PROGRAMME

The workshop is based in Umbria, Italy and is co-ordinated by experienced tutors, who have both worked for the National Geographic.

The four day course, over the Easter period, aims to introduce people to a range of photographic styles in different situations. The range of experiences include photographing the architecture of Assisi, the landscape around the Rocca Maggiore and hilltop towns, and the ‘Processione del Venerdi Santo’ (an Easter procession reacting the Passion of Christ). The cost includes accommodation and breakfast, welcome aperitiv and dinner, Easter brunch and a medieval feast on the last night.

For more information please read the itinerary below or contact the course instructors by clicking on the links below:

Friday 10th April - ARRIVAL DAY

Arrive in Assisi and check into Casa Rosa or the neighbouring Mulino, located on the hills on the North side of Assisi. We will then have an aperitive together with briefing and introductory talk by instructors.
During the afternoon begin exploring Assisi on foot for your first photo shoot. This will give you a chance to practice photographing different architectural styles as well as immersing yourself in the Italian way of life.
We will also photograph the hill-top fortress of the Rocca Maggiore that dominates the skyline from every angle, allowing you to practice your skills in landscape and late-light photography.
In the evening we will photograph the ‘Processione del Venerdi Santo’, a procession that re-enacts the life and Passion of Christ along the steep and narrow streets of Assisi, this is a very intense experience that provides enormous photographic potential.
Afterwards we will have a welcome dinner together in Assisi, allowing us to discuss the day and the photographs taken.

Saturday 11th April - DAY 2

The day begins with a traditional Italian ‘Cornetto and Cappuccino’ breakfast and a morning critique session to review the pictures you took during day one.
We will then depart for a scenic drive through the rolling Umbrian hills to discover the ancient town of Spello. We will photograph the day to day Italian life of this densely-inhabited medieval town, built of stone, and enclosed in a circuit of medieval walls on Roman foundations. The town is home to three Roman gates and remains of an amphitheater, as well as many picturesque medieval churches.
After lunch we will drive to Perugia, the largest city in Umbria and one of the most powerful cities of the Etruscans, with three kilometres of walls still surrounding its striking medieval core and Renaissance architecture. Our afternoon shoot of the artistic and historic attractions of the city will include Etruscan ruins, Roman mosaics, medieval defense towers, and Renaissance palaces.
Later in the evening, for those who wish to throw themselves entirely into the traditional custom of celebrating Easter the Italian way, there will be the possibility to assist the Easter Midnight Mass at the Vescovado in Assisi.

Sunday 12th April – DAY 3 (Easter Day)

We will start the day with a light breakfast followed by a morning review session to review the pictures that you have shot over the last two days. This session will give you a chance to receive constructive feedback from the instructors as well as build on your knowledge of photographic techniques, composition and discuss your style and interests with other participants.
Following the critique session we will have a typical Italian Easter Brunch together.
The afternoon will be spent photographing models in various locations and we will learn to work with light, both natural and artificial, to intensify the effect we want our portraits to convey. We will explore different locations and reflect on finding creative ways to photograph a portrait.
The day will end with a festive medieval dinner at Casa Rosa; medieval cooking is an integral part of the Italian cultural heritage. Local musicians, playing medieval instruments, will accompany the farewell meal. With the enormous photographic potential of this evening you will have a chance to put your new skills to the test by capturing the candle-lit musicians in costume, both before and after dinner.

Monday 13th April– DEPARTURE DAY

Breakfast.
Check-out from Casa Rosa and the Mulino – transfer to station - no activities planned

Included in the cost of the workshop are the following meals:
1. All breakfasts
2. Aperitiv on arrival Friday
3. Welcome dinner Friday
4. Easter Brunch on Sunday
5. Medieval dinner Sunday night

You will need to cover the cost of other meals, but as the local area has a rich culture of food and wine you will not be short of options. The avarage price for a meal in a restaurant is 15-20 Euros and a bottle of wine is between 10-15 Euros.

Please email Ella Grima for full details on this workshop