Italian Riviera Photo Workshop

Pre-Workshop

You can fly directly into Genova arriving a day early to acclimate.  This is the birthplace of Christopher Columbus and boasts a historic center built by wealthy merchants who ruled this part of the Mediterranean.  You can also fly into Milan, just 2 hours by train.

Our recommended hotel in Genova is the Hotel Bristol Palace.

Day One

If you’re in Genova, meet us at the Hotel Bristol Palace at 11AM, and we’ll take a private coach to Camogli, our little slice of heaven on the sea for 7 days (alternately you can meet us in Camogli at noon on the 3rd;  the train station in Camogli is just a block or two from our hotel).

Day Two

After a morning workshop, we’ll head south by boat along the coast, stopping at a ancient monastery Abbazia San Fruttuoso, reachable only by boat.  The stone buildings in this secreted cove have transformed from monastery to a pirate’s den to a humble fishermen home before becoming the residence of Princess of Doria.

We’ll then continue to Portofino, perhaps the world’s most perfect little harbor, where the rich and famous make frequent appearances, including, yes… us.  The back streets are lush with color for “street still life” images and the overlook of the harbor is a classic vista worth hiking for.

Day Three

We’ll rise early and catch a train to the five colorful towns of the Cinque Terre. These charming fishing villages provide endless photography opportunities with the famous views of the cliff-clinging villages, the boat harbors, the crashing waves, and the colorful people.

Partners can decide to enjoy unstructured village time; relax at our great hotel with its pool and beach; or accompany their photographer for any – or all – group excursions.

Day Four

Camogli’s harbor is a short walk from our hotel and provides the opportunity to work with slow exposure, movement and other in-camera abstraction methods we will discuss. Its cathedral rises from the sea, begging to be photographed from along the shores.

Day Five

After breakfast, we’ll take a drive up into the hills of Liguria.  A wonderful authentic lunch and a tiny hilltop town await us in a place undiscovered by tourists.  In the afternoon, we’ll visit Sestri Levante and watch the sun go down on the Ligurian Sea.

Days Six

After breakfast we’ll again review images on-screen and present new techniques.  As is tradition, our final full day is left somewhat open to the whims of the group and the instructors.  We may revisit one of our destinations, or take an excursion to a new one.  Some may choose to just relax on the beach.

Day Seven

After a farewell breakfast and a brief wrap-up, we’ll say goodbye at the train station in Camogli, where we can help you get tickets north to Genova, Milan or Venice.  Or head south to Pisa, Florence or Rome.

Reserving your Spot
Please reserve early as group size is extremely limited. You can reserve your spot on our website, or by calling us at 801-364-6645. Ask for Jamie Shaw or Drake Busath. Payments may be made with Visa, MasterCard or American Express, or you may send a check.
Checks should be sent to
Italy Workshops
701 East South Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84102.
Upon payment of your deposit, we will send you an information packet including suggestions for camera equipment, computer and software, clothing and travel information specific to your workshop destination.

Payment Schedule
A reservation fee of $500 will hold your spot
50% of balance is due 120 days prior to your workshop
The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to your workshop

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, at some workshop locations for an additional supplement charge.

Single Supplements
Fees are based on double occupancy. Single supplement may be added for participants who wish to have a private room to themselves. Supplements vary depending on the hotels used. 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
90 days prior to workshop start date 25%
45 days prior 50%
15 days prior 100%
No partial refunds will be given for unused portions of a workshop. We highly recommend that all workshop participants purchase trip cancellation insurance independently.

Cancelled Workshops
Italy Workshops reserves the right to cancel any trip for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient signup, logistical problems that may impede a workshop, hotel closures or acts of God. (We have never yet had to cancel a workshop.) 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 120 days prior to the workshop.

Photographic 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 renumeration.

Photographers of all skill levels are welcome.

Advanced photographers will be encouraged to focus on style development, lighting and composition, and will be challenged to work in “concentrations” to produce a collection of work suitable for a gallery showing or book project.

Novice photographers will be instructed separately at times on mechanics of the camera and fundamentals of creating proper exposure, but will also join the conversations about style development.

Any camera is acceptable, including smart phones. Automation for the beginner can make the trip fun and stress-free and at times increase creativity.

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 calcite 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.