IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a recce / research trip. I have previously visited the area and all the locations in the summer, but have never visited in the winter with snow on the ground, thus this trip may have more on-the-fly adjustments and changes as we adjust to conditions – which I’m told are not bad in January. The trip is priced lower than usual to reflect this.
Beautiful Lake Bled
The first light of dawn touches Lake Bled like an artist’s brushstroke, soft hues of pink and orange kissing the mist that lingers over the water. For photographers, this is the magic hour—a time when the world feels newly born, and Lake Bled offers itself as an untouched canvas.
Nestled in the heart of Slovenia, Lake Bled is a dreamscape. Its emerald waters are cradled by the Julian Alps, creating reflections so vivid they blur the line between reality and reverie. At its center, Bled Island rises like a fairytale apparition, crowned by the iconic Assumption of Maria Church. A solitary bell tolls from its spire, echoing across the lake—a gentle nudge to photographers to seize this fleeting moment.
Slovenia Through the Lens: A Photographer’s Paradise
Wandering along the shoreline paths, every bend reveals a new composition. Some pause to frame the lake’s famous island, capturing the interplay of water and sky.
For those drawn to drama, Bled Castle perched atop its rugged cliff offers an almost theatrical backdrop. The ancient fortress, with its red rooftops and stoic walls, stands watch over the lake like a silent guardian. On moody days, when clouds gather and the water darkens to jade, the scene transforms into something almost medieval—a visual tale waiting to be told.
Light, Texture, and Mystery
Golden hour bathes the landscape in honeyed light, while twilight veils it in hues of lavender and indigo. Photographers with patience wait for these moments, knowing that Lake Bled is not merely a place—it’s an experience of light and shadow, texture and stillness. The water becomes a mirror, the sky a stage, and the gentle ripples a hint of movement in an otherwise timeless frame.
Even the seasons rewrite the lake’s narrative. In spring, the shore blooms with wildflowers, offering bursts of color to foreground compositions. Summer brings vibrant greens and the hum of life, while autumn cloaks the scene in fiery reds and golds, turning every shot into an impressionistic masterpiece. Winter is its own quiet marvel, as snow dusts the landscape, and the lake’s edges freeze, creating stark contrasts that speak of solitude and resilience.
Capturing the Soul of Lake Bled
Photography at Lake Bled is more than pressing a shutter – it’s a meditation. The scenery invites stillness, asking photographers to pause and absorb its grandeur. Every click is a love letter to a place where nature, history, and humanity converge.
And when the day ends, as the stars emerge and the lake settles into its nocturnal calm, the photographer carries home more than images. They carry the spirit of Lake Bled – an enduring inspiration that speaks of beauty, stillness, and the infinite artistry of the natural world.
Churches of Slovenia
Slovenia is a land steeped in spiritual history, and its churches are among the most captivating subjects for photography. These sacred spaces, nestled in breathtaking landscapes, combine architectural beauty with a profound sense of peace. Whether perched atop rolling hills, hidden in alpine valleys, or glowing softly along riverbanks, Slovenia’s churches invite photographers to capture their timeless serenity.
Whether you’re drawn to majestic cathedrals or solitary chapels on hilltops, Slovenia’s churches are an endless source of inspiration. They invite the photographer to pause, reflect, and frame the profound connection between the sacred and the sublime.
Photography in the Julian Alps: A Journey Into Majestic Wilderness
The Julian Alps, a breathtaking range in Slovenia, are a photographer’s paradise. With their dramatic peaks, lush valleys, emerald lakes, and cascading rivers, this region offers an infinite array of subjects to capture. Whether you’re a landscape enthusiast, wildlife photographer, or adventurer with a camera, the Julian Alps invite you to frame moments of untamed beauty and fleeting magic.
Chasing Slovenia’s Cascading Wonders
Slovenia is a treasure trove for waterfall photography, with its mountainous terrain and pristine rivers giving rise to some of the most picturesque cascades in Europe. From the emerald-green pools at their bases to the misty spray catching the sunlight, Slovenia’s waterfalls offer a dynamic and rewarding subject for photographers of all skill levels.
From small rapids by the road side to 50+ meter falls that you can walk behind, Slovenia’s winderness has many different water falls to photography.
Visit to old railway fiddle yard
We will also spend time at an old railway fiddle yard where old steam locomotives, bogies, carriages and freight wagons have been left to decay and overgrow with weeds.
Derelict steam trains are monuments of a bygone era, their rusted bodies and overgrown surroundings telling stories of adventure, industry, and time’s relentless passage. For photographers, these relics offer a unique opportunity to blend history, texture, and atmosphere into powerful images.
Ljubljana Mosque – Optional visit
The Islamic Cultural Center of Ljubljana, often referred to simply as the Ljubljana Mosque, is a striking piece of modern architecture. Opened in 2020, it is Slovenia’s first mosque and a significant cultural and spiritual landmark. For photographers, the mosque offers a unique combination of clean, modern design with symbolic Islamic elements, making it a fascinating subject to capture.
The building’s facade combines white concrete, glass, and metal, giving it a sleek, contemporary look. These materials create interesting contrasts in texture, particularly under different lighting conditions. The mosque’s 40-meter-high minaret is a sleek, minimalist structure, emphasising verticality and connecting the earthly with the divine. The symmetry and geometric patterns are perfect for both wide-angle and detailed shots.
Typical schedule
I will arrive on the Easyjet flight from London Gatwick to Ljubljana 17.10 > 20.20 on 22nd Jan. The day to day locations will be selected based on weather and access. Leaving on 29th Jan on Easyjet back to Gatwick 20.55 > 22.20.
Note that snowfall can be significant in Slovenia during winter, and your safety will always be our primary concern, particularly if access to certain locations prove difficult. I am told snow around lake Bled in January is usually light.
Your 4* star hotel accomodation
We will stay at the well reviewed Pension Török. This is a 4 star traditional Slovenian hotel around 4km from Lake Bled. All rooms are doubles with single occupancy and mountain views. Breakfast is included. The hotel also has a wellness centre with hot tub, sauna, bar and free wifi.
Photography Learnings
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Landscape techniques
- Architectural techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of Lake Bled and beyond…
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- 4 star hotel incl. breakfast
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced travel and 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
- You want to spend a week with like minded photographers
Photography around Lake Bled
Photography of Slovenian Churches
Photography of Slovenian Waterfalls
Photography of abondoned trains in Slovenia
Photography in the Julian Alps in Slovenia
Ljubljana Mosque