Italy's Romantic Lakes

Lake Como | Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore

Italy's Romantic Lakes

Photo Workshop with Drake Busath, Master Photographer

Previous

Next

Lake Como | Italy’s Romantic Lakes

Lake Como | Lake Orta | Lake Maggiore

Sept 16-22, 2024  / Fresh waterscapes and lakeside villages

7 days / 6 nights / 6-12 guests

$4500


Three romantic lakes in northern Italy – Lake Como, Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta where artists and royalty have vacationed for inspiration since medieval times.  This workshop is a favorite of our regular workshop attendees. Spilling from the Italian Alps, these freshwater lakes are dotted with quaint villages that blend Italian and Swiss history.  As a photographer, there’s no more image-rich location in Italy.

We’ll begin with 3 luscious nights on famous Lake Como, exploring and photographing its small villages and spectacular villas. Our next 3 nights are spent in one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, the village of Orta San Giulio on picture-perfect Lago d’Orta, with a day trip to Lake Maggiore.

Romantic Lakes Photo Tour Itinerary Map

Pre-Workshop: We recommend you spend one night on your own in the city of Como, less than an hour from Milan Malpensa airport. Contact us for hotel recommendations in Como.

Enjoy this small city at the southern tip of Lake Como with its spectacular open market. Take a funicular ride up the mountain for an overview of the lake.

Tour Itinerary

Italian Lakes Photo Workshop Day 1 Lake Como Drake Busath

Day 1 | Como

11:30 AM, meet in the elegant town of Como

Travel by ferry up the lake to our hotel in the quiet village of Lenno

Check in, stroll the waterfront

Welcome dinner together

Italian Lakes Photo Workshop Day 2 in Varenna

Day 2 | Varenna

Workshop in Lenno (2 hours).

Ferry to Como’s most photogenic village, Varenna.

Lunch and free time to explore Varenna.

Meet to shoot the evening light together on the waterfront.

Dinner on your own.

Italian Lakes Photo Workshop Day 3 in Villa Balbianello and Bellagio

Day 3 | Bellagio

Villa Balbianello (Casino Royale filming location).

Workshop review and critique at our hotel.

Cross the lake to visit the village of Bellagio in the afternoon.

Field lessons and free time to fulfill assignments.

Free evening in Bellagio.

Italian Lakes Photo Workshop Day 4 in Orta San Giulio

Day 4 | Orta San Giulio

Early-light group shoot (optional).

Transfer by ferry and private coach with lunch along the way.

Arrive Orta San Giulio.

Check in at our charming hotel in the heart of Orta; a one-time residence of royalty, Orta is called Little Venice because of its serene piazza on the water (no cars allowed).

Waterfront shoot on the piazza in Orta.

Free time and dinner on your own.

Italian Lakes Photo Workshop Day 5 Tour Lake Orta and San Giulio

Day 5 | Lake Orta

Workshop: Image review and editing tips.

Tour Lake Orta by private boat, stopping along the way to photograph villas and the island from the water.

Visit the peaceful convent island of San Giulio.

Optional hike up the hill to the Franciscan chapels and dramatic lake and mountain views.

Dinner on your own at one of Orta’s quaint restaurants.

Italian Lakes Photo Workshop Day 6 Drake Busath

Day 6 | Lake Orta / Lake Maggiore

Early-light group shoot and field lesson.

A optional day trip to Lake Maggiore and it’s islands, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori.

This last day is left open a bit to the whims of the group and its leaders; depending on the weather and everyone’s interest.

Group dinner in Orta.

Italian Lakes Photo Workshop Day 7 Drake Busath

Day 7 | Wrap-up

Farewell breakfast.

Workshop wrap-up and slideshow.

Check out, transfer by private coach to Milan Malpensa airport (MXP).

Drop-off by 2:00PM

If you’re staying the night in Milan, we take you to your hotel in Malpensa, just 4o minutes outside Milan.  An Express train runs frequently from the airport to the city center.

 

The Workshop

  We teach practical methods to find and organize dynamic lighting and composition, whether you’re using an iPhone or a pro camera.

Classroom and field discussions are carefully planned with printed materials to help you remember what was discussed.  In the field, we work side by side with you and help you to master the techniques we’ve demonstrated in the classroom.

This is more than a run-and-gun photo tour, it’s a careful learning experience and a vacation that promises to improve your “sight” and thus your life!

Workshop Sessions

Classroom time (one-hour sessions) is devoted to reviewing your daily images on-screen and offering helpful suggestions. In the field, our discussions center around better composition and finding great light. And of course, answering your technical questions and helping you master your own equipment.

One on One Workshop Training

Instructor / Drake Busath

Drake_Busath_Italy_Workshops

Drake Busath

Drake Busath is a professional photographer and the originator of Italy Workshops, beginning in 1999. Having lived here, he speaks Italian and has guided hundreds of photographers of every skill level to favorite regions all over Italy.

Drake will share what he’s learned over 35 years photographing Italy and encourage you to identify and develop your own personal style while traveling. More about Drake

Tour Producer / Guide

Mauro Riva, Director of Operations Italy Workshops

Mauro Riva, Italy Workshops

Mauro Riva is a professional guide in Italy, native of the Dolomite mountains, north of Venice.  He will travel with us all week, sharing his insights about the Lakes region, its culture, history and food.

As a photographer himself, Mauro understands your needs.  He’ll get you to the right places in the best possible light.

Mauro serves as Director of Operations for Italy Workshops.  Having him on our team allows our instructor to focus on the curriculum instead of chasing down travel logistics. This is your guarantee of a safe and smooth week of learning.

View Mauro’s work

Office and Registration

Italy Workshops offices are located in the historic downtown mansion of Busath Studio & Gardens in Salt Lake City, UT .  Please feel free to visit.  Call ahead to visit with Drake 801-364-6645

Margaret Miller handles registrations and you can reach her at  info@italyworkshops.com

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Camera Should I Bring?

Any camera is acceptable, including smartphones.

Bring a travel camera you’re comfortable with.  You won’t want to be learning complicated menus on a new camera.  For travel, the resolution of your camera is much less important than your ability to shoot quickly with it.

A single lens 24-105mm (35mm equivalent) would suffice for this tour.  Of course a wider lens and a moderate telephoto are handy sometimes but not necessary.

 

Should I Bring a Computer

Participants who are very comfortable with their computer are encouraged to bring it along. Editing your images during the week can enhance your learning experience. We currently use Adobe Lightroom CC for our on-screen reviews sessions. You will learn new LR editing methods and workflow shortcuts during classroom reviews and critique. Even if you’ve used Lightroom, we highly recommend brushing up before the workshop by watching the free tutorials available on Adobe.com.

If you are not fluent downloading and managing digital images, you might consider leaving the computer behind and just focusing on camera work. You can still submit images daily for review, and perhaps find more time to learn about your camera and develop a discerning eye. (Not to mention sleep happily while others are editing into the night)

Observer Participants may be beginner photographers, attending all instruction and field trips, but not required to submit photos for critique. This is a fun way to learn without pressure. You’ll still photograph the same things and we’ll still want to review your work on the back of your camera and offer individual instruction in the field.

All Skill Levels Are Welcome

Beginner and Intermediate Photographers

We enjoy helping you master those buttons and menus on your camera! Short, daily field lessons will tackle one technique at time. Further individual attention in the field helps you lock in the concepts.

Any camera is welcome (yes, even smartphones!).

Non-photographer partners are welcome to sit in on all discussions and participate at their own level of interest. (Beginners often make some of the best images we see!)

icon box image

“I learned as much in a week with you two as I learned in two semesters of photography classes.” Read More

-Jeri Petersen | Tuscany

Advanced Photographers

As an advanced photographer you’ll be encouraged to:

  1. Build your portfolio, adding strong images every single day of the trip.
  2. Focus on style development, lighting and composition.
  3. Work in “concentrations” to produce a collection of work suitable for a gallery showing or book project.

You will return home with a body of work suitable for a gallery showing or book project that will express your personal style, as opposed to a random collection of travel photos.

icon box image

” I was delighted to end the week with not only hundreds of excellent images but nine new friends as well.” Read More

– Jim Pierotti CRA, 30 yr. pro photographer | Tuscany

Italy’s Romantic Lakes Photo Workshop Reviews

icon box image

“Every detail is thought of when you travel with Drake and his team! The accommodations, food, transportation, communication and tour sites were all fantastic. “ Read More

– Amy Hansen | Salt Lake City, UT

icon box image

“I felt we were truly blessed with amazing workshop staff. Drake and Joel are gifted photographers who spent every waking moment looking for good places for us to shoot as well as giving us individual attention when we were out in the field. “ Read More

-Bonnie White | Salt Lake City, UT

Italy’s Romantic Lakes Photo Workshop Dates

Romantic Lakes

September 16-22, 2024 / Lakeside villages & fresh water-scapes


Meet:  Como, Italy*
Depart: Milan, Italy
Tour Group Size: 6-12 People

Price

$4500 / Participant (double occupancy)
$450 / Single supplement private room
Ask about a 3-night VENICE EXTENSION

* This trip starts in Como, Italy, and ends in Milan, Italy. You can arrive in any major Italian city, but Milan is recommended. 

Included:

Travel

All ground and water travel is included.

Hotels

Accommodations are included.

Meals

All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.

Workshop

Workshop tuition, including instruction in the field throughout the week and daily on-screen reviews.


Not Included:

  • Airfare
  • Trip insurance (recommended)

*Also not included are crowds of tourists, slow moving tour guides and lectures on the history of plague 🙂

Payment Schedule

  • A reservation fee of $500/person will hold your spot
  • The balance of payment is due 120 days prior to your workshop/tour

Hotel Rooms

We use hotels rated 3 or 4 stars, always with private bath. Rooms are assigned in order of reservations received, so early signup is recommended. Ask about premium rooms if you would like to upgrade for an additional supplement charge.

Single Private Room Supplements

Fees are based on double occupancy. Single supplement may be added for individual participants who wish to have a private room to themselves. Supplements vary depending on the hotels used, but typically add $450-650 per workshop.  If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room with another participant, please let us know and we’ll do our best to match you with a roommate.

Cancellation fee schedule 

  • Reservation fees are fully refundable for 10 days after your booking.
  • After 14 days, reservation fees are non-refundable but may be applied to a future workshop event.
  • Cancellations less than 120 days prior to workshop incur a cancellation fee of 25% of the total workshop cost.
  • Cancellations less than 60 days prior to workshop incur a cancellation fee of 50% of the total workshop cost.
  • Cancellations less than 30 days prior to workshop incur a cancellation fee of 100% of the total workshop cost.
  • No partial refunds will be given for unused portions of a workshop.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel  insurance to protect your investment.  Travel Guard or Allianz are good places to start shopping for trip insurance.  You can get a free quote online.

Tours Cancelled by Us

Italy Workshops reserves the right to cancel any tour for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient signup, logistical problems that may impede a workshop, hotel closures or acts of God.

Please wait to book your flights until the workshop has reached its minimum enrollment.  Give us a call anytime to confirm minimum enrollment.

Refund of all fees paid shall release Italy Workshops from any further liability. Italy Workshops is not responsible for any expenses incurred by workshop participants in preparing for a cancelled workshop. In the case of insufficient signup to make a workshop feasible, notice and refund will be sent 60 days prior to the workshop.

Liability Release

You will be asked to sign a liability waiver before the tour begins, releasing Italy Workshops and any of its agents of liability for injury or loss.

Photo Release

Italy Workshops reserves the right to photograph and film its trips in entirety. Participants should be aware that images of them may be used for promotional purposes or joint marketing efforts with third parties, without remuneration.

Verified by MonsterInsights