Porto and Aveiro Photography Workshop and tour
Photograph this stunning part of Portugal
A photographers delight
Portugal’s northwest coast around Porto and Aveiro is a goldmine for both landscape and architectural photography – compact, varied, and full of character.
From the golden glow of historic streets to the serene reflections of coastal lagoons, this workshop is designed to elevate your landscape and architectural photography in a truly inspiring setting.
The beautiful Aveiro lagoon is perhaps not so well known but holds many opportunities with its canals, colourful boats and hidden corners.
Join myself and local pro-photographer and guide, Paulo Silva, for an immersive photography workshop exploring the rich textures, coastal drama, and architectural beauty of this very special region.
You will learn…
- Appropriate camera settings
- Lens choice
- Working with the available light
- Composition techniques
- Depth of field & focusing
- Exposure & the histogram
- Use of filters
- Shooting in low light
- Shooting panoramas
- Long exposures with water
Ability level
- Suitable for all except the complete beginner
Fitness/Mobility Level
- Easy – little walking involved, most locations are close to the parking areas
Tutor/s
- Sarah Howard/Paulo Silva
Workshop Details
Group Size
Max 7
Dates
21st - 26th October 2026
Duration
4.5 days /5 nights
Price
Workshop fee - £2085
Meeting Place
Porto airport
Photographic Locations
Ria de Aveiro lagoon, Torreira, Cais do Bico, Cais da Béstida, Costa Nova, Senhor da Pedra, Felgueiras Lighthouse, Serra do Pilar, Ribeira district, São Roque Canal, Praia da Granja, Gafanha da Nazaré
Included
4 1/2 days of photographic tuition and demonstrations, 5 nights 4* ensuite single occupancy accommodation, breakfast, minibus transportation, return airport transfers, city tax
Excluded
Flights, all meals other than breakfast, personal insurance, equipment insurance
Accommodation
5 nights single occupancy ensuite bed and breakfast at Espinho Vintage Guest House in Porto
Waiting List
To be informed of new dates or cancellations please click the icon to fill out the waiting list form.
Insurance
We recommend you take out both personal and equipment insurance.
Porto and Aveiro
Improve your Photography skills in this stunning part of Portugal
Porto - A City of Contrasts
Together we will wander through the charming and vibrant Ribeira District, with its colourful houses, cobblestone streets, and beautiful views of the Douro River.
We will spend time photographing the traditional Rabelo boats and the “casario” – the iconic tiered houses of a city where medieval charm meets modern life.
We will also capture the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge at dusk and blue hour when the city lights reflect on the water, and explore ornate interiors like São Bento Railway Station.
The Hidden Gems of Ria de Aveiro
We will be venturing deep into the visually captivating, tranquil Ria de Aveiro – a region where water, light, and tradition blend into a photographer’s dream.
Together we will photograph the elegant Aveiro Canals, lined with pastel buildings and the traditional colourful ‘moliceiro’ boats perfect for reflections and minimalist compositions.
There is a unique magic to this lagoon, especially during the first light of the day. The air is still, the world is quiet, and the lagoon is bathed in soft light allowing us to create some wonderful atmospheric images.
Here we will work with the tide and light making the most of the reflections to photograph the fishing boats in their peaceful surroundings.
Dramatic seascapes and Long exposures
Photograph the raw beauty of the ocean where the Douro River meets the Atlantic at Foz do Douro.
We’ll visit one of the most dramatic photography spots; the hauntingly beautiful Felgueiras Lighthouse. Here the waves, and rocks offer opportunities for some dramatic images as well as serene long-exposures.
The mysterious Chapel of Senhor da Pedra standing alone on the rocks feels both timeless and otherworldly.
And the poetic Praia da Granja, where a dramatic staircase descending toward the ocean creates strong lines and striking compositions, provides a perfect setting for minimalist and visually impactful images.
Aveiro - The Venice of Portugal:
Situated beside a coastal lagoon, the charming city of Aveiro, often called the “Venice of Portugal,” offers endless photo opportunities and we will immerse ourselves in the city’s coastal charm.
Famed for its scenic canals, colourful boats and Art Nouveau architecture, it possesses a vibrant spirit and unique character. We will photograph the lively Main Canal and the atmospheric São Roque Canal, each offering unique perspectives, architectural details, and glimpses of daily life that make Aveiro such a captivating place to explore with a camera.
Our journey also includes the vibrant Costa Nova, famous for its striped fishermen’s houses; a colourful and iconic backdrop that has become a symbol of the region.
An Unrivaled Local Perspective
Partnering with Paulo means this is far more than just another photographic tour; it is an insider’s pass to the heart of Portugal. Paulo’s intimate, local knowledge ensures we are always at the right place at the perfect moment, capturing the authentic spirit of his homeland.
With the combined expertise of myself and Paulo, you will receive all the personalised guidance you need to elevate your photography.
Upcoming porto and Aveiro Photography workshops
Porto and Aveiro
Porto and aveiro Photography Workshop - General Information
The workshop is aimed at anyone who wants to improve their photography so photographers of all levels of experience are welcome. It is not suitable for the complete beginner.
We will give you both practical and technical advice, as well as individual guidance and hands on demonstrations in the field.
Aside of helping you choose the best camera settings, we will also look at composition, developing your vision and the use of various filters.
I will be on hand to provide as much support, advice or guidance as you want.
5 nights single occupancy ensuite bed and breakfast accommodation at Espinho Vintage Guest House in Porto is included.
The nearest airport is Porto international airport to which reasonably priced flights are available with Ryan Air from Stansted, from London Luton with Easy Jet and from London Gatwick with Air Portugal.
Please contact me BEFORE booking your flights – see below: Exact pick up/drop off times will be confirmed but based on the current schedule, pick up will be at approximately 3pm on the 21st October and drop off at 10:30am on the 26th October.
Please contact me BEFORE booking your flights.
You will be met at Porto airport on October 21st (time TBA) and together we will transfer to our hotel . The journey should take around 50 minutes. We will meet later in the afternoon again for introductions and a programme brief before our first shoot followed by dinner. Our photography recommences the next morning with a sunrise shoot and runs through until sunset on the final day. On the final morning we will transfer back to the airport (time TBA).
We will visit a number of locations over the course of the workshop which will offer you numerous challenges and allow you to fully explore your creative potential.
There will also be time to review and critique your images and the opportunity to discuss them together as we look back on our photography.
The workshop has a relaxed format and is designed to be enjoyable as well as well as educational, so aside of improving your photography you can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings and most importantly have fun!
A minimum of 5 photographers is required for this workshop to proceed. PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS until I give the go ahead.
Transport will be a 9 seater minibus
Easy – most locations are within easy reach of the parking areas. There may be uneven ground in places which could be wet and muddy and also a few steps to negotiate.
1-2
- DSLR or mirrorless camera ideally with both wide angle and telephoto lenses
- Tripod
- Cable/remote release
- Whilst not essential, you will benefit from bringing neutral density graduated filters; a polariser and a neutral density filter.
- A rain cover for your camera.
- A laptop and card reader is very useful to select and review your images for the purpose of our image critiques but not essential.
Before buying any equipment or if you are unsure of what to bring, please email sarah@imageseen.co.uk for more information.
Please ensure that you insure your photographic equipment. It is also recommended that take out personal insurance in case you need to cancel.
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