For my “treat within a treat,” I booked a private half-day photography tour in Cusco through Amazonas Explorer.

And what a treat it was!  Professional photographer Adriana Peralta met me at my hotel.  After showing her some of my favorite photos I’ve captured, we set off for the San Bas District via Plaza de Armas.

The experience was as much a “tour” as a private photography lesson.  Not only did our personalities mesh, but also she shoots with a Fujifilm camera.  She was, therefore, able to explain and teach me various settings for different types of photos.  Additionally, after capturing shots I generally like to shoot (wide open aperture with shallow depth of field, frame-within-a-frame through doorways and archways, etc.), she taught me street photography.  I learned settings for street, along with how to hold my camera and focus tips.

My favorites out of over 150 photos:

We began in Plaza de Armas where I captured this on the cathedral.

A famous block with 12 sides.  Amazing Inca architecture!

A little bit of street, a little bit of archway!

A courtyard showcasing many artists.

One of many murals.  I captured only part of this very large mural as I love the expression on the child’s face.

I love how this older couple is holding hands going down the stairs.

Adriana teaching how to use sunlight and focus in street photography.

A little kid playing in front of a mural.

This couple didn’t know I was snapping away and capturing their smiles.

It behooves me how cars can move down these narrow streets!  And this one with bikes on top!

Her eyes!

Adriana and I took a break in a cafe for drinks and crepes, which is where I caught this mother and daughter chatting.

Yum yum!

As the sun set, it was time for Adriana and me to connect on WhatsApp and Instagram so we can continue to share photography.  🙂