LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - ITALIAN DOLOMITES
Capture the glorious Italian Dolomites in the autumn alpenglow on this breathtaking 10-day landscape photography workshop - the perfect opportunity for you to improve your skills on holiday in one of the world's most beautiful and diverse mountain regions.
The majestic Dolomites in Northern Italy were declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2009, and it's easy to see why. Their unique geology has created one of the world's most spectacular landscapes - 18 peaks over 3,000m, with steeples, pinnacles and some of the world's highest sheer rock walls plunging into forested and meadowed valleys, and a myriad of tranquil lakes capturing mirror-glass reflections. In October, the low sun burnishes the Dolomites' unusual pale limestone features in a glorious alpenglow - and with fewer tourists than in the summer months, it's the perfect time for relaxed photography.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
Boost your photography techniques among the glorious landscapes of the Italian Dolomites on this ten-day workshop with Tom Mackie.
We'll meet at Venice Marco Polo Airport on the first day at noon.
During the workshop we'll stay in three locations to maximise your photo opportunities: Rosengarten, Ortisei and the 2026 Winter Olympics host ski resort, Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Key photo locations in this Unesco World Heritage Site include Lake Carezza and reflections of the Letamar and Rosengarten (Catinaccio) massifs in its shimmering waters, the South Tyrol's high alpine landscapes from the summit of Seceda, the gentle beauty of Val di Funes and its quaint white churches, the sawtooth peaks of the Odle/Geisle Massif and the iconic Drei Zinnen, and the majestic Lake Misurina.
This trip is as much about meeting and exchanging ideas and anecdotes with your fellow photographers as it is about polishing your photography skills. With a maximum of just six people on the workshop, you'll find it a friendly, fun experience and enjoy a relaxed pace, including plenty of time for individual tuition from Tom.
With Tom's expert guidance, you'll learn professional tips and tricks for capturing stunning panoramas, reflections and mountainscapes in a range of different light conditions. You'll also discover how to get the most out of your camera and lenses, including the optimal settings for specific scenes, and develop your eye for composition - including when to break "the rules" for maximum impact.
All transport during the Dolomites photography workshop is included - so you can sit back and feast your eyes on some of the world's most spectacular mountain landscapes. That said, with numerous twisty mountain roads, this might not be the workshop for you if you suffer from car sickness.
Your accommodation includes a well-appointed private room with breakfast and dinner included. The Dolomites is renowned for the quality of its produce, with specialities including cheeses, wild game such as deer (venison cooked in a rich blueberry gravy is superb), and polenta dishes. Also look out for apfelstrudel, gnocchi cardorina (gnocchi with smoked ricotta cheese) and homemade tagliatelle alla tartufo (truffles). Homemade grappa is also very popular - and very warming on a cool autumn evening!
We'll be back at Marco Polo Airport by noon on the last day so plan your flights accordingly.
DOLOMITES WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
To give plenty of scope for variety in your photography, we'll be based at three separate and equally stunning locations. Our first two nights will be in the Rosengarten region, where we'll photograph the forest-fringed, iridescent waters of Lake Carezza in the entrancing Eggental Valley. Known as the rainbow lake, it's famous for exquisite reflections of the striking Latemar and Rosengarten massifs.
Our next three nights will be spent in the picturesque Alpine village of Ortisei. From here we'll explore the high alpine landscapes by taking a cable car up to the summit of Seceda. With its flaring, jagged ridgeline, it's one of the Dolomites' most iconic peaks and a fantastic spot for breathtaking views over the mountains of the South Tyrol - perfect for panoramas!
The nearby valley of Val di Funes, all rolling meadows and verdantly forested slopes, provides a gentle contrast to the striking backdrop of the Odle/Geisle Massif's pale, jagged peaks. We'll also capture classic views of two of the quaint churches for which the valley is famous churches - Santa Maddalena (St Magdalena) and St Johann.
For our final four nights we'll be staying in the mountain ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, which is hosting the Winter Olympics in 2026. Subject to the mountain road being open, we'll be shooting the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also known as the Drei Zinnen - a distinctive formation of three battlement-like peaks. Although this is the only long hike we do, it's mostly on the level, and you can opt out if you wish. Another highlight is Lake Misurina, the largest natural lake in the region. At 1.5 miles (2.5km) long, it's the perfect mirror for the majestic mountain scenery.
Thank you for organizing, driving and guiding during the
last two weeks. Lots of very good memories, hopefully good images and
the definite thirst for more! I'm sure you will see more of me!
— Jeremy Hughes
What's included?
- One-to-one and group tuition with Tom
- Nine nights' 3 & 4-star accommodation
- Private rooms (no single supplement)
- Breakfast, Half board at first two bases
- Transfers to/from Venice Marco Polo Airport
- Cable car fees
- Park entrance fees
- Transport during workshop
What's not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, snacks, dinners at Cortina base 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.
Good physical fitness is essential as this workshop involves high altitudes and moderate hiking - bring sturdy walking boots.
Due to the numerous mountain road switchbacks, this workshop would not be advisable if you suffer from car sickness.
October's stable weather is perfect for photography and hiking in the Dolomites, with clear skies and mild temperatures. With average daytime highs of 19C / 66F and evening lows around 6C / 43F, you'll need to bring clothes you can layer. Although it's not a particularly rainy month, waterproofs are still highly recommended.
To ensure everyone has the opportunity for one-to-one tuition with Tom, this workshop is restricted to six participants, 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.
Workshops FAQs
Contact Tom
