Average rating Photography Courses in Italy

Detailed description

Locations don’t get much more photo-friendly than Orvieto – it’s a cathedral city that sits high atop a volcanic rock. Buttermilk-coloured stone houses huddle along cobbled streets, and underground, an ancient labyrinth of tunnels and caves snakes through the city. But because you’ll be getting out and about in 4x4s, this is just the start. Roman ruins, medieval castles and Etruscan temples will have you permanently glued to your viewfinder, as will the hilltop towns of Tuscany, and the seascapes of the Tyrrhenian coastline. In fact, there’s so much to photograph here, you may find those typical holiday lie-ins fall by the wayside.

Everybody sees things differently, and that’s why these long or short photography courses are incredibly flexible. Workshop groups are small – six people is the maximum number – so if you’re here to soak up as much wisdom from course leader and professional photographer, Patrick Nicholas, you won’t have to wait in line. What’s more, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a complete beginner with a simple digital camera or a bit of a pro with the latest SLR – workshops are adapted to suit you. Sessions are a mix of getting out and about exploring the sights, and digitally developing, learning to manipulate images using Photoshop software, and printing them once you’re happy. You’ll also learn about composition, depth of field and exposure. But it’s not all work – you’ll also have the chance to swim in lakes and plunge pools and wander around Orvieto. And, of course, sample some of Italy’s culinary delights.

Accommodation & food

You’ll be staying in a 16th-century palazzo in the heart of Orvieto. It’s a comfy home-from-home and is perfect for relaxing after a long day’s learning. And because it’s right in the historic centre of the city, you’ll be able to enjoy evening strolls with – or without – your camera.
In terms of food, this is Italy, so even the simple lunches here will be vastly better than a simple lunch in the UK - it’s highly unlikely pots of noodles will be on the menu. Breakfasts, lunches and two restaurant evening meals are all included in the price you pay.

Is it for me?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo traveller, a couple or a small group of friends – as long as you’re interested in learning photography – you’ll be in your element. Workshops are about learning and sharing – so if you already think you know everything, it’s probably not the one for you. Neither does it matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, as long as you want to learn, enjoy getting out in a 4x4 and seeing places, and you’re happy in the company of others.

Itinerary & things to do

The digital revolution has had a vast impact on photography, and as a result, it means time that was often spent holed up in a darkroom can now be put to better use finding the perfect shot. And when you’re on one of these breaks that means you’re able to fully immerse yourself in this corner of Italy.
A typical one-week course looks a little like this

Day 1: You’ll be picked up from Orvieto train station in the morning and taken to your accommodation. The course kicks off after lunch on Friday afternoon with a stroll around Orvieto city. You’ll see Renaissance, medieval and Roman buildings. The evening is free to do as you choose.

Day 2: Today, early after breakfast, you’ll visit Lake Bolsena. You’ll photograph its striking shoreline, Etruscan tombs that overlook the lake and focus on nearby working fishing villages. These places are ideal for experimenting with depth of field, vivid colour composition, movement and portraiture. You’ll enjoy an evening meal at a lakeside restaurant.

Day 3: First off, you’ll have a workshop with your tutor to review your previous day’s work and learn how to use Photoshop. Then, it’s on to the Tyrrhenian coastline. You’ll use a tripod to catch the motion of the waves and take an abstract approach when photographing bleached-white skeleton trees washed up on the shore. Your evening is free.

Day 4: Morning is spent relaxing at Lake Bolsena, and then it’s on to the picturesque hill towns of Tuscany – Pitigliano, Sorano and Sovana. All three have been inhabited since Etruscan times, so come steeped in 3000 years of history. Photographing an abandoned Jewish cemetery, townfolk and daily life are all on the agenda. Your evening is free.

Day 5: You’ll be up early today as you head to mysterious Tuscia. Here, you’ll explore what is left of the ancient Etruscan civilization. The terrain is ideal for experimenting with photo-stitching – using multiple shots to create one panoramic view. Later on you’ll explore waterfalls and streams. Your evening is free.

Day 6: After a short drive you’ll shoot vine-covered hills, hot springs, lonely umbrella pines, sentinel cypress trees and typically Tuscan farms and villas. In the Val d’Orcia region. Later on, you’ll enjoy an evening meal with the group in Tuscany.

Day 7: After breakfast you’ll check out of your accommodation, and then spend time photographing Orvieto from the hillside opposite. It’s then into the 4x4 for a drive to nearby Bagnoregio – an almost deserted medieval town. After lunch, it’s time to say goodbye as the course ends for the week.