept of mathematical zero, enabling them to predict events into the future.

Tales of the Maya Skies weaves together this rich combination of science, culture, and legend, immersing viewers in the sounds and sights of an ancient way of life.

Recent deciphering of the Maya hieroglyphics is providing archeologists with new and exciting discoveries. Using three dimensional laser scanning and advanced graphic techniques, the virtual reconstruction of architecture in Tales of the Maya Skies also supports these archeologists in interpreting the ancient sites, and contributes to their conservation.

Funding for the production of Tales of the Maya Skies was provided by the National Science Foundation and the Instituto Politécnico Nacional. It is the first full-dome digital show highlighting a Latin American culture, and Spanish language narration is available.

Tales of the Maya Skies will show in planetariums in the United States, Latin America and around the world.



Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Puerto Morelos Travelog: Edgy June Cleaver finds her Puerto Morelos Groove

Photo Credit: Edgy June Clever
For those of you who follow us on Twitter, you already know that Ms. Edgy June Clever has found her Puerto Morelos Groove!  


For those of you who don't yet know what she's been up to, here's a glimpse of her days here in Puerto Morelos.




Our "Puerto Morelos Travelog" series features blog posts from recent visiting Puerto Morelophiles.  We always enjoy 'seeing' Puerto Morelos from a different perspective!  If you have a travel log that you would like to share, please send us an email!  If you would like to see previous Travel Logs, click the "Puerto Morelos Travelogs" link under the section titled "Search Blog by Topic" in the right column of this blog.

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Artifacts found in Chichen Itza Cenote!

Photo Credit: AmericanEgypt.com
1000s of artifacts have been found in a cenote at Chichen Itza!  Check out the article from American Egypt.


Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Don't Laugh: Puerto Morelos named a "Surprising Spring Break Hot Spot"

Well, Bing Travel has named Puerto Morelos a "Surprising Spring Break Hot Spot".

Photo Credit: Bing Travel


Had Bing Travel named Puerto Morelos a "Surprising Spring Break Spot", I'd be in agreement. However, I don't see Spring Breakers flocking to Puerto Morelos because its "Hot" -- unless they were referring to the temperature.

Sorry, Señor Bing, I am just not seeing it...

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Denver, Colorado vs. Puerto Morelos, Mexico



Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Importing a Foreign Vehicle into Mexico

UPDATE: Since the writing of this article, immigration statuses have changed. Those with Temporary Residency can still temporarily import vehicles. Permanent Residents may not. Those permanent residents with foreign plated vehicles need to remove their vehicles from Mexico.

Recently, I wrote an article about importing foreign vehicles into Mexico.  On Tuesday of this week, I attended a seminar given by a Mexican Customs Official about this very topic. So, I have expanded my original article to include the important points from the seminar.

Please note that this information applies to cars being driven into Mexico with foreign (Canada, USA) license plates.

As an FYI, I recently posted info about shipping your vehicle into Mexico via ferry boat, rather than driving it in.  You can find that article here.

A)  How many vehicles can you import with a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)?

You are allowed a total of one imported vehicle per person. The vehicle's title must be in the name of the person importing it.


B) What documentation do you need to import your vehicle?

  • Passport
  • Valid Immigration Document [See Section E) below.]
  • Vehicle Title OR Current Registration - Whichever you document present would need to be in the name of the person importing the vehicle.
  • Rented or Leased vehicles require an agreement that specifying that you may take the vehicle into Mexico.
  • Financed Vehicles require a permission letter from the bank allowing you to take the vehicle into Mexico.

 C) Where can you purchase your TIP?
  • Mexican Consulates: If you choose to use a Consulate, it is recommended that you solicit the permit 30-60 days prior to the desired importation date in order to have sufficient time for processing.
  • Internet: www.banjercito.com.mx  If you choose to purchase online, it is recommended that you solicit the permit 30-60 days prior to the desired importation date in order to have sufficient time processing and shipping.
  • CIITEV Offices in Mexico (Located at border crossings and ports)


D) What does a TIP cost?


At the time of this article, a TIP cost $44 USD + IVA. In addition to the TIP, you will need to pay a guarantee.  This cost of this guarantee is:
  • Vehicles that are 2007 + = $400 USD
  • Vehicles that are 2001-2006 = $300 USD
  • Vehicles that are 2000 & Older = $200 USD
About the guarantee: The idea of this guarantee is that when you leave Mexico with your vehicle, your guarantee will be returned to you.  In order keep your guarantee valid, each time you renew your visa you must also notify customs to receive an extension. In order to do this, you must jump through a million bureaucratic hoops, the fairy mail gods need to be on your side, AND immigration must time your visa renewal perfectly.  In other words, plan on forfeiting your guarantee unless you are planning to import your vehicle with a tourist visa and are leaving within 180 days. Your TIP will remain valid, even if you have forfeited your guarantee.


E) Who is allowed to import a vehicle?

You are allowed to import a foreign plated vehicle into Mexico if you have a valid immigration status.  Valid immigration statuses are:
  • a "Non-Immigrant / No Inmigrante" visa.  This would include a visa that has a "Tourist" status and a "No Inmigrante" (FM3) visa that has "Rentista" or a Lucrative status. 
  • an "Inmigrante" (FM2) visa that is with "Rentista" status.  
IMPORTANT: If you have a lucrative "Inmigrante" (FM2) visa or an "Inmigrado" visa, you are NOT able to import a car. If you have already imported a car in your name and subsequently, you accept "Inmigrante" visa status, your vehicle's import permit will be invalid. Your vehicle must be taken out of the country prior to accepting the "Inmigrante" status.


F) How long is my permit valid?

When your TIP is issued, it will have an expiration date printed on it. This expiration date does NOT apply, if you continually maintain a valid immigration status. A valid immigration status is any one of the options mentioned in section E) above. Your TIP will automatically renew, as long as your immigration visa is CONTINUALLY maintained.

If you allow your immigration visa to expire, your TIP will become invalid the moment that your visa expires.  If this happens, your only option is to take the vehicle out of the country.

[Note: Most police officers are not well versed in the specifics of TIPs. Often, they assume that the permit has expired when they see the expiration date printed on the TIP.  However, the fact that it renews with your immigration document is mentioned on the back of the TIP. So, if you are stopped and asked by police, you can refer them to this to avoid any confusion.]


If you import a vehicle with a "No Inmigrante" tourist visa:  Your TIP will be only valid for the length of time that your original tourist visa (i.e. the visa that you were issued when you imported the vehicle) is valid.

If enter Mexico with a tourist visa, that visa can be valid up to 180 days.  The actual length of its validity is the amount of time you request when you complete the visa form. (If you did not solicit the full 180 days when you originally completed the visa form, you can return to an immigration office to have it extended for up to a total of 180 days.)

The moment that you leave Mexico and turn in your original tourist visa OR the moment that you allow your original tourist visa to expire, your TIP is no longer valid.

Therefore, if you choose to import a vehicle with a tourist visa, you have 2 options: 1) Leave Mexico in your vehicle before the expiration date of your original "No Inmigrante" tourist visa. 2) Obtain an FM3 before your original "No Inmigrante" tourist visa expires.


G) How do I cancel my Permit?

After you have received your TIP, you are able to come into Mexico and leave Mexico as often as you desire, as long as you continually maintain your valid immigration status.

If you are leaving Mexico with a vehicle that you don't intend to return with, be sure to cancel the permit at the border.  Remember that you are only allowed to import one vehicle per person.  So, if you don't cancel the permit, the vehicle will remain under your name in Mexico's records.  By cancelling the permit, it will allow you to import another vehicle in the future.

If you have an accident and your vehicle is totaled, there is a process to cancel your TIP. You will need to contact Customs for additional information.

If your vehicle becomes disabled, you are responsible for taking your vehicle out of Mexico to cancel the TIP. When you import your vehicle, you sign that you are responsible for your vehicle while it is in Mexico - Period. So, even if you have to tow it out, that is what you have agreed to do.


H) Who can drive my vehicle?
  • The Importer
  • The Importer's Spouse
  • The Importer's Parents/Grandparents
  • The Importer's Children
  • The Importer's Siblings
  • Foreigners with valid migratory status [See Section E) above.]
  • If the vehicle is being driven by anyone else, the importer must be physically present in the vehicle.


I) What are the repercussions of operating a vehicle without a valid TIP or by an unauthorized driver?

If your are operating your vehicle with an invalid TIP or your vehicle is being operated by an unauthorized person [See Section H) above.], the Mexican Authorities have the right to assess fines and permanently confiscate your vehicle immediately.


J) What should I do if I have a vehicle with a TIP that is not valid?

If your TIP is invalid, do not drive your vehicle. Doing so risks the confiscation of your vehicle, plus fines. You must contact Customs for a "Returno Seguro" ("Secure Return"). The Customs office will provide a permission letter providing 3-5 days to remove the vehicle from the Mexico.


K) What documents should I carry in my vehicle?

At minimum, you must carry:
  • your TIP and proof of valid migratory status inside your vehicle
  • have your hologram sticker affixed to the window
  • If someone else is driving the vehicle, they must have proof of their relationship to you and their proof of valid migratory status.


L) Can I sell my vehicle?

No. Vehicles with a TIP cannot be sold, even to another foreigner. Vehicles must be removed from Mexico before being sold.


M) What do I do if I have questions?

Final Note & Personal Opinion: As you now know, importing a vehicle into Mexico can potentially be  cumbersome and limiting for those who are planning to have their vehicle here long term.  Unless you are truly a tourist who is planning to enjoy Mexico and return home, I would recommend that you consider buying a Mexican vehicle. You will still be required to have an FM3 or FM2 visa to purchase a vehicle in Mexico, but the process is much less complicated.



Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Monday, February 6, 2012

New Listing #211034: Affordable, Fully Furnished 3 Bedroom

Affordable + Low Maintenance + Fully Furnished = FANTASTIC!!

Check out this new home for sale in Puerto Morelos!


TWO Master Suites!
Includes a total of 3 Bedrooms + Media/Extra Sleeping Room
3.5 Baths

Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Fire Dancers, Veinte Baros

WOW! Fire Dancers, Veinte Baros

Playing the Didgeridoo

Playing the Didgeridoo with Acrobats!

MEN IN BLUES Onstage!

MEN IN BLUES ARE ROCKING!

Daniel Cortez is Great on Sax!

Daniel Cortez is Great on Sax!

It is time for you to invest in Puerto Morelos! The timing has never been better!


It is time for you to invest in Puerto Morelos!

You've come down on vacation, you've been here to escape the snow, now you're contemplating buying your piece of paradise. Let me tell you that now is a fantastic time to invest!

Puerto Morelos has shown to be an excellent long term investment. While prices are off from their all-time peak, they have held fantastically well in the wake of the worst financial crisis in memory. How many investments can demonstrate this type of stability -- even in rough times?

I am often asked why Puerto Morelos Investments have remained so stable, in comparison to other vacation home markets in Florida, Arizona, and even than other parts of the Mayan Riviera.  Let me tell you why:

  1. Owned Properties! Properties in Puerto Morelos are owned as cash assets. Most Mexican properties are purchased with cash.  Therefore, Puerto Morelos isn't littered with properties in foreclosure. Widespread foreclosure means that neighbors' homes are selling for a fraction of their value, sending prices of all area properties plummeting.
  2. Puerto Morelos is in limited quantity! What you see is what you get! Aside from a few streets that need to be completed, Puerto Morelos is as basically as large as it is ever going to be.  Strict restrictions on density and growth limit its size.  This has created an exclusive enclave of oceanside properties with intrinsic value.
  3. Great Location! As we know, Puerto Morelos is only 15 minutes from the Cancun Airport, and 30 minutes from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.  These great towns can be easily reached when adventure is on your mind, but you can quickly return to the sleepy tranquility of Puerto.
  4. The Puerto Morelos National Park. The National Park is our greatest asset. The reef's forms a barrier to block the big waves, making an excellent beach -- especially for swimmers and children. The Park's protections limit water traffic.  No jet skis, no racing boats, it's unadulterated nature.
  5. Puerto Morelos's Authenticity. Being an authentic Mexican village is our niche among the unique towns along the Mayan Riviera Coast. Our festivals, Casa de la Cultura, local fisherman and market, and holiday celebrations give Puerto Morelos's visitors and authentic glimpse of the relaxed lifestyle that this beach town offers.

So why should you consider investing now?  I truly think that there has never been a better time to buy! We've got some great prices on truly fantastic properties. This isn't picked-over leftovers! We've got reasonable prices on some of the best properties in town at every point.

The long term investment factor in Puerto Morelos is real!  Puerto Morelos is situated to become an exclusive oceanfront enclave of very desireable property. Infrastructural improvements, potential commercial investments on nearby highway property [If you've been following this blog, you know that the Dragon Mart and Medical City Projects are slated for Puerto Morelos.], and the historical stability of the investments made here make strong arguments for investment!

I talk to people all of the time that they want me to tell them about "good deals".  Interested in "good deals"?  Then contact me! We've got great options to offer you!

Have questions about living/working/owning in Mexico? I host a free weekly workshop each Tuesday at 5pm. I would love to chat with you and get your questions answered!




Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wow! My Photography Workshop with Micheal Maurus!

On Monday, I had the pleasure of taking the photography workshop that Puerto Morelian, Micheal Maurus, is offering each Monday and Saturday.

If you own an SLR camera (the kind that you can change the lenses on) and you are relegated to taking photos on "automatic" setting, YOU MUST TAKE THIS WORKSHOP!  If you are a more advanced photographer, some of the basic info may be old hat, but I am confident that Micheal has lots of tricks up his sleeves to share with you to improve your pics.

One day I would love to while away my days leisurely taking photos, but at the moment my photography needs are much more utilitarian in nature. I am busy capturing photos of Real Estate Listings, snapshots for this blog, and occasionally a photo of my kids -- when I remember to do so ;)

Until today, I had never had any type of photography instruction, so terms like f-stops, aperture, focal length, and shutter speeds were a foreign language to me. To date, my photography had consisted of removing my lens cap, setting my camera to "AUTO", and snapping my photos. So, while I was an avid point-and-shooter, my technical photography skills were Zip, Zero, Nada.

I was entered the workshop starting from the absolute beginning. Photography 101.

Well, I am happy to say that by the end of the day, I had the knowledge to control my photos! I am happily freed from the "AUTO" setting!!

Micheal's weekly workshops are held at the lovely Casa Caribe.  The morning is filled with Micheal's patient, simple explanation of basic photography terms and technical concepts.  By lunch, I was comfortable with how a camera captures light to expose a photo and in using the photography terminology that had mystified me before.

We broke mid-day for a great lunch prepared by Casa Caribe's Chef Pablo.

After lunch, with the technical aspects under our belts, we explored the creative side of photography -- Good Composition, Use of Natural Light and Shadows, The Rule of Thirds, and Creating Movement were all themes that were covered.

Throughout the day we took breaks from the lecture portions of the workshop to try our hand at taking photos, using the concepts that we had just learned.  Not only did it break up the course, but it really clarified what we were learning at each stage in an easy, step-by-step approach.

In all, I found the course to be extremely helpful. It was extremely informative, without being overwhelming.

Interested in the workshop? Here is the info! http://www.puertomorelosblog.com/2012/01/attention-photogs-awesome-photography.html

Check out what I learned to do at today's workshop:

In this exercise, we were learning to control the focal point of our photo.
In this photo, I focused on the small flower hanging closest to my camera lens.
This is the same photo as above, but I was able to change my focus to the group
of flowers behind that little lone flower (which is now not in focus).

Similar to the example above, my depth of field was quite shallow in this photo.
I was only able to take this photo by using the manual settings on my camera --
I can't get these results on "AUTO".
The depth of field is deeper (and less interesting) here.
This is representative of the results I would get using the
"AUTO" settings on my camera.


While I need more practice with this technique, we learned how to pan with our
camera to capture action in a "blur" of motion. It's a bit like talking and chewing gum
at the same time. It will take me a bit to get the hang of it. ;)

At the end of the day, we headed to the beach to put it all together to create great photos that are interesting and well composed.  Here are some of my favs:









Twitter and Facebook Readers can view the original post and leave comments at: PuertoMorelosBlog.com.

Amber Pierce-Schulz is the Broker/Owner of Mayan Riviera Properties, specializing in Puerto Morelos Real Estate and Puerto Morelos Vacation Rentals. We are members of AMPI and Federally Certified Realtors.