Faroe Islands
March 30 – April 6, 2026
2 Spots Left
Azores
2 Spots Left
At a Glance
Location
Azores, Portugal
Tuition
$9,995
Dates
July 10 – 19, 2026
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 8 Guests
Collections
- Signature Collection
Azores Photography Workshop
Lush landscapes, unique culture, unusual geology, and unexplored beauty.
July 10 – 19, 2026
- Pleasant weather, sea views, volcanic lakes, and lush tea plantations.
- Unleash creativity; shoot this vibrant tapestry of nature with a drone
- Learn landscape techniques: long exposures, ND/CPL filters, processing
The Azores rise up out of the Atlantic in layers of green volcanic rock. Nine islands make up this archipelago, a haven of biodiversity and geodiversity where the color, mood, and texture of the coastline shift with each passing moment. We focus on São Miguel and Flores, two islands that offer a potent mix of coastal cliffs, volcanic lakes, tea estates, stone villages and lush valleys that feel both ancient and alive.
This workshop is about the variety of subjects and approaches. On São Miguel, crater lakes and patterned tea fields invite strong graphic compositions and studies of color and texture. On Flores, towering waterfalls, rugged headlands, and quilted pastureland offer grand vistas and intimate details in equal measure. The fresh air and gentle mist of the Laurissilva forest make it a peaceful spot for soft, moody photos. With local permissions and weather conditions in mind, drones are welcome to create impactful aerial images that show scale, pattern, and place.
Throughout the workshop, we combine real-time coaching with focused practice in both wide-angle and long-lens landscape photography, exposure bracketing, focus stacking, long-exposure waterfalls, drone photography, and more. You’ll leave with stronger photographic instincts and lasting skills in composition, camera technique, and post-processing that will improve your photography long after the trip.
The Azores are small and full of character. Local communities actively protect their culture and environment, and we work with the same respect, moving lightly and leaving places as we found them. Evenings bring regional cuisine shaped by the sea and the soil, from geothermal stews to distinctive cheeses and a chance to reflect on the day’s work.
You’ll leave with a cohesive portfolio and a stronger sense of purpose, plus a practical workflow that will keep your photography improving long after you get home.
Your Pros
Bruno Ázera
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
July 9, 2026: Arrive Early, Overnight Stay
We highly recommend arriving this day and staying over in a hotel we will recommend to you. This way you can arrive anytime on July 9th and have a good sleep before we fly to the Island of Flores together the next morning. Our flight from PDL to Flores boards by 11:00 AM local time and we will board as a group.
July 10, 2026: Welcome to Ponta Delgada, Group Flight to Flores and Scenic Drive Across Flores
Arrive at João Paulo II Airport (PDL), Ponta Delgada, Azores before 9:00 AM today. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
Today we fly to the island of Flores at 11:00 local time. We will gather as a group to checkin to this flight by 9:00 AM Local time at the Ponta Delgado Airport. We highly recommend arriving on the 9th and staying at the hotel of our recommendation. This way you won’t miss our first flight to Flores.
The flight to Flores is aproximately one and a half hours. We will board our small vans and make our way accross the island. The views are spectacular and you’ll suddenly feel as though you’ve been transported to the end of the world. The small villages are quaint and the roads are narrow and spectacular. When we arrive into our small hotel nestled on the most Western shore of Europe, ther will be waterfalls towering above a dramatic volcanic coast, all within your view. We’ll make a decision on what to visit and photograph based on the current conditions.
July 11, 2026: Explore Lagoa Negra, Lagoa Comprida, Sunset at Baía do Além
The weather in the Azores, especially in Flores, is notoriously unpredictable, with rapid changes that may require us always to have a plan B, so our day starts with the panoramic views of Lagoa Negra (the deepest lagoon in the Azores) and Lagoa Comprida, or Lagoa Rasa and Lagoa Funda, offering a fascinating rugged landscape characterized by differences in altitude and color between the two lagoons.
In the evening, we head north to explore the rugged north coastline of Ponta Delgada, stopping at viewpoints along the way. The day concludes at the impressive Baía do Além, offering striking seascapes in its surroundings, with Albarnaz lighthouse perched on the edge of the cliffs. Be prepared for the unexpected on Flores.
July 12, 2026: Sunrise at Baía da Alagoa, Swim in Natural Basalt Pools, Editing Session, Hike to Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro
Our day starts with sunrise at the scenic Baía da Alagoa, a rocky bay offering a mesmerizing view of rugged basalt sea stacks as our main subject, with Corvo Island in the background.
Our next stop is the picturesque town of Santa Cruz, and its natural basalt swimming pools are an excellent photographic opportunity to play with long exposure techniques.
After lunch, we get together for an editing session before we head out in the last light of the day to one of the most beautiful spots in the Azores. A short hike takes us to the stunning waterfalls of Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro. Nestled at the base of the waterfalls is an astonishing lagoon, offering a variety of exciting compositions.
July 13, 2026: Sunrise Photography, Explore Rocha dos Bordões, Evening Waterfalls Tour
After a sunrise shoot at the local beaches, breakfast and a image reivew we head out to the impressive basalt columns of Rocha dos Bordões. The variety of compositions you can create at this location is truly remarkable.
For the last light of the day, we explore the waterfalls of the western part of the island, overlooking the majestic Ribeira Grande waterfall and Poço da Ribeira do Ferreiro.
July 14, 2026: Editing Techniques, Dramatic Boat Ride to Corvo, Sunset Photography at Corvo Island
After breakfast, we’ll work on editing and exploring our new captures from the island so far. This is a time for learning and exploring editing tools and settings.
Depending on the Atlantic conditions, our afternoon is dedicated to discovering the Island of Corvo with Carlos Mendes of Extreme Ocidente. Our private boat ride takes us through the impressive coastline of Flores, showcasing jaw-dropping waterfalls and caves. During our journey, we’ll likely encounter dolphins and other whales. Once in Corvo, we’ll take a short ride to the Caldeira.
We’ll then photograph Sunset at Corvo Island. The island, the smallest of the Azores, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean as the sun dips below the horizon. The vibrant colors of the sunset create a magical atmosphere, illuminating the rugged landscape and reflecting off the surrounding waters. This serene and picturesque setting makes for an unforgettable moment.
July 15, 2026: Morning Flight to São Miguel, Scenic Drive, Sunset Session in Santa Barbara
Today we leave the wonderful oasis in the middle of the Atlantic for another incredible island Sao Miguel. Our flight time is pre-purchased and included in your tuition costs, so don’t worry about making this flight. We will make sure we all get to the small airport in plenty of time to make the flight after a nice breakfast. Our flight time is about 3 hours becuase of a quick stop over on another island on the way. Once we arrive in Ponta Delgado we’ll board our vans and drive about 30 min to our first hotel, along the coast in the small town of Santa Barbara. After we settle in, we’ll grab a hearty meal before heading out to a location nearby to catpure the good light of sunset.
July 16, 2026: Drone Photography at Lagoa do Fogo, Explore Sete Cidades, Sunset at Mosteiros Beach
The day starts at Lagoa do Fogo volcanic lake, one of the island’s highest points. If you have a drone, capture unique perspectives up here. After lunch, our journey heads west to explore the volcanic crater of Sete Cidades, home to the captivating multi-colored lakes of Lagoa Verde and Azul. It’s an incredible sight, providing a sense of the surrounding area. Our next destination is one of the Azores’ highlights—the Grota do Inferno viewpoint. While the crater lakes of Sete Cidades can be admired from various vantage points, this spot stands out as one of the best. For those equipped with drones, capturing Lagoa do Canário from the air reveals an intriguing and visually stunning shape. We head to Mosteiros Beach for sunset to capture the last light of the day in a beautiful seascape photography location.
July 17, 2026: Sunrise at Santa Iria, Geothermal Wonders at Lagoa das Furnas, Tea Plantation Visit, Sunset Coastal Photography
Our morning begins at the Santa Iria viewpoint for a captivating sunrise overlooking the north coastline of the Island. After breakfast, we head to Lagoa das Furnas, a crater lake with opportunities to photograph mud pools and steaming geothermal features. Our journey continues to Terra Nostra Park, renowned as one of the most beautiful gardens. It features inviting thermal pools. For lunch, we try the famous local dish, Cozido das Furnas, uniquely cooked by volcanic steam. In the afternoon, we venture to the oldest European tea plantation, Gorreana Tea plantation. Discover the intricacies of the factory and its scenic surroundings. The unique landscape, shaped by the vibrant green tea leaves, offers endless possibilities for captivating photography. During the afternoon hours, we head back to the island’s coastline to capture the mesmerizing colors of the sunset and continue photographing into blue hour.
July 18, 2026: Explore Vila Franca Islet, Local Azorean Meal, Final Sunset Location Selection
We begin our morning with a visit to one of the most unique locations in São Miguel, the Vila Franca Islet, renowned for its unique geological formation. This islet features a volcanic crater that has partially collapsed, allowing seawater to enter and form a natural circular pool inside the crater.
We’ll be sure to partake in a great local Azorian meal before planning to hold another fun and exciting image review. We’ll have plenty of work to look through and inspire us for another sunset location, our last. We’ll make sure to choose a place that will be spectacular.
July 19, 2026: Final Breakfast, Departure Flights from São Miguel
Enjoy a final breakfast together. Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye and fly home.
Flights out can be made after 1:00 PM on July 19, 2026.
Fitness
Moderate: Hikes up to one mile on uneven, often slippery surfaces with moderate elevation gains. Expect to be walking uphill for 20 minutes at a time. Trekking poles recommended.
Flights
Arrive at João Paulo II Airport (PDL), Ponta Delgada, Azores before 9:00 AM on July 10, 2026. Flights out can be made after 1:00 PM on July 19, 2026. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.
What to Bring
Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.
What’s Included
- Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $1,500 supplement.
- All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
- All permits and park fees.
- All transportation during the workshop.
- Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
- English-speaking local guide throughout the workshop.
- Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
- Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
- Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!.
Not Included
- Travel to and from Ponta Delgada, Azores.
- Unscheduled airport transfers.
- Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
- Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Alcoholic Beverages.
- Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
- Travel Medical (required).
- Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
- Single rooming available for $1,500 supplement.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $3,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $3,000 is due by December 1, 2025.
- The balance is due not later than April 1, 2026.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
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