Swiss Alps Photography Workshop
October 22 – 28, 2026
(7 Days / 6 Nights)
Swiss Alps Photography Workshop
October 22 to 28, 2026
7 days / 6 nights | Small group | Two instructors
Workshop price: $4,500 per person
Reserve your place with a $800 deposit
Have a question before booking?
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Prefer winter?
Explore our March 2027 workshop
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Explore a private Swiss Alps photo tour→
Photograph the Swiss Alps in Autumn
Late October brings one of the most atmospheric periods of the year to the Engadin. Golden larch forests surround clear alpine lakes, while the first snow may begin to settle on the peaks and glaciers of the Bernina Range.
Over seven days, we photograph the region in changing autumn light, from expansive mountain views and reflective lakes to forests, rivers and quieter details within the landscape. Mist, cloud, frost and early snow can transform familiar locations and create the dramatic conditions that make alpine photography so rewarding.
With Andrea’s local knowledge and two instructors working closely with a small group, the workshop combines carefully selected locations with personal guidance throughout the week.
Quick facts
Dates: October 22–28, 2026
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Location: The Engadin, Graubünden, Switzerland
Arrival and departure: Zurich Airport
Meeting time: October 22 at 10:00 AM
Return to Zurich Airport: October 28, approximately 3:00–4:00 PM
Workshop price: USD 4,500
Deposit: USD 800
Accommodation: Six nights in a private room with private bathroom
Hotel: St. Moritz Youth Hostel
Group size: Maximum 12 participants
Instructors: Andrea Sanchini and Terje Svendsen
Instructor ratio: Maximum six participants per instructor
Photography level: Beginner to advanced
Physical level: Moderate
Transport: Workshop transport in vans
Meals included: Daily continental breakfast
Local transport included: Cable cars, mountain railways and scheduled shuttle services used during the workshop
Post-workshop support: Two online image-review sessions
Photograph the Swiss Alps in Autumn
The Engadin is a high alpine valley in southeastern Switzerland, surrounded by the peaks and glaciers of the Bernina Range.
In late October, the larch forests turn gold, the air becomes crisp and clear, and the highest mountains may receive their first covering of snow. Alpine lakes reflect the surrounding peaks, while mist, cloud and changing weather can create dramatic and atmospheric conditions.
During the workshop, we photograph both the grand alpine landscape and the quieter details that make this region special.
Our subjects may include:
Golden larch forests
Reflective mountain lakes
Glaciers and snow-covered peaks
Alpine rivers and streams
Panoramic mountain views
Intimate woodland scenes
Autumn colour and early winter conditions
Textures, patterns and details within the landscape
You do not need to be familiar with the Engadin before joining us. Part of the experience is discovering one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain regions with the guidance of a local photographer.
What to Expect
This workshop combines carefully selected locations in the Engadin with hands-on guidance and a flexible programme shaped by the light, weather, and mountain conditions.
Our days will often begin early and may continue into the evening, with time in between for breakfast, rest, image review, and discussion. We will photograph a varied mix of alpine lakes, glaciers, forests, rivers, mountain passes, and elevated viewpoints, giving you opportunities to work with both expansive landscapes and more intimate details.
Throughout the week, we will help you refine your compositions, respond more confidently to changing conditions, and make stronger decisions in the field. The atmosphere will be relaxed and supportive, with enough flexibility to slow down, explore a location properly, and develop your own photographic approach.
Why Choose This Workshop?
Local Knowledge
Andrea has extensive experience photographing the Engadin and the wider Swiss Alps in different seasons and weather conditions. His knowledge of the region allows us to choose locations carefully and adapt the programme when conditions change.
Two Instructors and a Small Group
With a maximum of 12 participants and two instructors, you will receive close personal guidance throughout the workshop. We can spend time with each participant, whether you need help with camera settings, composition, technique, or developing a more personal style.
A Varied Alpine Landscape
The Engadin offers an unusually rich variety of subjects within a compact region. During the workshop, we plan to photograph glaciers, reflective lakes, golden larch forests, mountain valleys, rivers, and panoramic viewpoints.
One Comfortable Base
We stay in St. Moritz throughout the workshop, so there is no need to pack and move between hotels. This gives us a practical base from which to reach the planned locations while keeping the daily logistics simple.
A Flexible Programme
Mountain weather can change quickly. Rather than following a rigid schedule regardless of conditions, we will adjust the order of locations when necessary to make the best use of the available light, weather, and access.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the workshop, we will work on:
Creating stronger and more intentional compositions
Simplifying complex mountain scenes
Using foreground, depth, balance and visual flow
Understanding how light affects mood and atmosphere
Working with cloud, mist, snow and changing weather
Photographing both grand landscapes and intimate details
Choosing the most effective lens and focal length
Refining camera settings and field technique
Moving beyond the obvious viewpoint
Developing a more personal way of seeing
Building a cohesive group of images
The teaching is adapted to your experience level and photographic goals.
Is This Workshop Right for You?
The workshop is suitable for photographers from beginner to advanced level.
You should have a basic familiarity with your camera, but you do not need to be an expert. We provide help with exposure, focusing, filters, lens choice, composition and other technical questions throughout the week.
This workshop may suit you if you:
Enjoy landscape and nature photography
Want personal guidance in a small group
Are comfortable with early starts
Enjoy both panoramic scenery and intimate landscapes
Want to improve your composition and field technique
Prefer not to drive or manage local transport yourself
Are comfortable walking on mountain paths
The workshop is focused on photography rather than strenuous hiking, but several sessions require moderate walking.
Physical Requirements
Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven mountain paths while carrying their own camera equipment.
Some walks take place before sunrise or after sunset, so a headlamp is required. Paths may be wet, muddy, icy or snow-covered.
The longest planned walk is the return from Val di Campo after sunset:
Approximately 6.1 km
Mostly downhill
Around 1 hour 30 minutes
Other planned walks generally range from 30 to 45 minutes.
Val Roseg will be reached either by e-bike or private taxi, depending on the final arrangement.
Participants should also be comfortable:
Walking in low light
Carrying camera equipment
Spending several hours outdoors
Working in cold, windy or wet conditions
Travelling by cable car, funicular and mountain shuttle
Using an e-bike, if that option is selected for Val Roseg
Please contact us before booking if you are uncertain whether the physical requirements are suitable for you.
A Typical Day
Our days are shaped by the light, weather and mountain conditions.
We normally begin before sunrise and travel to the selected location while the landscape is still quiet. After the morning session, we return for breakfast or continue to another nearby area.
The middle of the day may be used for:
Rest and personal time
Image reviews
Informal editing discussions
Scouting
Travel between locations
Photographing forests and smaller details
In the afternoon, we return to the field for another session that may continue through sunset and blue hour.
Some days may be long when conditions are promising. Other days will include more time to rest, review images and prepare for the next session.
Planned Itinerary
The itinerary below shows the locations we plan to photograph.
Mountain weather can change quickly, and cable cars, roads and high-altitude locations may be affected by wind, snow or maintenance. The order of the programme may therefore be adjusted to give the group the best available photography and safest possible experience.
Day 1 - October 22
Arrival and Introduction to the Engadin
We meet at Zurich Airport at 10:00 AM and travel through the Swiss Alps to the Engadin. The journey takes us into one of Switzerland’s most distinctive high-alpine regions, surrounded by glaciers, forests and the peaks of the Bernina Range.
Depending on our arrival time and conditions, we plan a first photography session near Diavolezza before continuing to our accommodation in St. Moritz. In the evening, we meet for a welcome briefing and discuss the photographic opportunities and practical plans for the week ahead.
Day 2 - October 23
Diavolezza and the Morteratsch Valley
We begin with an early journey to Diavolezza, where the elevated viewpoint offers dramatic views of the glaciers and peaks of the Bernina Range. Morning light can reveal the scale, texture and structure of this high-mountain landscape.
Later, we explore Val Morteratsch, working with golden larch forests, glacial streams and views towards the Morteratsch Glacier. The variety of subjects makes this an ideal day for practising both wide mountain compositions and more intimate landscape details.
Day 3 - October 24
Morteratsch and Val di Campo
Our morning begins in the Morteratsch area, where we photograph forests, mountain views and the changing autumn light.
After breakfast, we travel to Val di Campo and continue into the upper valley by local shuttle. This remote landscape offers alpine lakes, golden larch forests and surrounding mountain peaks. We remain in the valley through the afternoon and sunset before returning on foot in the evening.
Day 4 - October 25
Silsersee and Muottas Muragl
We begin before dawn at Silsersee, where calm conditions may create reflections of the surrounding mountains and autumn forests. The lake provides opportunities to explore foreground, layering and balance within the wider landscape.
Later, we travel by funicular railway to Muottas Muragl. From this elevated position, we photograph panoramic views across the Upper Engadin lakes and towards the Bernina Range, staying into the afternoon or evening when conditions are favourable.
Day 5 - October 26
Lai da Palpuogna and the High Mountain Passes
We begin at Lai da Palpuogna, a small alpine lake surrounded by forest and mountain scenery. The quiet setting is particularly suited to reflections, woodland details and more understated compositions.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Julier Pass or Corvatsch, depending on the weather and available light. This gives us the flexibility to work with higher mountain landscapes, changing cloud and possible early winter conditions.
Day 6 - October 27
Lej da Staz and Val Roseg
Our final full day begins at Lej da Staz, a peaceful lake surrounded by larch forest. We photograph reflections, woodland scenes and the subtle details of the late-autumn landscape.
After breakfast, we continue into Val Roseg, travelling by private taxi or e-bike depending on the final arrangement. Glacial rivers, forests and mountain views provide a broad range of photographic possibilities, from expansive alpine scenes to smaller patterns and textures within the landscape.
Day 7 - October 28
Final Sunrise and Departure
We begin with a final morning photography session at a location chosen according to the light, weather and conditions. This may include Val Roseg or another nearby area that offers the strongest opportunity for our last session.
After breakfast, we return to Zurich Airport, with expected arrival between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Ambitions & Goals
This workshop is designed to help you grow as a photographer while building a strong and varied portfolio from one of Switzerland’s most rewarding alpine regions.
We want you to return home with photographs you are genuinely proud of, but also with something that lasts beyond the workshop: stronger visual awareness, greater confidence in the field, and a deeper understanding of how to work with alpine light, changing weather, composition, timing, and location.
Throughout the workshop, our goal is to provide close personal guidance and create a relaxed, supportive environment where you can enjoy the experience, learn from the landscape, and develop your photography in a meaningful way.
Accommodation
We stay all six nights at St. Moritz Youth Hostel.
This is a modern property in St. Moritz and provides a practical base for the locations included in the workshop.
Each participant receives:
A private room
A private bathroom
Continental breakfast
Six nights of accommodation
Although the property is called St. Moritz Youth Hostel, participants stay in modern private rooms with private bathrooms. It provides a comfortable and practical base for an active photography workshop.
Staying in one location means participants do not need to pack and move between hotels during the workshop
Meals
Daily continental breakfast is included.
Lunches and dinners are not included, allowing us to keep the schedule flexible around the light and weather.
We will help coordinate meal options throughout the workshop.
A welcome or farewell aperitif may be added to the programme once the final package has been confirmed.
Participants should advise us in advance of allergies or dietary requirements.
Recommended Camera Equipment
We recommend bringing:
Camera with manual controls
Wide-angle lens
Standard zoom lens
Telephoto lens
Sturdy tripod
Polarising filter
Neutral-density filters, if available
Spare batteries
Memory cards
Lens cloths
Camera rain cover
Headlamp
A detailed equipment list will be provided after booking.
Clothing and Conditions
Late October in the Engadin can bring mild autumn weather, strong wind, frost, rain or snow.
Temperatures will be colder at sunrise, after sunset and at higher elevations.
Participants should bring:
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Warm insulated jacket
Thermal base layers
Hat and gloves
Waterproof walking shoes or boots
Warm socks
Small daypack
Headlamp
Water bottle
A detailed clothing guide will be provided before the workshop.
Post-Workshop Support
The learning continues after we leave Switzerland.
Participants are invited to two online group sessions where we review selected photographs, discuss editing choices and continue the learning from the field.
You will also be invited to a private WhatsApp group before the workshop. This is used for preparation, practical information and communication during the trip
Swiss Alps Photography Workshop
October 22 – 28, 2026
Start: 22 October at 10:00 AM
End: 28 October at 3:00 PM
This workshop gives you seven days of focused photography in one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain regions, with two instructors, a small group, and a carefully planned route designed around the best available conditions.
Included in the workshop
Seven-day, six-night photography workshop
Six nights at St. Moritz Youth Hostel
Private room with private bathroom
Daily continental breakfast
Zurich Airport pickup and return
Cable car tickets
Two photography instructors
Maximum six participants per instructor
Sunrise and sunset photography sessions
Image reviews and group discussions
Individual mentoring
Private participant WhatsApp group
Detailed travel and preparation information
Recommended equipment and clothing list
Two online post-workshop image-review sessions
Not included
Flights to and from Switzerland
Lunches and dinners
Travel and medical insurance
Personal expenses
Alcoholic drinks
Camera equipment
Visa or entry-related expenses
Additional accommodation before or after the workshop
Price
Total trip price: $4,500 per person
Deposit: $800 to reserve your place
Single rooms are included for all participants.
Booking information
Your place is confirmed once your deposit has been paid. After booking, you will receive practical information about the workshop, travel planning, recommended gear, and the next steps before departure.
Not quite ready to book? Schedule a short, informal call with us to discuss the workshop, travel plans, photography level or any questions you may have.
Schedule a 15-Minute Call→
Meet the Instructors
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Andrea Sanchini is an Italian fine art landscape photographer based in Bern, Switzerland. His work is inspired by the dramatic landscapes of the Alps and combines technical precision with a strong artistic approach influenced by Romanticism and classical painting.
Andrea has extensive experience photographing throughout Switzerland, northern Italy, and the French Alps. He also works as a landscape photography instructor with the Swiss Photo Club, where he leads workshops and courses in alpine environments.
His work has been exhibited internationally and recognized in several major photography competitions and festivals, including the Chamonix Photo Festival, Festival Photo Montier, and the European Photography Awards.
Portfolio: andreasanchiniphotography.com
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Terje is a full-time Norwegian photographer specializing in landscape and cityscape photography. He leads photography workshops across Norway and Europe, with a strong focus on personal guidance, thoughtful composition, and helping participants develop their own photographic expression.
For the Swiss Alps workshop, Terje brings extensive experience from leading small-group workshops in mountain environments, including the Dolomites and Northern Norway. Together with local photographer and instructor Andrea Sanchini, he will help participants make the most of the Engadin’s dramatic landscapes, autumn colours, and changing alpine light.
Terje’s work has been featured in exhibitions and is available as fine art prints.
Portfolio: terjephotography.com
FAQs
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The workshop price includes six nights of accommodation in a private room with a private bathroom, breakfast each morning, photography instruction from two instructors, workshop transport from and back to Zurich Airport, and transport between the planned photography locations.
Cable cars, mountain railways, and scheduled local shuttle services listed in the itinerary are also included.
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Flights or other travel to and from Zurich, lunches and dinners, travel insurance, personal expenses, and any additional activities outside the planned workshop programme are not included.
Participants are responsible for bringing their own camera equipment, suitable clothing, and personal travel insurance.
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Breakfast is included each morning.
Lunches and dinners are not included unless otherwise stated. We will provide information about nearby restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, and practical options for meals during the workshop.
Because our schedule depends on the light and weather, some meals may need to be flexible or taken at unusual times.
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Most common dietary requirements can normally be accommodated by the hotel and local restaurants.
Please let us know about allergies or dietary requirements when booking so that we can discuss the available options in advance.
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The workshop has a moderate physical level.
Most photography locations involve relatively short walks, but participants should be comfortable walking on uneven mountain paths while carrying their own camera equipment. The longest planned walk is expected to be approximately 6 kilometres and may take place partly in low light or after sunset.
Please review the Physical Requirements section carefully before booking. Contact us if you are uncertain whether the workshop is suitable for you.
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Specialist hiking experience is not required, but you should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking outdoors on uneven terrain.
The pace is not intended to be fast, and we allow time for photography along the way. However, participants must be able to carry their own equipment and manage the planned walking distances.
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Changing weather is part of photographing in the Alps and can often create some of the most interesting conditions.
We follow a flexible programme and may change the order of locations depending on cloud, wind, snow, visibility, cable-car operations, and road access. If a planned location is not suitable or accessible, we will choose the strongest available alternative.
While we cannot guarantee specific weather or light, we will use our local knowledge and experience to make the best possible decisions each day.
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The published itinerary represents our planned programme, but it should be viewed as flexible.
Mountain weather, seasonal road conditions, cable-car schedules, and other local factors may require us to change the timing, order, or selection of locations. These decisions are made to give the group the best possible photographic experience and to maintain safety.
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The workshop is suitable for photographers from beginner to advanced level.
You should have a basic understanding of your camera, but you do not need to be highly experienced. We work with each participant individually and adapt the guidance to their level, interests, and goals.
More experienced photographers will also have opportunities to refine their compositions, strengthen their visual decision-making, and develop a more personal approach to landscape photography.
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The workshop focuses on practical learning in the field.
Topics may include composition, camera settings, exposure, focusing, working with filters, long exposures, using foreground and layers, photographing reflections, adapting to changing weather, and recognising the strongest light and viewpoints.
We also help participants become more confident in making creative decisions and building a varied and cohesive set of images.
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The group is limited to a maximum of 12 participants, with two instructors.
This allows us to work closely with each person throughout the workshop. We can help with technical questions, composition, equipment, location choices, and the development of your own photographic style.
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The weather in the Dolomites can shift quickly, so it’s best to pack for a range of conditions. Bring:
A good layering system so you can adjust as temperatures change
A waterproof and windproof jacket, plus other weather-resistant outerwear
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots with solid grip for rocky and uneven trails
A warm hat, gloves, and lightweight thermal layers for early mornings and higher elevations
Rain cover for yourself and your backpack
Sunglasses and sunscreen for bright daytime sessions at altitude
Moisture-wicking socks and base layers to stay comfortable during longer walks
A buff or neck gaiter for wind and dust
Camera-friendly gloves if you’ll be shooting in colder light
A headlamp for sunrise starts, sunset walks back, or navigating trails in low light
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We recommend bringing:
A camera with manual exposure controls
A wide-angle lens
A standard zoom lens
A telephoto lens
A sturdy tripod
A polarising filter
Neutral-density filters, if you use them
Spare batteries and memory cards
Lens-cleaning equipment
A comfortable camera backpack
A detailed equipment and clothing list will be sent to participants before the workshop.
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Yes. Several days are planned around early-morning and late-afternoon or evening light.
The exact schedule will depend on the weather and conditions. Some days may begin before sunrise, and some sessions may continue beyond sunset.
There will also be opportunities to rest during the middle of the day when the schedule allows.
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Late October in the Engadin can bring a wide range of conditions, including cold temperatures, rain, wind, frost, and possible snow.
Participants should bring layered outdoor clothing, waterproof and windproof outerwear, warm gloves and a hat, and sturdy waterproof walking shoes or boots with good grip.
A headlamp is also essential for walking before sunrise or after sunset.
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Yes. Transport from Zurich Airport, between the planned photography locations, and back to Zurich Airport is included.
Cable cars, mountain railways, scheduled local shuttles, and planned transfers listed in the itinerary are also included. If the final itinerary includes private taxi transport to locations such as Val Roseg or Val di Campo, this will be confirmed before booking opens.
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A non-photographing partner may be able to join, depending on room and transport availability.
Please contact us before booking so that we can discuss the price, accommodation, transport, and whether the planned programme would be suitable.
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No natural conditions can be guaranteed.
Late October is normally a rewarding period for autumn colour in the Engadin, and early snow is possible in the mountains. However, the timing and intensity of autumn colour, snowfall, weather, and light vary from year to year.
The workshop is designed around the broader photographic potential of the region rather than relying on one specific condition.
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Yes. We are happy to provide general advice about travel connections, accommodation, and extending your stay in Switzerland before or after the workshop.
Participants are responsible for making and paying for their own additional travel arrangements.
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Yes. All participants should have comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, illness, medical treatment, personal belongings, and outdoor activities appropriate to the workshop.
We also recommend checking that your insurance covers non-refundable workshop payments and any additional travel costs.
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A deposit is required to reserve your place.
The remaining balance will be invoiced 60 days before the workshop begins. Full payment details and deadlines will be included in your booking confirmation.
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The deposit is non-refundable, as we use it to secure accommodation, transport, and other advance arrangements for the workshop.
If we cancel the workshop, the deposit and any other workshop payments made to us will be refunded in full.
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that covers cancellation for unforeseen circumstances.
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If we need to cancel the workshop, any workshop payments made to us will be refunded according to the booking terms.
We are not responsible for other expenses such as flights, additional hotels, visas, or personal travel arrangements. This is another reason why comprehensive travel insurance is important.
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You can reserve your place through the booking page once registration opens.
If you have questions before booking, you are very welcome to contact us through the enquiry form or arrange a short call.
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If you have more questions regarding the workshop don’t hesitate to contact us at: terje@terjephotography.com
Swiss Alps Photography Workshop
Swiss Alps Photography Workshop
Ready to Photograph Autumn in the Swiss Alps?
Join us for seven days among golden forests, alpine lakes, glaciers and the dramatic peaks of the Engadin.
With local knowledge, a small group and personal guidance from two instructors, this workshop is designed to help you return home with strong photographs and greater confidence in the field.
October 22–28, 2026
Tickets: $ 4,5 00 per person
Maximum 12 participants
Not quite ready to book? Schedule a short, informal call with us to discuss the workshop, travel plans, photography level or any questions you may have.
Schedule a 15-Minute Call→
More workshops
If the Swiss Alps are on your list, you might also like these upcoming workshops:
Northern Norway Landscape Photography Workshop– Big landscapes, coastlines, and wild weather
Dolomites Photography Workshop (Italy – October) – Autumn colour, quieter trails, and dramatic light
Venice Photography Workshop– Architecture, canals, reflections, and night photography
Paris Photography Workshop – Street, architecture, and blue-hour city scenes