Cinque Terre has long been a photographers paradise. Colourful houses cascading down steep cliff faces, crystal clear azure waters bobbing with fishing boats soaked in golden sunsets. Florence has an abundance of possibilities with the famous churches, bridges and galleries together with interesting street photography, all make this Italian Photography Tour a real gem.
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the iconic highlights of Cinque Terre & Florence
- Tuition from Steve Gosling
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced travel & landscape photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
• Pre-scouted & proven • Iconic & inspiring locations
• You will create an amazing set of photos to be proud of whilst improving your photo skills
What makes this such a great creative photography trip?
The Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning “five lands” in Italian, is a string of five colourful coastal villages on the rugged Italian Riviera coastline, easily accessible by train or boat.
Clinging precariously to the cliffs, the houses of this area are like jewels scattered on emerald seas. The salty tang of the air mingled with the scent of sun-baked stone and the heady aroma of simmering pesto (a regional speciality) is a symphony for the senses. The whole area is a harmonious interaction between man and nature to produce a landscape of exceptional beauty.
We will visit some of the villages for sunset as the timing of this trip allows for the sun to wash these pretty villages with golden light, with the blue hour painting the sky in hues of bruised violet and fiery orange.
Monterosso is the most northerly of the five villages and is the only one to feature a golden beach. The village itself is a delight to explore, with its pastel-coloured houses tumbling down the hillside, charming piazzas, and narrow, winding streets lined with shops and restaurants.
Vernazza pulses with the gentle bob of colourful boats, their sails catching whispers of the night wind. Often considered the crown jewel of Cinque Terre, the heart of Vernazza is undoubtedly its picturesque harbour. Imagine colourful houses lining the waterfront, bobbing fishing boats, and crystalline turquoise waters reflecting the sun below the Doria Castle.
Corniglia, the hidden gem of Cinque Terre, unlike the other villages directly hugging the coastline, is perched on rugged cliffs about 100 meters above sea level. It offers a unique experience compared to its neighbours with a blend of charm, tranquillity, and historical intrigue. Imagine strolling through quaint piazzas with panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and colourful vineyards cascading down the cliffs. In the evening, the golden light sets behind the headland with the last rays of sunlight kissing a lone Doria tower, casting an air of ancient mystery.
Manarola: Imagine a kaleidoscope of pastel-coloured houses cascading down high rocky cliffs, their reflections shimmering in the crystal-clear waters below. This is the quintessential image of Manarola, a photographer’s paradise with endless picturesque scenes. The heart of Manarola is a natural harbour nestled between the towering cliffs. Colourful fishing boats bob gently in the water, adding to the village’s authentic charm.
Riomaggiore, the southernmost and arguably the most charming village in Cinque Terre, is a captivating gem nestled between Manarola and the rugged Punta di Montenero. With its vibrant colours, narrow alleyways whispering with history, and a captivating atmosphere that’s both vibrant and peaceful, Riomaggiore offers a truly unique experience.
In addition to the five villages, we will also take a boat ride to Porto Venere – often called the sixth town. Imagine a cluster of colourful houses perched on a rocky peninsula, their reflections shimmering in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Spezia. This is the quintessential image of Porto Venere, a postcard-perfect town that will leave you breathless. The dramatic coastline is captivating, characterized by jagged cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters. Overlooking the town is the beautiful church of San Pietro.
During our trip we will base ourselves at in the city of La Spezia. The largest city in the Gulf of Spezia, is a vibrant port town offering a delightful blend of maritime history, cultural gems, and natural beauty. Our hotel is close to the railway station where our short journey to Cinque Terre begins.
Florence Photography Tour
Florence, the city where time whispers tales of Renaissance grandeur, is a tapestry woven with art, history, and the intoxicating aroma of Tuscan delights. Imagine cobbled streets echoing with the footsteps of artists like Michelangelo and Dante, their visions etched into the very fabric of the city.
The majestic Duomo, its terracotta dome piercing the azure sky, beckons you to climb its heights and witness the panorama of a city bathed in golden sunlight.
Beyond the museums, lose yourself in the charming piazzas, where laughter mingles with the scent of freshly brewed espresso. Indulge in the local delicacies – melt-in-your-mouth gelato, succulent bistecca fiorentina, and Chianti wine that warms the soul.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Ponte Vecchio, the city transforms into a canvas painted with the hues of twilight. The Arno River reflects the golden glow, a silent witness to the centuries of stories whispered by its waters.
Our photography tour of Florence typically takes in iconic locations such as Palazzo Strozzi, San Maria del Fiore (the Duomo), Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Santa Trinita, River Arno, Campanile di Giotto, Ponte Santa Trinita, Piazzale Della Signoria, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Piazzalle della Repubblica.
Typical schedule & locations
Arriving on the 4th May in to Pisa, we will travel by train to La Spezia where we stay in a comfortable 3 star hotel located close to the railway station where it is a short ride to the villages of Cinque Terre. We have three full days in Cinque Terre. On the 8th May we travel by train to Florence where we have 2 full days before travelling back to Pisa on the 11th May. Breakfast is not included in the hotel tariff but there are numeorus food choices near hotels.
Skills to learn
Before even taking out our cameras we will learn to understand the scene and how the elements interact with each other. How the architecture, land and sea can feature or complement the intended image. How the light will fall, change and move through the scene. How to try different view points to acheive better compositions.
We will use long exposure methods (with and with filters) to acheive movement through the image or to flatten or smooth elements such as water. We have sets of 10 stop filters with holders and mounting rings you can borrow if needed.
End of workshop photo review & followup
I also offer an online follow-up after the workshop to help you with image selection and editing.
Access to Private Members Facebook group
We also have a private Facebook group where members can join and post images for feedback and I answer questions and give help and advice.
Images from previous Cinque Terre & Florence visits
This collection may feature more locations than we will visit.
