Where would you like to photograph this year?
Photography workshops & tours not only offer great opportunities to elevate your skills and expand your creative horizons by learning from seasoned professional photographers, but they are also the perfect way to see and photograph some of the world’s most photogenic locations.
In this article, the first of a series, I give you a short list of 5 amazing photography workshop and tour locations you should put on your bucket list to improve your photography skills and capture amazing photos:
How to choose a workshop and leader
The world is full of stunning places to photograph. Some of these locations are easily accessible, others a little harder. Again, a skilled workshop leader will have all this arranged for you, so all you need to do is show up with your camera and equipment.
There are hundreds of photographers out there offering tours and workshops around the world, so it can be hard to choose. The other question you may have is, how good and trustworthy is the person or company running the tour? Over the years I’ve heard some horror stories.
So along with a list of some great locations for a workshop, I have included links to photographers who run regular workshops there. These are photographers I know personally, either through my work building websites, or through having met them while out photographing. Each link takes you directly to their relevant workshop page.
5 stunning photography workshop and tour locations
1: Iceland
Number 1 on my own “places to photograph” list, Iceland, a photographer’s paradise, offers a diverse range of stunning landscapes. From the otherworldly beauty of glaciers and ice caves to the dramatic volcanic landscapes and cascading waterfalls, there’s something for every photographer.
Here are some of the top photo opportunities in Iceland:
Glaciers and Ice Caves:
The vast ice caps, stunning ice caves, and crystal-clear icebergs offer breathtaking photo opportunities.
Waterfalls:
Iceland is home to numerous powerful waterfalls, including Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Dettifoss.
Volcanic Landscapes:
Explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes, such as the black sand beaches of Vik and the geothermal areas of Geysir and Strokkur.
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis):
During the winter months, the Northern Lights paint the night sky with vibrant colours, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
Workshops in Iceland:
2: Lofoten
Also on my list, the Lofoten Islands are a photographer’s dream, offering a stunning array of landscapes and unique opportunities for capturing breathtaking images. From the dramatic mountain peaks that plunge directly into the sea to the picturesque fishing villages with their colourful rorbuer, there’s something to inspire every photographer.
Here are some of the top photo opportunities in Lofoten:
Fishing villages:
The charming fishing villages with their brightly painted rorbuer (traditional fishermen's cabins) offer a glimpse into a bygone era.
Mountain peaks:
The majestic mountains, such as Reinebringen and Festvågtind, provide stunning panoramic views of the islands and the surrounding fjords.
Beaches:
The pristine beaches, with their soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, offer endless photo opportunities, especially during the golden hour.
Northern Lights:
During the winter months, the Lofoten Islands offer a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
Workshops in Lofoten:
3: Tuscany
Tuscany, a region renowned for its timeless beauty, offers a plethora of photographic opportunities. From rolling hills dotted with cypress trees to historic cities steeped in art and culture, there’s something to capture the eye of every photographer. Add to that the magical, alluring sunrises as the mist rolls over the hills and the quintessential farmhouses, you have the perfect recipe for some breathtaking landscape photography.
Here are some of the highlights in Tuscany:
Hilltop Towns:
The picturesque hilltop towns of Tuscany, such as Siena, San Gimignano, and Pienza, offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Vineyards and Olive Groves:
The rolling hills of Tuscany are dotted with vineyards and olive groves, creating a picturesque landscape.
Romanesque and Gothic Architecture:
The region's historic cities, like Florence, Siena and Pisa, boast stunning examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, including cathedrals, churches, and palaces.
Art and Culture:
Tuscany is home to world-renowned art and cultural treasures, such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Rural Landscapes:
The Tuscan countryside, with its charming villages, cypress-lined roads, and sunflower fields, offers endless opportunities for capturing the essence of rural Italy.
Workshops in Tuscany:
4: The Dolomites:
Despite having spent a lot of time in neighbouring Slovenia and also in Tuscany, I have still not got round to visiting this stunning place. The Dolomites offer a photographer’s paradise with its dramatic landscapes, beautifully crafted soaring mountain peaks, vibrant colours, and diverse scenery.
Here are some of the top photo opportunities in the Dolomites:
Mountain Peaks:
The towering peaks, such as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Marmolada, offer breathtaking views and opportunities for stunning landscape photography.
Alpine Lakes:
The crystal-clear lakes, like Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza, reflect the surrounding mountains, creating picturesque scenes.
Alpine Meadows:
The vibrant wildflowers and lush green meadows provide a colourful backdrop for photos, especially during the summer months.
Autumn Colours:
The Dolomites are particularly stunning in autumn when the leaves turn golden and red, creating a vibrant fall foliage display.
Workshops in the Dolomites:
5: Slovenia:
Slovenia, a small southern European country, packs a powerful punch for photographers. With its diverse landscapes and climate, from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic coast, there’s something to capture everyone’s imagination.
Here are some of the top photo opportunities in Slovenia:
Alpine Mountains
Northern Slovenia is dominated by three stunning mountain ranges: Julian Alps, Kamnik Alps and the Karavanke Alps. The region offers breathtaking scenery with towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and charming alpine villages offer breathtaking scenery.
Alpine Lakes:
The picturesque Bled lake is a must-see, with its island church surrounded by mountains and a medieval castle on a cliff. It is the most popular destination for photographers.
Just a 30-minute drive away lies the equally impressive Lake Bohinj, wedged into a dead-end glacial valley.
Additionally, Lake Jasna provides a stunning view across to a magnificent section of the Julian Alps.
Ljubljana:
The vibrant capital city offers a mix of historical and modern architecture, from the Ljubljana Castle to the lively riverside promenade.
Soča Valley:
This valley, known for its emerald-green river and dramatic mountain scenery, is a paradise for landscape and adventure photographers.
Coastal Towns:
The charming coastal towns of Piran, Izola and Koper offer picturesque harbours, medieval and Venetian architecture, and stunning sunsets.
