About Us
Explore by Foto Marlin
Journey into the heart of photography and adventure with Explore by Foto Marlin. Born from the Foto Marlin family's insatiable wanderlust, Explore channels the spirit of adventure that has always defined us. Our family has roamed 'off the beaten path' for years, captivated by the world's hidden treasures. Now, we're thrilled to relaunch our expeditions under the Explore brand, inviting you to join us in discovering the world’s most breathtaking and spectacular destinations.
Based in Basel, Switzerland, Foto Marlin has long served as a trusted guide in the world of photography, uniting individuals through visual storytelling and self-expression. With Explore, we're taking this journey to new heights, introducing captivating expeditions to Mexico, Romania, and Switzerland in 2024, with more to come.
Our adventure begins in Mexico from October 21st - November 3rd, 2024 – an opportunity open to a select few. Explore offers you a chance to create unforgettable memories and breathtaking photographs, uncovering the world's wonders with a like-minded community.
Join us on this visual odyssey, where the Foto Marlin family's love for travel and photography meets your desire to explore the extraordinary. Discover the world with us. Your adventure awaits.
Based in Basel, Switzerland, Foto Marlin has long served as a trusted guide in the world of photography, uniting individuals through visual storytelling and self-expression. With Explore, we're taking this journey to new heights, introducing captivating expeditions to Mexico, Romania, and Switzerland in 2024, with more to come.
Our adventure begins in Mexico from October 21st - November 3rd, 2024 – an opportunity open to a select few. Explore offers you a chance to create unforgettable memories and breathtaking photographs, uncovering the world's wonders with a like-minded community.
Join us on this visual odyssey, where the Foto Marlin family's love for travel and photography meets your desire to explore the extraordinary. Discover the world with us. Your adventure awaits.
Mexico I Oct 21 - Nov 3, 2024
Upcoming Expedition
Together with acclaimed National Geographic photographer Rubén Salgado Escudero and local expert and guide César Leyva, the first expedition of its kind will guide modern-day travellers on a magical journey of Mexico's most photogenic locations. Through their knowledge of the local culture, technical aspects of photography, and storytelling methods, we offer photographers of all levels a way of seeing and experiencing different parts of Mexican culture and landscape.
Set to take place from October 21st to November 3rd, 2024, the expedition will start in Mexico City and end in Oaxaca.
What to Expect
Expedition Overview
This particular expedition has been designed to guide you through the most photogenic locations of Mexico, away from the quintessential tourist trails, whilst allowing you to perfect your photography skills. Our aim is to help you create a work of art through our experts knowledge of the local culture, technical aspects of photography, and storytelling methods. We seek to offer photographers of all levels a way of seeing and experiencing different parts of Mexican culture and landscape.
Unlike classes or workshops at our studio, expeditions are zestful and fleet-footed adventures. Having knowledgeable professionals by your side, in the right place and at the right time, will help you capture some of the best images of your life. Aside from learning how to navigate quickly around DSLR and mirrorless cameras, we will show you how to use your inner eye to create images to be eternally proud of. Expect to learn about various techniques to capture images using light, composition, perspective, selective focus, shadows, highlights and more.
Expert Knowledge
Expedition Leaders
Expedition Leader
Rubén Salgado Escudero
Rubén Salgado Escudero is a National Geographic Explorer and award-winning photographer with a decade-long dedication to documenting the human condition worldwide. Born in Madrid, Spain, his upbringing in the United States and England during his formative years shaped his global perspective. After university, he spent a decade in Germany, delving into the world of 3D animation for video games and film.
In 2013, while residing in Myanmar, Rubén embarked on his ongoing project, "Solar Portraits." This remarkable initiative chronicles the impact of solar energy on communities worldwide. His dedication to this project earned him a prestigious National Geographic Society Explorer's Grant in 2019 and a spot in the official National Geographic Exhibitions catalog in 2021- 2024.
Rubén has published several stories in National Geographic magazine, and he frequently collaborates with humanitarian organisations such as the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other NGOs across the globe. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums in over 40 cities and featured in major international publications. Notably, he has won over two dozen international awards including the Sony World Photography Award for two consecutive years and earned recognition in POY Latam (Picture of the Year) twice.
Beyond his lens, Rubén is a sought-after keynote speaker for National Geographic Learning, where he shares his experiences and insights with students and educators of all ages. He has an impressive portfolio spanning over 60 countries and residence in six, including Mexico where he lives since 2017. Rubén speaks four languages including German, enabling him to foster meaningful, cross-cultural exchanges. His exposure to diverse societies has spurred his interest in sociocultural issues, making him a true global storyteller through his lens.
Local Expert & Guide
César Andrés Trujillo Leyva
César Leyva was born in Oaxaca, Mexico and comes from a family with deep roots in the region's rich cultural tapestry. His heritage includes the Zapotec ethnicity from his father's lineage and Mixtec ancestry from his mother's side, representing two of the most prominent ethnic groups in the State of Oaxaca.
All of his academic pursuits unfolded within Oaxaca's borders, significantly influencing his educational journey. César's professional path is deeply entwined with Oaxaca's cultural heritage and ancient traditions, with a primary focus on communication, photography, and videography – passions that now constitute the cornerstone of his work.
As a communications specialist, César holds expertise in cultural management and audiovisual production. His extensive experience in leading and organising diverse trips and excursions reflects his commitment to showcasing the rich diversity of Oaxaca.
He is also a co-founder of Colectivo Lú'be Comunicación, a multidisciplinary collective and audiovisual production company. The name, which translates to "His eye, their eyes, their sight, their vision" in Zapotec, captures the collective's mission to offer unique perspectives on the eight distinct regions that comprise the State of Oaxaca.
Expedition Director, Explore Mexico
Rubén Salgado Escudero
"
Photography for me is a passport to connect with the world. My camera allows me to nurture my curiosity, spark conversation and create meaningful exchanges with the tapestry of life that surrounds me. Oaxaca, in particular, holds a very dear piece of my heart. It is the first place I moved to when arriving in Mexico in 2017, I am still taken aback by its mysticism and creativity, and lighthearted and genuine nature of its people.
"
Preview
Expedition Itinerary
Starting off in Mexico City on 21st October, embark on a captivating photography expedition which soon takes you to Oaxaca, Mexico, immersing yourself in the rich culture and craftsmanship of this vibrant region. From the colourful pottery of Atzompa to the bustling markets of Nochixtlan and Yanhuitlán's historic treasures, you'll journey through a tapestry of artistic traditions. Explore the intricate world of textiles in San Antonino and delve into the magic of Alebrijes in Tilcajete and black clay pottery in Coyotepec.
Visit art centres, marigold producers, and mezcal distilleries, capturing the essence of Oaxaca's cultural diversity. Your photography adventure will also take you to stunning natural wonders like Hierve el Agua waterfalls and the Zapotec archaeological site of Dainzu. Along the way, discover the secrets of traditional rug weaving in Teotitlan, the artistry of beeswax candles, and the serene atmosphere of the Teotitlan pantheon. This journey promises an unforgettable blend of artistry, history, and natural beauty, all awaiting your lens.
Visit art centres, marigold producers, and mezcal distilleries, capturing the essence of Oaxaca's cultural diversity. Your photography adventure will also take you to stunning natural wonders like Hierve el Agua waterfalls and the Zapotec archaeological site of Dainzu. Along the way, discover the secrets of traditional rug weaving in Teotitlan, the artistry of beeswax candles, and the serene atmosphere of the Teotitlan pantheon. This journey promises an unforgettable blend of artistry, history, and natural beauty, all awaiting your lens.
Previous Expeditions by Foto Marlin
Places Explored
Foto Marlin
Company Overview
Foto Marlin is a family-run specialist photography and videography business that has been operating for over two decades. Deeply rooted in Basel's local community, they are a people-first company, utilising the art of image-making to forge connections among individuals. With unwavering confidence and extensive expertise, Foto Marlin serves as a trusted photography retailer and guide. Their mission is to unite people through visual storytelling and empower visual self-expression. Committed to both people and the environment, they prioritise the quality of their equipment while maintaining a friendly, authentic, and witty approach. Foto Marlin stands as a dedicated partner in their customers' creative endeavours.