January!  It is the strange month after that wild ride of busy we photographers take from August through December.  Sometimes January is busy and sometimes it is crickets. I learned along time of ago to embrace those moments of quiet slow and as a result, I take almost every January off. Sometimes I go places and other times I use it to quietly catch up on personal projects.  And in the background I quietly respond to inquiries.

This year was a little different.  I had a few jobs spill over from December thus making my first 10 days just like any other month.  Shooting, invoicing, retouching...etc.  But for the rest of the month I embraced the slowness of the season. I ventured off to Huatulco, Mexico. Have you ever been?  It is beautiful, hot and moves at a slow pace.  Oaxaca state is our favorite in Mexico.  It doesn't have the grand tourist development that other states have.  You will not find night clubs or Starbucks there.  It is known for its indigenous culture and a large part of it is a nature preserve/ national park.  So if you are looking for the sun without the all the chaos of places like Cancun, Oaxaca state it the place to be.  The number one thing to remember is the weather is consistent.  

When you can only free up enough time to be away for a week or two, you want that weather to be great.  We have been a few times and have never once had rain.  Not even a drop!  The odd cloud has rolled in but that is it. Not even around long enough to block much of the sun.  Each day has been in the 30s and the humidity around 70%.  Perfect weather to forget winter.

Another highlight to these Oaxacan adventure is the airport!  Haha.  They have working dogs. Part of the areas commitment to keeping their paradise clean is the making sure tourists don't bring in ANYTHING that they shouldn't.  You will find dogs walking the baggage belt checking every piece of luggage. And when you come to claim your bag you will have to remove you backpacks, purses etc. and let the dogs check them before heading out.  If you have something you shouldn't, they will get you.  Who doesn't love seeing a working dog doing their there thing?!  It always brings a smile to my face.

But now it is February and it is time to get into the studio with all those sweet Fur-tastic faces!