Every photo tells a story. National Photography Month is celebrated across the country and recognized as a time to honor the art and impact of photography. And during National Photography Month, we’re celebrating the stories that truly matter to us—the ones lived and shared by our students, teachers, host families, our own families and beloved friends and neighbours across Spain.
The month celebrates the invention of cameras and their influence on daily life. It is dedicated to capturing and sharing meaningful moments through photography. National Photography Month was officially recognized by the US Congress, highlighting its national importance.
At Spanish Express, our Spanish Homestay Immersion Program (SHIP) isn’t just about learning grammar and vocabulary. It’s about moments: cooking with your host, laughing during a language mix-up, exploring a quiet village, or dancing during a fiesta. These are the moments our students photograph—and treasure.
This blog is a window into those experiences. A journey through Spain, seen through the lenses of those who have lived the language with us.
Why Photography Matters in Language Learning
Language learning is emotional. You don’t just learn Spanish—you feel it, live it, and remember it through connection. And photography helps anchor those memories, as photos bring memories and stories to life, making language learning more vivid.
Many of our SHIP students take photos throughout their stay to document their progress. What begins as a tourist’s snapshot soon becomes something deeper: a visual diary of growth. A blurry photo of churros and chocolate becomes the memory of learning “¡Qué rico!” from a friendly waiter. A selfie with a host teacher becomes a keepsake of shared laughter after class. Students are encouraged to creatively document their journey through photography.
Photos capture the context that language textbooks often miss—the joy, the surprise, the discovery. Students can brainstorm ideas for photo projects that capture their learning experiences. We also encourage students to write down their thoughts and reflections about the moments they photograph.
Through the Student Lens: Life on SHIP
Our SHIP students live with qualified Spanish teachers in stunning destinations across Spain. That means every day is a blend of structured lessons and spontaneous experiences. Students spend time having fun with their cameras, capturing both planned and spontaneous moments throughout their journey.
One student snapped a picture of her notebook beside a steaming cup of coffee on a terrace in Valencia. The caption read: “Morning verbs + sea breeze = happiness.” Another took a video of her host teacher and her family singing Happy Birthday to her in Spanish, complete with a homemade cake. As they photograph their experiences, students develop an eye for detail that helps them notice the small moments that make their time in Spain unique.
“This was more than a holiday. It felt like I belonged,” wrote Sarah, who studied with Pilar in Valencia. “My photo of the sunset over the Mediterranean reminds me that Spanish is not just a subject—it’s a way of living,” shared Blake, after his stay in Barcelona with me.
Each year, National Photography Month is a special event for students to showcase their growth and memories from their time abroad.
These aren’t travel photos. They’re learning photos—capturing the moment a new word, a new flavour, or a new friendship took root.
Destinations in Focus: SHIP Locations Across Spain
We’re proud to offer SHIP stays in handpicked towns and cities where students can truly connect with the culture, nature, and daily life of Spain. Students are encouraged to practice photography in their own backyard or immediate surroundings, making the most of accessible and familiar spaces. Many students use smartphones to capture and share their experiences, making photography easy and spontaneous.
Local museums often become favorite spots to visit or photograph, offering a glimpse into Spain’s rich artistic and cultural heritage. Students from around the globe come together to share their photographic journeys, creating a vibrant and diverse community.
Each destination offers unique memories and images created by students, reflecting their personal perspectives. Students’ photos are often displayed in online galleries or exhibitions, celebrating their creativity and achievements.
Here’s how each destination shines through the camera:
Barcelona: City, Dosrius, and Castelldefels
Barcelona City
Learning Spanish here feels like living in a postcard. In the heart of the city, our students don’t just study—they soak up Barcelona.
Picture yourself scribbling new phrases in your journal beneath the gargoyles of the Gothic Quarter, decoding Gaudí’s mosaics at Park Güell, or ordering your favourite tapas in perfect Spanish in a buzzing El Born tavern.
But with SHIP, you’re not just in the city. Ana and I make sure you experience both the lively rhythm of Barcelona and the quieter, deeper connections beyond the tourist trail. You’ll live the city like a local, not a visitor.
Dosrius
Tucked away in the hills of Spain’s very first “Park of Silence,” Dosrius offers a rare kind of quiet that helps your Spanish sink in deeply, surrounded by whispering pines, hidden trails, and the gentle rhythm of rural life.
You’ll start your mornings with mist curling through the forest, maybe spot donkeys or horses grazing nearby, and finish the day with fireside dinners and slow, meaningful conversations. It’s peaceful and authentic, the kind of place where time stretches and language settles in naturally.
Just 20 minutes by car from the coastal capital of Mataró and 45 minutes by train to the heart of Barcelona, Dosrius gives you the best of both worlds: rural calm with the city always within reach.
Castelldefels
Wake up to the sound of waves and drift off after a seaside stroll. In Castelldefels, Spanish comes with salt in the air and sand between your toes.
Nanda’s students start their days with language practice over coffee by the promenade and often end them sharing photos of glowing pink sunsets from the beach.
With Barcelona just 30 minutes away by train, you get the best of the Med and the metropolis. Castelldefels isn’t just a backdrop—it becomes part of your learning story.
Valencia (Gilet)
Gilet, on the outskirts of Valencia, offers the perfect mix of small-town charm and city energy. Pilar, our host teacher here, welcomes students into her garden for lessons under the sun.
Photos from Valencia often show students exploring local markets, joining traditional fiestas like Fallas or San Juan, or enjoying home-cooked paella with their host family.
One student captured the vibrant oranges of the local fruit stalls. Another photographed fireworks lighting up the sky during the San Juan festival, with the caption: “Learning Spanish by firelight.”
Cádiz (Puerto Real)
Down south in Cádiz, the colours get brighter and the rhythms more intense. Students capture flamenco dancers mid-spin, fresh fish stalls at the port, and the warm hospitality of the Andalusian lifestyle.
Oscar, our teacher in Puerto Real, often takes his students on cultural outings. Their photos showcase not only language lessons but flamenco nights, coastal sunsets, and shared meals in the open air.
One student posted a photo of Oscar pouring manzanilla while explaining Andalusian sayings—real language in real life.
Burgos
Burgos offers a very different rhythm: quieter, reflective, and rooted in tradition. Our students here often share photos of the majestic Gothic cathedral, peaceful walks along the Arlanzón River, and local bakeries where they order their morning pastries in Spanish.
Here, the architecture speaks as much as the language. And the slower pace gives students time to truly absorb everything they’re learning.
Extremadura
Off the typical tourist trail, Extremadura is pure, unfiltered Spain. Think Roman ruins, vast open landscapes, and small towns where everyone knows your name.
Photos from this region include sweeping views, olive groves, and students helping their host teachers cook local dishes like migas or gazpacho extremeño.
The connection here is raw and powerful—ideal for students looking to disconnect from noise and reconnect with nature and language.
Behind the Scenes: The People Who Make It All Happen
SHIP wouldn’t exist without our wonderful host teachers. And this month, we’re turning the camera around to celebrate them too.
These snapshots show what textbooks can’t: the care, laughter, and connection that make learning Spanish with us unforgettable.
Tools of the Trade: Photography Equipment and Techniques
To truly celebrate National Photography Month, it’s worth taking a closer look at the tools and techniques that make photography such a powerful art form. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the right equipment can open up a world of creative possibilities. The digital camera, for example, has revolutionized the way we capture and share images, offering features that allow us to experiment with light, focus, and composition at the touch of a button. But even as technology advances, there’s something magical about looking back at old photos—those faded snapshots from years gone by that serve as a window into the lives and stories of previous generations.
If you’re eager to improve your skills, enrolling in a photography course is a fantastic way to learn new techniques, from photographing sweeping landscapes to capturing expressive portraits. Organizations like the American Photographers Association offer workshops, events, and exhibitions that can inspire and connect you with fellow enthusiasts. And let’s not forget the pioneers who made all this possible—George Eastman, the founder of Kodak, played a pivotal role in making photography accessible to everyone, turning what was once a complex process into a joy that could be shared by all.
Understanding your camera—whether it’s a high-end DSLR, a compact digital camera, or even the one on your smartphone—is key to taking great photographs. Get to know the lens, the shutter, and the settings that help you snap the perfect shot. Don’t be afraid to experiment: try different angles, play with light, and even take a few selfies to express your unique perspective. National Photography Month is the perfect time to explore the history of photography, learn new skills, and let your creativity shine. Every photo you take is a chance to capture a moment, tell a story, and create memories that will inspire future generations.
Snapshots of Culture: The Impact of Photography on Spanish Life
Photography has always been more than just a way to document events—it’s a vibrant art form that captures the heart and soul of Spanish life. Across Spain, cameras have been used to preserve the beauty of ancient cities, the drama of flamenco performances, and the quiet majesty of rural landscapes. Each photograph is a window into the country’s rich history, offering a glimpse of traditions, celebrations, and everyday moments that define Spanish culture.
Spanish photographers have long played a vital role in the world of photography, using their lens to tell stories that resonate far beyond their borders. Their images capture not only the stunning landscapes and bustling city streets, but also the emotions and connections that make Spain unique. Through their art, they have helped shape the nation’s identity, expressing the joys, struggles, and triumphs of its people.
The impact of photography on Spanish life is profound. It allows us to share experiences, inspire appreciation for cultural heritage, and connect with others across time and place. During National Photography Month, we celebrate the ability of photographs to convey the beauty and complexity of Spanish traditions, to educate and inspire, and to foster a deeper understanding of the world we share. So as you look through your own photos or visit a local museum, take a moment to appreciate the stories captured in each image—and the role photography plays in expressing the vibrant spirit of Spain.
Moments Worth Remembering
One of our favourite things about National Photography Month is watching our students’ photo styles evolve. At first, it’s touristy—landmarks, food, selfies. But over time, their photos change. They become more curious, more thoughtful. A close-up of a recipe card. A picture of a new word scribbled on a napkin. A quiet moment in the countryside.
Each photo tells a story and is truly worth a thousand words, capturing the essence of SHIP—not posed, not filtered, but real. Real language, real learning, real people.
A Childhood Gift, A Lifelong Passion
Photography has always been part of my story. I was just nine years old, celebrating my first communion, when my uncle Jordi—after years of me begging to borrow his camera since I can remember—surprised me with my very first one: a Kodak.
That gift didn’t just put a camera in my hands; it awakened a lifelong love for capturing the quiet beauty of fleeting moments. Since then, I’ve never stopped photographing what I feel. And today, I’m lucky enough to carry that passion into my work.
With Spanish Express, I get to freeze time in the laughter of our beloved students, the care of our amazing team, and the vibrant life of Spain unfolding around us. Each image is a little piece of heart, a way of saying: this mattered.
Join the Story
If you’re reading this and dreaming of capturing your own Spanish story, we’d love to help you start. SHIP is more than a course—it’s a journey into the heart of Spain, guided by those who live and breathe the language.
You’ll learn Spanish where it’s spoken, with people who care, in places that inspire.
📸 Share Your Own Photo Story
Have you studied with Spanish Express? Celebrate National Photography Month with us! When sharing your photos on social media, use the hashtag #SpanishExpressEvent to join the National Photography Month event and connect with our community. Tag us @SpanishExpress on Instagram or email your favourite memory to be featured in our next blog or gallery.
And if you’re ready to start your own journey, our SHIP destinations in Barcelona, Valencia, Cádiz, Burgos, and Extremadura are waiting for you—with open arms, homemade meals, and views worth capturing.
Let your next story be written… in Spanish, and through your own lens.
