LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - BELGIUM
Belgium is one of Europe's smallest countries, but it's bursting with photogenic landscapes and cities. For this four-night workshop in May 2025, you'll be able to hone your photographic eye and techniques in the mesmerising bluebell forest of Hallerbos and the medieval cities of Bruges (Brugge) and Ghent. With Tom's expert tuition, it's the perfect way to put a spring in your step and take your nature and architecture photographic skills to the next level.
PS Tom is running this trip back-to-back with his popular Holland landscape workshop - taking in tulips, windmills and stunning Dutch cityscapes. Book both and enjoy a £100 discount!
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
Join Tom on this four-day spring landscape and cityscape photography workshop in Belgium, capturing bluebells at sunrise and splendid Gothic architecture both by day and during the alluring blue hour.
The Belgian spring photography workshop includes a one-night stay in Halle, close to Hallerbos, a day in Ghent, and three nights in Bruges. Key photo locations include the wild bluebells in the woods of Hallerbos, photographed at dawn to avoid the crowds and make the most of the golden light. You'll also be exploring the medieval streets of Ghent and Bruges, replete with glorious cathedrals, castles and quaint, gabled houses.
All transport during the workshop is included - so you can sit back and focus on planning your next shoot and getting to know your fellow photographers. With a maximum of just six people in this workshop, it offers a friendly, relaxed space in which to boost your photography skills.
With Tom's expert guidance and plenty of time for individual tuition, you'll be developing your photography eye for a picture and honing techniques like balancing light levels, shooting in the golden light of dawn and in the magical blue light after sunset, and capturing perfect reflections in the waterways of Ghent and Bruges, as well as enhancing your post-production skills.
Your accommodation includes a well-appointed private room and a delicious breakfast. Belgium has plenty of local specialities to enjoy for lunch, dinner and snacks, not least its famously rich chocolate, tempting waffles and gingery speculoos cookies. There's also the traditional pom koek, a cake made with honey, spices and coffee - perfect with a hot drink. Hearty mains include carbonnade Flamande (a slow-cooked casserole of beer and beef), waterzooi (a creamy stew of vegetables with chicken or fish) and the national dish of moules frites - mussels steamed in a butter, garlic, shallot, white white and parsley sauce, served with crispy, golden fries. And don't forget those famous Belgian beer...
BELGIUM WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
We begin with a magical afternoon photographing the lush carpets of bluebells in the ancient woodland of Hallerbos - one of the oldest forests on UNESCO's World Heritage Site list and unique for the beauty and density of its blooms.
With millions of these delicate spring flowers in dense drifts beneath the thick tree canopy, you'll soon see why Hallerbos is known as the Blue Forest - it's simply breathtaking, especially with early evening light raking through the trees. Our hotel in Halle is just a 10-minute drive away, so the following morning we'll return to the forest before dawn to capture the golden hues of sunrise over the bluebells before breakfast back at the hotel.
We're then off to spend an action-packed day in the enchanting medieval heart of Ghent. The River Leie threads its way through this ancient city, its many bridges providing superb viewpoints for the famous quays of Graslei and Korenlei, lined with picturesque port houses. With multi-turreted castles (one complete with moat), flamboyant Gothic cathedrals and a World Heritage-listed bell tower just a stone's throw away, you'll be spoilt for photography choice, especially in the blue hour between sunset and nightfall.
After dark, we're taking a short drive northwest to the historical old town of Bruges, where we'll be staying for the next three nights. Designated a World Heritage City, it's a perfectly preserved medieval fairytale of winding cobbled streets and gabled houses lining the romantic canals that have earned it the name "Venice of the North". Highlights will include the Rozenhoedkaai Canal and Belfry - a must-do panoramic opportunity.
What's included?
- One-to-one and group tuition with Tom
- 4 nights' accommodation
- Private rooms (no single supplement)
- Breakfast
- All tolls
- Transfers to/from Schiphol Airport Amsterdam (if you want to depart from Brussels, the train fare from Bruges to the airport will be included in the workshop price)
- Transport during workshop
What's not included?
- Travel to Schiphol Airport
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, evening meals, snacks and drinks
Whether you're a beginner, enthusiast, advanced photographer 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 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 (particularly for the bluebells) will help you maximise your shooting opportunities, although they aren't essential
Average fitness levels are required, as there will be a fair amount of walking, although nothing strenuous - and it's all pretty flat!
The weather in Belgium in early May varies from warm to cool, with temperatures averaging 19C /66F by day with a good chance of sunshine, and 9C /48F in the evenings, so bring clothes you can layer. A waterproof jacket is also essential insurance against rain, and makes a handy makeshift mat for lying or kneeling on when shooting bluebells from ground level
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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