Gran Canaria Photography Workshop
November 30 – desember 6, 2026
(7 Days / 6 Nights)
Gran Canaria is often associated with beaches and tourism, but the island has a completely different side once you get behind the scenes. Its volcanic origins and subtropical climate have shaped dramatic canyons, towering rock formations, misty pine forests, fertile valleys, and the famous dunes of Maspalomas. Add in centuries of cultural influence from the indigenous people, Spanish settlers, and the English trading era, and you get an island full of photographic stories.
During this week-long workshop, we’ll explore some of the island’s most spectacular landscapes along with charming mountain villages and vibrant coastal neighborhoods. The focus is hands-on photography in the field: developing your creativity, refining your technical skills, and learning how to see scenes in new ways. This workshop is suitable for all levels. What matters most is that you enjoy photographing and want to grow with guidance and inspiration.
Our base for the week is Hotel Rural Casa de Los Camellos in the historic town of Agüimes. With traditional Canarian architecture, cobblestone streets, local cafés, and a slower, more authentic rhythm of life, it’s a perfect place to live and photograph. From here, we head out daily to explore the diverse landscapes that make Gran Canaria such a unique photography destination.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AT THE WORKSHOP
Crafting strong, purposeful landscape compositions with depth and intention.
Mastering natural mountain light at sunrise, sunset, and changing conditions.
Reading weather and adapting quickly to fog, clouds, and shifting atmosphere.
Scouting locations and building a clear visual plan before you shoot.
Building technical confidence with exposure, focus, and tripod-based techniques.
Creating a cohesive set of images with guidance from two instructors
Using long exposures for evening and blue-hour shots
Day 1 (November 30):
Arrival & Coastal Light
First impressions — Warm Atlantic air, fishing villages, and soft evening color
Arrival in Agüimes, check-in at Hotel Rural Casa de Los Camellos.
At 3:00 PM welcome meeting and introduction to the week’s program.
Short orientation walk in the old town — traditional Canarian streets, rustic doors, and local life offer easy first photo opportunities.
Late-afternoon session at Playa de Arinaga. We work with shifting coastal light, waves, and minimalistic seascapes as the sun sets.
Casual group dinner in Agüimes.
Day 2 (december 1):
Mountain Valleys & Western Light
High ridges, fertile valleys, and the golden cliffs of Mogán
We begin the day in Ayacata, a small mountain settlement surrounded by dramatic volcanic formations. Great for learning how to shape compositions in rugged terrain.
Continue through the Mogán Valley, photographing terraced hillsides, palm groves, and soft layers of morning haze.
Stop in Veneguera, known for its colorful rock formations and sweeping canyon views.
Finish the day in Puerto de Mogán, a charming harbor town where warm evening light reflects beautifully on the boats and canals. Sunset shoot along the marina.
Day 3 (december 2):
Canyons & Wind-Sculpted Shores
Textures, patterns, and the art of photographing in tricky light
Early departure for Barranco de Las Vacas, a narrow slot canyon with smooth, sculpted walls. Ideal for learning how to work with limited light, long exposures, and abstract compositions.
Break for lunch before heading to Playa Pozo Izquierdo (El Arenal) — a coastline shaped by wind, waves, and volcanic rock. We focus on motion, details, and creating atmosphere in harsher coastal conditions.
Optional sunset session if conditions are promising.
Day 4 (december 3):
Volcanic Peaks & Historic Mountain Villages
Craters, ridgelines, and traditional Canarian life
Morning shoot at Caldera de los Marteles, a wide volcanic crater with open views and great opportunities for learning foreground–background balance.
Continue to Pico de las Nieves, the highest point on the island. On clear days, the views stretch all the way to Tenerife — perfect for practicing landscape layering and telephoto compositions.
Lunch stop in Tejeda, one of Spain’s most beautiful mountain villages. We photograph narrow streets, traditional facades, and everyday local life.
Afternoon hike to Roque Nublo, the island’s iconic volcanic monolith. A highlight of the workshop — sunset here offers deep shadows, warm tones, and dramatic silhouettes.
Day 5 (december 4):
Street Photography in Las Palmas
Markets, cathedral squares, and Atlantic culture
Start the day in San Cristóbal, a humble fishing neighborhood full of colorful houses and authentic street scenes.
Move into Vegueta, the historic heart of Las Palmas. We explore the market, Santa Ana Cathedral, and surrounding plazas — perfect for capturing people, architecture, and fast-changing light.
Photo walk through Fuente del Porron and Calle Mayor de Triana, combining urban details, local culture, and scene-building techniques.
Optional evening shoot along the old town streets.
Day 6 (december 5):
Northern Landscapes & Sunset by the Sea
Crater rims, mountain villages, and golden-hour beach photography
Morning visit to Caldera de Bandama. The wide volcanic bowl and surrounding ridges offer excellent opportunities to practice scale and perspective.
Continue to Teror, a charming town known for its wooden balconies and green mountain setting. A great place for architectural compositions and photographing color harmonies.
Afternoon at Playa de Las Canteras, one of Spain’s most beautiful city beaches. We work with reflections, surf action, and warm evening tones.
Finish the day at Parque de Santa Catalina for a lively urban sunset session.
Day 7 (december 6):
Final Sunrise & Departure
Atlantic waves and farewell reflections
Optional sunrise in Manarola, with boats, cliffs, and pastel houses glowing in soft morning light
Optional sunrise session at El Bufadero, a natural coastal blowhole that creates dramatic water movement — ideal for slow-shutter techniques.
Return to Agüimes for breakfast and goodbyes before departure.
The workshop ends 12:00PM.
Ambitions & Goals
This workshop is about your growth and your images. Many photo tours emphasize being at the right location at the right time — but then the instructors often focus on taking their own shots. Our philosophy is different. We’re there to guide you personally, whether that means:
fine-tuning your composition on the spot,
helping you master camera settings in tricky light, or
offering constructive feedback as you work.
With a small-group format (maximum six participants per instructor), you’ll receive close personal attention and one-to-one coaching every day. The aim is for every participant to return home with portfolio-worthy photographs and new confidence in their skills.
Equally important is the community: the workshop is a shared learning and inspiration experience. You’ll not only improve your photography, but also enjoy the camaraderie of shooting and dining together in one of the world’s most photogenic cities
gran canaria Photography Workshop
November 30 – December 6, 2026
Tickets: $ 1,900 per person
Start: 30 November at 3:00 PM
End: 6 December at 12:00 PM
Seven days and six nights of field-based landscape and travel photography
Transport for the entire week in comfortable vans, giving us easy access to mountains, coastlines, villages, and volcanic landscapes
Two instructors guiding you daily with personal feedback and on-location support
Maximum 7 participants to ensure a relaxed, hands-on learning environment
A balanced program combining dramatic landscapes, coastal scenes, and authentic village life
Structured daily plan with sunrise, sunset, and mid-day exploration sessions
Two online follow-up sessions to refine your edits and review your best images
Private WhatsApp group available months in advance for travel planning, packing guidance, and sharing photos along the way
Payment plan:
$300 deposit is paid at registration
The remaining balance will be invoiced about one month before the workshop begins.
Accommodation:
Our base for the week is Hotel Rural Casa de Los Camellos, a charming historic property in the heart of Agüimes. The building dates back more than a century and is one of the town’s architectural landmarks, lovingly restored in traditional Canarian style.
Inside, you’ll find spacious rooms with high wooden ceilings, warm natural materials, and a calm, peaceful atmosphere. The hotel opens into a beautiful inner courtyard filled with plants and local details — a quiet spot to relax, review your photos, or enjoy your morning coffee before we head out.
The location is ideal for photographers. Step outside and you’re immediately in Agüimes’ old town, surrounded by narrow cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and small squares where everyday life unfolds at a slower pace. It’s an inspiring place to start and end each day, and a perfect base for exploring all corners of the island.
Breakfast is served each morning with a selection of local ingredients, and the staff is welcoming and helpful throughout your stay. The hotel is comfortable, authentic, and perfectly suited for a workshop focused on creativity, culture, and the landscapes of Gran Canaria.
You can book your room on the hotel’s website: https://www.hotelcasaloscamellos.com/en/
Please wait to book your accommodation until your spot in the workshop has been confirmed.
If you prefer, you can also book the room through us.
Early reservation is recommended since the group is intentionally limited.
Meet the Instructors
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Bjørn is a versatile photographer with over 20 years of professional experience across genres including people, nature, and architecture. He is one of Norway’s most active photography instructors, teaching nationwide and internationally. His collaborations include Sandra Bartocha, Anna Ulmestrand, Otto von Münchow, and David Beckstead (USA).
Portfolio: joachimsenphotography.com
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Terje is a full-time Norwegian photographer specializing in landscapes and cityscapes. He leads workshops in Paris, Italy, and the Dolomites, and knows Paris particularly well from previous workshops there. His work is showcased through exhibitions and available as fine art prints.
Portfolio: terjephotography.com
FAQs
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When you register, a $300 deposit will be charged to secure your spot.
The remaining balance will be invoiced about one month before the workshop begins.
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Seven days and six nights of on-location photography training with both instructors
A small, focused group of like-minded photographers exploring Paris together (maximum 12 participants)
A balanced program covering cityscape photography, street photography, sunrise/sunset shoots, and structured daily sessions
Two instructors working closely with the group, offering one-to-one guidance in the field
Post-workshop online review sessions to help you refine your best images
Access to a private WhatsApp group (opens months in advance) for travel tips, shooting advice, gear discussions, and sharing work
Support with planning, local insights, recommendations, and general guidance throughout the trip
Train travel from Florence to La Spezia and all local Cinque Terre train tickets
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Accommodation, and meals are not included in the workshop fee.
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Camera gear (DSLR or mirrorless)
Wide-angle lens (24 mm or wider) and telephoto lens (70–200 mm recommended)
Sturdy tripod
Wireless remote or cable release
ND filters (10-stop, plus 3–6 stop optional)
Extra batteries and memory cards
Laptop/tablet for editing (optional but recommended)
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothing for varied spring weather (light layers, rain protection)
If you’re unsure about equipment, contact us before departure for guidance.
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We accept all level of experience in photography, but just make sure you have the gear needed; otherwise it will be no fun for you. If you are missing a lens or a ND filter don’t worry about it!
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If you have more questions regarding the workshop don’t hesitate to contact us at: terje@terjephotography.com
gran canaria Photography Workshop
November 30 – December 6, 2026 (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Tickets: $ 1,900 per person