LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - THE ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Banish the January blues with a week of glorious landscape photography along the Algarve's sweeping south Atlantic coastline. Portugal's southernmost region is a photographer's delight, with pristine golden beaches framed by dramatic cliffs, arches, stacks and caves sculpted over thousands of years from the limestone rock. Add fantastic light reflecting off crystal-clear waters and the winter sun rising and setting over the sea, and you've got the perfect destination for breathtaking seascapes that will get your New Year photography resolutions off to a flying start.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
Join Tom on this one week landscape photography workshop in the Algarve on Portugal's southern Atlantic coast, capturing the fantastic rock formations, serenely beautiful beaches and lighthouses for which the region is renowned.
Although it's January and so, strictly speaking, a winter photography workshop, there's usually lots of sunshine and pleasantly warm temperatures during the day. It's certainly a great escape from the short, gloomy days of more northern latitudes!
Key photo locations include the famous caves and arch at Praia da Albandeira, the world-class Praia da Marinha's limestone cliffs and stacks, and the eye-catching lighthouses at Ponta da Piedade and Cabo de Sao Vicente (unforgettable in the blue hour). You'll also be photographing some hidden location gems that Tom has specifically sought out for this workshop.
You'll be in great company with a small group of like-minded photographers (maximum six people) to ensure a relaxed pace with quality time for individual tuition.
With Tom's expert guidance, you'll explore the stunning landscapes and develop your photography skills to capture them in all their glory. Whether you want to sharpen your eye for a picture or master techniques like coastal composition, long exposures, choosing the right mode, working with the light at dawn and dusk, panoramas, and post-production skills, you'll love the results.
Your accommodation includes a well-appointed private room and a hearty breakfast, just the thing after a leisurely dawn shoot capturing the area's incredible coastal cliffs, sea stacks, caves and beaches in the golden hour.
No break in the Algarve would be complete without sampling the excellent local specialities, including super-fresh seafood, frango da guia (spicy chicken), succulent conquilhas a Algarvia (clams), pesticos de taberna (similar to tapas) and pastel de nata, fresh from the oven.
All transport during the Algarve photography workshop is included, so you can concentrate on enjoying the seascapes and planning your shoots.
ALGARVE WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Flying into Faro, we'll head west to stay for seven nights at our base for the entire workshop - a premium villa with panoramic views over the Atlantic and easy access to coastal footpaths, so you don't have to go far to capture the gorgeous scenery. The location is ideal for exploring every aspect of the coastline in detail, from charming, white-washed fishing villages to local specialities like tapas-style petiscos de taberna and freshly caught seafood.
With dawn cracking at a most considerate 7.45am, we'll be taking full advantage of the gorgeous morning light over the ocean. After lunch, there's time to kick back before we reconvene to capture the atmospheric glow of late afternoon and sunset (again, obligingly early at around 5.30pm). There'll be opportunities for image review and post-processing sessions, too.
Key locations on our itinerary include Praia da Albandeira, a secluded beach whose wave-carved caves and graceful limestone arch create compelling natural frames. We'll also shoot Praia da Marinha, consistently rated as one of the world's most beautiful beaches for its burnished limestone cliffs towering over turquoise waters, and visit the fantastical rock formations and elegant lighthouse at Ponta da Piedade. You can also look forward to some "best-kept secret" spots recced specifically for this workshop.
No photographic trip to the Algarve would be complete without shooting the Cabo de Sao Vicente lighthouse. Perched on top of 200-foot high jagged cliffs at Europe's most southwesterly point - and, before the 14th century, the end of the known world - this iconic landmark is the perfect venue for spectacular sunsets and atmospheric blue-hour images, when twilight dwindles into dusk.
What's included?
- One-to-one and group tuition with Tom
- 7 nights' accommodation
- Private rooms (no single supplement)
- Breakfast
- Transfers to/from Faro Airport
- Transport during workshop
What's not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, evening meals, snacks and drinks
Whether you're a beginner or a semi-pro, you'll find plenty to learn and enjoy on this workshop.
You'll require either a digital camera with at least a 16GB memory card (minimum 32GB if it's high resolution) or a film camera (SLR, medium, large or wide format) - Tom has many years of experience working with both.
Additional kit - a tripod, shutter release and polarising filter will help you maximise your shooting opportunities, although they aren't essential.
A good level of fitness is required, as there will be moderate hiking along the cliffs and rocks.
January weather on the Algarve coastline is pleasantly sunny, with average daily highs of 16C / 61F and dipping down to a cool 7C / 45F by night, so clothes you can layer are highly recommended. Sturdy walking boots are also a must. It does rain occasionally, so waterproofs are a good idea.
To ensure a relaxed pace with quality time for individual tuition, whatever your photographic level, this workshop is strictly limited to a maximum of six people, so book early to secure your place.
If you have any questions about Tom's photography workshops, please check the frequently asked questions page. Alternatively, get in touch with Tom directly and he'll be happy to help you.
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