South of France and Camargue
May 15 – 24, 2024
1 Spot Left
Italian Dolomites from the Legendary Rifugios
June 20 – 27, 2024
Italy’s Dolomites offer a combination of epic beauty and excellent access to one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on the planet. This jagged range of mountains, located in northeastern Italy, is dotted by huts—called rifugi, or rifugios—which offer warm camaraderie, a great night’s sleep, and plenty of comfort food to sustain you during the day. The rifugios are easily accessed by ski lifts, gondolas, and/or a short walk. But most importantly, they put you where you need to be to photograph these unusual mountains in the sweet light. The rifugios vary in luxury, but all provide a cozy bunk, plenty of warm blankets, and a hot meal. We will use vans to travel between the rifugios and have planned ample time to reach the scenic locations to enjoy the late and early light.
Expect breathtaking vistas, a variety of atmospheric conditions, and plenty to photograph! Throughout the workshop, you’ll learn about correct exposure, composition, camera settings, focus-stacking for extreme sharpness through an entire scene, using neutral density and polarizing filters, and much more.
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this trip—you will be walking around on trails at elevations between 7,000–9,000 feet. Access hikes into the Rifugios are under a mile. No technical climbing is involved, and elevation gain will be moderate. Depending on the weather and conditions, there will be additional hiking to locations surrounding the Rifugios.
Your Pros
Luka Esenko
Location
Italy
Tuition
$7,495
Dates
June 20 – 27, 2024
Availability
Open for Registration
Limited to 8 Guests
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
June 20, 2024: We’ll meet as a group in the Courtyard Venice Airport Hotel lobby by 11:00 AM. We’ll have an introduction meeting and a welcome lunch before loading our vans to leave for our first Rifugio.
If you prefer to arrive the day prior, just let us know, and we’ll reserve a room for you at the Courtyard Venice Airport Hotel for the night of the 19th. This hotel night is not included in tuition.
June 21–26, 2024: We will be photographing from the heart of the Dolomites and staying in charming mountain huts. We’ll be hiking along traditional footpaths between sunrise and sunset photography sessions. Don’t worry—we’ll be sure to leave plenty of time for rest! Some of the potential regions we’ll be visiting:
Cinque Torri: The Five Towers is one of the most spectacular regions of the Dolomites, especially during the alpine wildflower season. Our rifugio is located at the steps of the towers and offers inspiring vantages from peaks to valleys.
Lagazuoi: We’ll take a cable car to one of the highest rifugios in the Dolomites. At 9,000 feet, we’ll have stunning views from the rifugio itself, but we can also do short hikes to nearby peaks if desired. This rifugio also features excellent food and even a sauna!
Rifugio Ütia de Börz: This is a wood-built lodge on a scenic mountain pass also known as Würzjoch. From here, there are wondering lush alpine meadows below the towering Peitlerkofel peak.
Seceda: From the top of Seceda, we’ll be able to look across the Odle group, one of the most scenic mountain ranges in the Dolomites. The views don’t end there, though—we’ll be able to spot the Sella group, Sassolungo, the Funes valley, and even into Austria.
June 27, 2024: After a morning shoot and breakfast, we’ll make our way back to Venice airport. You may schedule your flight home after 5:00 PM, or if you’d like, we can help you arrange a few extra nights in Venice.
Rifugios
The Rifugios are all unique. Each one is located with spectacular views, food, and overnight rooms. 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 ensuite. Many have shared common showers and restrooms down the hall. Each Rifugio has a restaurant, and the food generally is excellent. All of them are very clean!
Fitness
Moderate: You can handle 3-4 hours of moderate hiking per day on uneven ground in an alpine environment at elevations up to 9,000 feet.
Flights
Arrive Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice, Italy before 10:00 AM on June 20, 2024. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on June 27, 2024. 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.
- 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 $3,495 will hold your space in this workshop.
- The balance is due not later than March 1, 2024.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
Testimonials
“I would have rated it 5 stars even if i only had my iPhone camera. Apart from the photography the location and logistics was outstanding. Joseph was great. A wonderful workshop! ”
“The photography locations were some of the most beautiful spots that I have ever been to in the world! ”
