Faroe Islands
March 30 – April 6, 2026
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Rifugios in the Dolomites
At a Glance
Location
Italy
Tuition
$8,995
Dates
June 20 – 27, 2026
Fitness Level
Availability
Limited to 8 Guests
Collections
Rifugios in the Dolomites Photography Workshop
Italian Dolomites from the Legendary Rifugios
June 20 – 27, 2026
- 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
First light hits the pale limestone, and the Dolomites turn pink and gold. Spires and towers rise above green alpine meadows, clouds move fast across high passes, and small alpine lakes are calm. Refuges are scattered along the ridgelines, simple mountain huts that put you right at the best viewpoints, where the trailhead is at your door.
This workshop is designed to keep you fully engaged. We pair select refuges with nearby sunrise and sunset locations, getting to shoots by van, lift, gondola, and short walk. We want unhurried access to changing conditions, from alpenglow on jagged peaks to low fog in the valleys and dramatic weather rolling across the passes. We’ll work both big landscapes and tight, intimate scenes, using foreground rock and meadows to anchor the image, creating form and scale.
Rifugi vary in comfort, but all have a warm meal, a cozy bunk with plenty of blankets, and the company of the mountains. Evenings include image reviews and practical discussions. In the field, we only use techniques when the scene calls for it, focus stacking for deep near-to-far compositions, polarizers to manage glare on water and wet rock, and neutral density filters for controlled long exposures.
Expect an immersive learning experience throughout, with targeted sessions on focus stacking, near/far composition, long-lens landscapes, exposure bracketing, and more. We will stand alongside you as you shoot, guiding you toward stronger compositions, better camera settings, and powerful post-processing, so your photography continues to improve long after you return home.
You’ll leave with a cohesive set of images that showcase the Dolomites at their best, from breathtaking ridge views at dawn to intimate details of wildflowers, larches, and alpine lakes. Just as important, you’ll have a solid approach to working in the mountains, from timing and vantage selection to processing natural-looking images back at base.
Your Pros
Luka Esenko
Itinerary
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.
June 20, 2026: Meet, Greet, and Depart from Venice
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, 2026: Photographing, Hiking, and Relaxing in the Dolomite Rifugios
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:
Rifugio Scoiattoli: 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, 2026: Morning Shoot and Departure to Venice Airport
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: Walks up to 2 miles on trails. Elevation is fairly low with only one Rifugio being at 9,000 feet.
Flights
Arrive Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Venice, Italy before 10:00 AM on June 20, 2026. Flights out can be made after 5:00 PM on June 27, 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
- 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 (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 November 1, 2025.
- The balance is due not later than March 1, 2026.
- All of our standard Terms and Conditions apply.
- Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.
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