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Italian Dolomites in the Autumn
At a Glance
Location
Italy
Tuition
$8,995
Dates
October 1 – 8, 2027
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 8 Guests
Collections
Italian Dolomites in the Autumn Photography Workshop
A Rifugio-Based Exploration of Italy’s Premier Mountain Scenery
October 1 – 8, 2027
- Alpine meadows, bright blue skies, jagged cliffs, and mild weather
- Stay in charming mountain huts, and look out over huge open vistas
- Learn focus stacking alongside neutral density and polarizing filters
Italy’s Dolomites, rising sharply in northeastern Italy, are among the world’s most spectacular alpine landscapes and a dream setting for mountain photography. This jagged limestone range, known for its dramatic peaks, high alpine meadows, and shifting light, is lined with traditional mountain huts (rifugi, or rifugios) that place photographers directly within the heart of the scenery. With locations near iconic Dolomite viewpoints and easy access via gondolas, ski lifts, and short walks, these rifugios offer an ideal base for capturing sunrise, sunset, and the atmospheric conditions that define Dolomite photography. From sweeping vistas to intricate foreground details, the region’s unique geology and high-altitude terrain provide endless creative possibilities for landscape photographers seeking the best of the Italian Alps.
The rifugios themselves vary in comfort, yet all offer a warm bunk, ample blankets, and hearty meals that make long days in the field both enjoyable and sustainable. Travel between rifugios is by van, with schedules designed to provide ample time at scenic locations during the most favorable early and late light. Throughout the workshop, you can expect a range of conditions and an abundance of subjects to photograph.
Instruction covers core skills such as composition, exposure settings, and thoughtful use of neutral density and polarizing filters, as well as specialized techniques like focus stacking to achieve sharpness throughout an entire scene. A reasonable level of fitness is important, as you’ll be walking on mountain trails between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. Access hikes to the rifugios are typically under a mile with moderate elevation gain, and while no technical climbing is required, additional short hikes may be included when weather and landscape conditions allow.
Your Pros
Luka Esenko
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
October 1, 2027: Meet in Venice, Head Into Dolomites
We’ll meet at the Courtyard Venice Airport Hotel lobby by 11:00 AM and have a welcome lunch and introductions before loading our vans and beginning the drive into the Dolomites. After arriving at our rifugio, there’s time to settle in before heading out for a sunset session that introduces the landscape and the photographic approach for the days ahead. The evening concludes with a welcome dinner and a brief overview of the itinerary.
October 2–3, 2027: Passo delle Erbe
Our first base at Passo delle Erbe offers immediate access to wide alpine pastures and the striking face of Sas de Pütia. Sunrise sessions begin right outside the lodge, with the morning light gradually revealing the contours of the peak. The short hikes that follow lead through quiet meadows and forested stretches, providing a range of approachable vantage points. Afternoons remain open for rest, editing, or simply enjoying the calm of the pass. Sunset brings a different character to the landscape as warm tones sweep across the ridgelines. These two days allow you to ease into the rhythm of mountain photography without long approaches or demanding terrain.
October 4–5, 2027: Iconic Cinque Torri
Next, we move to Cinque Torri—one of the Dolomites’ most iconic formations. Our rifugio sits right at the foot of the rock towers, so the landscape is literally on your doorstep. Sunrise here is special; the towers catch the early light in a way that seems almost theatrical, and you can wander between them to find your favorite angles as the shadows shift. The mornings are spent exploring nearby ridgelines and open meadows, all within easy walking distance. After a relaxed break in the afternoon, we head back out for sunset, when the towers glow deep orange and the surrounding peaks fade into soft layers. This spot often inspires you to experiment with different compositions because every few steps offer something completely new.
October 6, 2027: Monte Lagazuoi
Monte Lagazuoi changes the mood entirely. A quick cable car takes you up to nearly 9,000 feet, and suddenly you’re surrounded by a sea of jagged peaks stretching in every direction. The rifugio here feels almost suspended in the sky. Short trails lead to wide-open viewpoints, so you can spend the day wandering from one panorama to another without much effort. The terrace alone is enough for great photography—clouds drift through the valleys, light sweeps across the ridges, and you can capture it all without moving far.
Dinner is excellent, and if you want to fully embrace the alpine experience, the sauna adds a fun and memorable twist to the evening. It’s the kind of place where you step outside at any moment and find a shot waiting for you.
October 7, 2027: Seceda
Our final base is the lively town of Ortisei, which gives us access to some of the most dramatic terrain in the Dolomites. A gondola brings us up to Seceda, where the famous knife-edge ridge drops sharply into the valley below. It’s a place where you can easily spend hours experimenting—tight ridgeline details, sweeping mountain layers, grand landscapes that stretch across multiple valleys. Depending on the conditions, we may also explore nearby passes like Gardena, Sella, or Pordoi, each offering its own character and light. The mix of easy access and world-class scenery makes this a fantastic final chapter for the trip, especially as the October light tends to be crisp, golden, and incredibly photogenic.
October 8, 2027: Final Sunrise in the Mountains, Return to Venice
On our last morning together, we head out for one more sunrise session to soak in the mountains before saying goodbye. After breakfast, we make our way back to Venice, arriving late morning. You’ll have time for onward flights in the evening or, if you prefer, a relaxed afternoon exploring the city. It’s a fitting close to a week spent chasing light, exploring beautiful terrain, and sharing the experience with a small group of fellow photographers.
Rifugios
The Rifugios are all unique. Each one is located with spectacular views, food, and overnight rooms. We can not guarantee a single room; many of the rooms are shared, and there is limited space. Fresh sheets, quilts, pillows, and towels for showers are provided. There are power outlets in the rooms and occasional desks in some. There are bunks in some and large bedrooms with showers en suite. Many have shared common showers and restrooms down the hall. Each Rifugio has a restaurant, and the food is excellent. All of them are very clean!
Fitness
Moderate: Walks up to 2 miles on trails. Elevation is fairly low with only one Rifugio being at 9,000 feet.
Flights
Arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice, Italy before 10:00 AM on October 1, 2027. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on October 8, 2027. 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
- Shared lodging. No single rooming. Limited doubles may be available.
- 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 Venice, Italy.
- 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 and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
- Anything else specifically not listed as included.
Payment Terms
- Your deposit of $3,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
- Further payment of $3,000 is due by February 1, 2027.
- The balance is due not later than May 1, 2027.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll learn core skills like composition and exposure settings, along with specialized techniques such as focus stacking for sharpness throughout a scene. You'll also practice using neutral density and polarizing filters to enhance your landscape photography.
Yes, this workshop is refundable. Cancellations made more than 150 days before the start date receive a full refund. Between 150 and 91 days, you get a refund of payments exceeding 50% of tuition, and between 90 and 61 days, a refund of payments exceeding 75% of tuition. No refunds are given within 60 days unless we fill your space, in which case you receive a 100% refund. All refunds are issued by the same payment method and are subject to a 5% administrative processing fee.
A moderate fitness level is required, as you'll be walking up to 2 miles on trails. The elevation is fairly low, with only one Rifugio at 9,000 feet, making it accessible for most participants.
The maximum group size for this workshop is 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a more intimate experience with the instructors.
Yes, medical evacuation insurance is required for this workshop. It's important to ensure you're covered in case of any emergencies while exploring the Dolomites.
You'll stay in shared lodging at traditional mountain huts called rifugios, which offer spectacular views, hearty meals, and comfortable accommodations. While single rooms aren't guaranteed, you'll have fresh sheets, quilts, and access to shared showers and restrooms.
Bring a range of lenses, such as wide-angle lenses from 14–35mm for landscapes and a mid-range zoom 24-120mm and 70-200mm for more detailed shots. Don't forget your tripod, neutral density, and polarizing filters to capture the stunning alpine scenery effectively.
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