The Essence of Tuscany Photography Workshop
Quintessential Italy
Small group photography workshops
Improve your photography amongst the rolling hills of the Val D’Orcia region of Tuscany
Imagine the sight of silvery olive groves, leafy vineyards stretching far into the distance and softly undulating hills being painted with light. Tuscany conjures up these images and more; the quintessential cypress trees, atmospheric, medieval walled towns and ancient castle ruins. Let your mind wander through quiet unspoilt villages or simply sit, and drink in the view of a sweeping landscape carpeted with wild flowers. Better still, come and experience it with us on our five day Tuscany photography workshop.
You will learn…
- Working with the available light
- Exposure & use of the histogram
- Composition techniques & pre-visualisation
- Depth of field & focusing
- Use of filters
- Shooting at sunrise and in low light
- Appropriate camera settings
Ability level
- Suitable for all except the complete beginner
Fitness level
- Moderate/good – some steep streets
Tutor
- Sarah Howard
Workshop Details
Group Size
Max 7
Dates
May 18th - 24th 2024
Duration
Five days/six nights
Price
£1895
Deposit 30%
Meeting Place
Pisa airport
Main Photographic Locations
The Val D'Orcia including the key areas of Pienza, Monticello, Montalcino, Montepulciano, the abbeys of St Antimo and Monte Oliveto Maggiore, La Foce and the Val Di Chianna
Included
5 full days of photographic tuition and demonstrations, 6 nights en-suite single occupancy accommodation, breakfast each day, daily minibus transport, return airport transfers, use of hotel pool facilities
Excluded
Transport to and from Tuscany, personal insurance, equipment insurance, meals other than breakfast, beverages, access to hotel spa, city tax (approx 2 Euros a night payable directly to the hotel
Accommodation
Residence Casanova, San Quirico D'Orcia
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 personal and equipment insurance.
Learn photography amid the beautiful Tuscany hills
A Photograph Awaits Around Every Corner
Together we will explore this captivating region of Italy, including the stunning valley of the Val D’Orcia, one of UNESCO’s World Cultural Landscapes. An area of unrivalled beauty, the Val D’Orcia is characterised by gentle hills and picturesque towns and villages. We will explore the country lanes with their elegant cypress lines and walk the winding streets of the charming walled hilltop village of Monticello. The timeless Romanesque abbey of Sant’Antimo, flanked by vineyards, and the nearby historic city of Pienza, one of the areas architectural jewels, are also on our list. The Renaissance architecture in Montepulciano is also unmissable, as are the far reaching views at Terrapille, made famous in the film ‘Gladiator’.
Away from the crowds
But as well as these more widely known scenes, we will also be exploring some of the more off the beaten track locations, where many a characteristic old barn or enchanting subject can be found. Our travels will take us on a spectacular drive through the eroding landscape known as the Crete Senesi, with it’s distinctive ‘lunar’ appearance. Here lies the serene fourteenth century hilltop Benedictine monastery of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, a must visit.
Room with a view
Our base is the beautifully located Residence Casanova. Overlooking the Val D’Orcia and on the doorstep of some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found in the region, this rustic style hotel and spa features cosy rooms with original wood ceilings & country-style furnishings. It is ideally situated to enable us to experience the many varied sides of southern Tuscany at its finest time of year.
Timeless and Enchanting
If an area could have been created specifically for the delight of photographers this would surely be it. Offering a wealth of fabulous photographic opportunities, Tuscany is rich in beauty and charm and cannot fail to captivate. So why not join us as we explore this timeless and enchanting region. It will not fail to leave an impression.
Tuscany Photography Workshop - General Information
You will be met at Pisa airport in the afternoon of May 18th (exact time TBC) and transferred to Residence Casanova in San Quirico D’Orcia. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.
We will meet in the early evening for introductions and an overview of the workshop before dinner.
The workshop commences on the 19th and ends on the evening of the 23rd May. There will be an early departure after breakfast for Pisa airport on the 24th.
A minimum of 6 bookings are required for the workshop to proceed. As such PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS until you are informed that this number has been reached.
The workshop is suitable for all abilities, whether you are a keen amateur, or a more experienced photographer. It is not suitable for the complete beginner.
This six night/five day workshop includes five days tuition.
- All tuition
- En-suite single occupancy accommodation of a Superior Valley View room
- Return transfers from Pisa airport
- Transportation by minibus over the course of the workshop.
- Breakfast each day
- Use of the hotel pool.
- International flights
- Insurance – please insure your photographic equipment. You are also are advised to take out personal insurance.
- Lunch and dinner Bbeverages
- Entrance fees to any abbeys/churches
Our pick up will be from Pisa international airport, to which low cost direct flights are available with BA from London Heathrow, Ryan Air from London Stansted and with Easy Jet from Bristol. Please contact me BEFORE booking your flights – see below:
For our workshop we will be based at Residence Casanova. Located just outside San Quirico D’Orcia, it is the perfect base for our Tuscan adventure. With an on site pool and spa it provides a wonderful environment in which to relax. Your accommodation for 6 nights is based on single occupancy of a Superior Room with a beautiful valley view, inclusive of breakfast.
Tuscany is known for its cuisine and you won’t go hungry with the chance to try plenty of local Tuscan dishes in the adjacent restaurant, situated in an old 13th century farmhouse.
For any queries regarding your accommodation please email me in the first instance.
A moderate level of fitness is essential for all clients. Please email info@imageseen.co.uk if you have any queries.
Should your partner also be a photographer and wish to join you on this workshop, please contact me and I will advise you of the cost based on sharing a room as there will be a slight per person reduction. Non photographer partners, or friends/family sharing the same room, are also most welcome. As a non photographer, no day excursions are included as we need the space in the minibus for our photographers, so you may wish to hire a car to allow you to explore the area whilst you are here.
- DSLR or mirrorless camera with appropriate lenses (wide angle, standard telephoto eg: 24-70 & zoom lens eg: 70-200mm) A bridge camera will be adequate if it has manual functions.
- A tripod
- Filters – a Polarising Filter and a set of Neutral Density Graduated Filter/s will help you get the best result in-camera.
- A laptop or tablet to view and/or process your images if you wish to do so in preparation to have your work critiqued.
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 you take out personal insurance in case you need to cancel.
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