We cater for single travellers - our tours and workshops are ideal holidays for one - in fact our close-up & macro workshops and general photographic workshops can be run with just one person at almost anytime of year to suit you, be it from 1 day to a week.
For those who love their photography, whether beginner or expert and want a more general experience then we can work with you. Within easy reach we have some of the most exquisite hill towns in Italy packed with narrow streets, nooks and crannies, carved doors and so much that is photogenic. We live here, we work here and we are explorers adding all the time to our in-depth knowledge of the land that is our adopted home.
We are here to share that with you…yes, we know all the iconic places, too, but well enough to be able to offer different viewpoints and, most importantly can take you to see so much more. This is a land where history oozes from every pore whether it is the Etruscans and earlier civilisations of 3,000 years ago, medieval fortified towns and castles, some of the most exquisite churches in Christendom or markets and colourful Italian life. For many years before moving to Italy Paul was a travel photographer, too, doing magazine and guide book assignment: Lois led walking tours…they know the real and often hidden Italy.
Close up & Macro Workshops
You can choose from a day to a week where you work with Paul Harcourt Davies, known internationally as the Macromaestro through his books, blogs, lectures and numerous articles. We cater for all levels from complete beginner to expert, being flexible and able to accommodate your specific interests. With our close-up and macro workshops we are often based at our home near Orvieto (Umbria) where there is a well-equipped macro studio, numerous great places close at hand plus plenty of opportunity for image post-processing (Lightroom with instruction) and evaluation of your images.
General Photographic Workshops.
These can also be anything from a day to a week and need not be over a weekend if it suits you. Again, the emphasis is on flexibility and on immersing you in our part of Italy, on the borders of Umbria and Lazio near Orvieto, with full days of photography, instruction and fun. We work with you to help unlock your photographic potential or to hone your techniques and abilities. It is all very relaxed and what you learn stays with you.
We are explorers ourselves, fascinated by many aspects of life in Italy and elsewhere. Orvieto, one of the finest of Italy’s hilltop cities, is sited with Etruscan tombs around, and there are ancient medieval tracks, stretches of Roman road, and many wonderful hilltowns whose churches are full of priceless treasures. Orvieto is as central as one gets in Italy making Florence, Assisi, Rome, Siena all within easy reach if you want to explore on your own before or after a workshop. Our local knowledge ensures that we can give you an experience of Italy that is unique…and we will work with you to help you see what you want, make suggestions if you have specific interests. We can also incorporate as much (or as little) walking as you like.
Prices
1 day: 2 people - €300 , 1 person - €240
3 days: 2 people - €750 , 1 person - €650
5 days: 2 people - €1150, 1 person - €950
For groups of 3-6 (maximum) contact us for a price depending on number and duration.
The price includes all tuition/instruction, ground transport during the workshop, lunches and 1 dinner on workshops of 3 / 4 days, 2 dinners on workshops of 5 /6 days. Accommodation is not included but, if you wish we can recommend places for you either in the centre of town or out in the countryside. Flights and insurance not included.
We price our courses by the day to try and be as flexible as possible but we realise no-one wants to sign a blank cheque. When we say 3 days we mean 3 full days of photography and tuition. So you will need 4 nights accommodation…longer if you decide to stay independently.
Practicalities
We suggest that you get to Orvieto the day before any workshop. We can pick you up if you arrive by train or direct and meet you if coming by car- we give you detailed directions - we meet that evening for dinner.
Accommodation: We can recommend this for you according to your preferences be it a 4 star hotel in Orvieto, a simple B&B, a self-catering apartment or an agriturismo in the countryside.
NEW - From spring 2018 we can offer accommodation in our home in a private bedroom with bathroom ensuite. Of course you may extend your stay before or after the workshop, however, as we are out in the countryside it is best if you have your own transport. See our Airbnb link for details and contact us to book directly
Vehicle Hire: We can arrange very reasonable local car hire for you if you arrive by train and wish to explore before or after.
Trains: If you don't fancy driving, Orvieto is well connected by a good, fast train service with direct trains from Rome or Florence
Independence: We are well aware that in this day and age, people like to be independent and can slot in a course with us as part of a longer holiday. If you are exploring before or after we can help you with great places to go.
Eating: Locally there are numerous very good trattorie at very reasonable prices where you can dine (typically 20€-30€ with wine for a 3-course meal). Orvieto has been designated a ‘Slow Food City’ a wonderful movement that keeps local food cultures and traditions alive, started as an alternative to industrialised and fast food!
Contact us for a booking form