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Join us for an immersive autumn photography adventure in Italy’s Dolomites, a mountain range defined not by sheer size alone, but by extraordinary form, texture, and light. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape of jagged limestone peaks, rolling alpine meadows, tranquil valleys, and jewel‑like lakes offers one of Europe’s most rewarding environments for landscape photography.
In autumn, the Dolomites take on a quieter, more contemplative mood. Larch forests glow gold, mist settles gently into valleys at dawn, and soft directional light reveals the sculptural character of the mountains. From iconic locations to lesser‑known viewpoints, we’ll work patiently with changing weather and light, returning to the same scenes at different times of day to build thoughtful, portfolio‑worthy images.
Led by photographic location experts and guides Vincenzo Mazza and Alex Cantarelli, as well as Leica experts Colin McKinley and David Farkas, this small‑group workshop is designed for photographers who want to deepen their connection to the landscape while refining their technical and creative skills. Daily shoots are complemented by image reviews, post‑processing guidance, and relaxed downtime, allowing space to learn, create, and simply enjoy one of the most beautiful regions in the Alps.
This workshop balances iconic locations with thoughtful pacing, allowing you to photograph the Dolomites in depth while refining your creative vision in one of Europe’s most extraordinary mountain landscapes. While other cameras are certainly allowed on this trip, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear.
We recommend the Leica SL system for our landscape photo workshops because it offers an ideal combination of image quality, durability, and flexibility in the field. The SL lens lineup covers a wide range of focal lengths from 16mm all the way to 400mm, giving photographers the tools to capture everything from sweeping vistas to distant mountain peaks without compromise. The zoom lenses in the system, such as the 16–35mm, 24–70mm, and 100–400mm, provide exceptional versatility without sacrificing optical performance—perfect for changing scenes and conditions on location. Additionally, the SL cameras and lenses are fully weather-sealed and built to withstand the rigors of the outdoors, offering peace of mind when shooting in wind, rain, or dust. With its robust construction and professional-level performance, the Leica SL system is an outstanding companion for landscape photography in even the most demanding environments.
This is not a workshop where you spend most of your daylight shooting hours sitting in a classroom. Why travel to one of the most beautiful and picturesque locations in the world just to be stuck indoors? Instead, we will focus on making the most of each and every day to capture as many great photo opportunities as we can.
To balance out all this shooting and help you get the most out of your images, we will spend some time showing you the secrets of processing Leica DNG files in Adobe Lightroom. Each participant will also receive one-on-one Lightroom instruction with his or her own images to see how much of a difference good post-processing technique can make in your photography.
This tour is suitable for all levels of experience and ability. While other cameras are certainly allowed, the focus is on Leica camera systems and learning how to use them to their full potential. Current owners as well as those wanting to try Leica gear out for a week of real shooting are encouraged to attend. We’ll share our favorite tips and tricks so you can get the most out of this exceptional gear.
Climate
October in the Dolomites is ideal for for photography as the crowds thin out and fall foliage appears. However, due to the varying altitudes, there will be a wide range of temperatures to endure. During the daytime at lower levels, it can be pleasantly warm in the sunshine. At higher altitudes early in the mornings, it may be around freezing point, with snow possible.
Fitness & health
Because of the altitude and light hiking involved in this trip, it is essential that you are actively fit and healthy. All hiking will be done at a relaxed pace, as we will have plenty of time to get to our locations.
Safety
Most locations we visit involve few difficulties to those with even low levels of fitness. Where walking over uneven terrain, slippery rocks or when standing near cliff edges is required, you will be properly briefed on the potential hazards.
The pickup and drop off point for this trip will be Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). We’ll meet at about 11:00 am on October 9th at or near the airport – location TBD, load the vans and head north.
The workshop will end on October 15th, and we’ll arrive back at the airport at about 2:00pm. For those departing home on this day, please schedule your flights for after 5:00pm, in order to accommodate for any possible delays. Of course, you’re welcome to extend your stay to explore Venice or perhaps travel elsewhere in the region.
Plan to arrive at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) on Oct 8, or come earlier to spend some extra time photgraphing in Venice, Italy, famous for its canals, gondolas and winding cobblestone streets.
The group will meet at 12:00 noon at the Courtyard by Marriott Venice Airport. Please be sure to eat lunch beforehand or bring something with you, as we’ll depart promptly with no stops along the way. From Venice, we’ll drive north into the heart of the Dolomites, arriving in Val di Funes; a picture‑perfect alpine valley often likened to a scene from The Sound of Music.
After checking into our accommodation, we’ll head out for our first afternoon and sunset shoots at St. Johann Church and Santa Maddalena, photographing classic compositions of churches framed by dramatic peaks and autumn fields. We’ll stay overnight in the village.
Accommodation: Hotel Fines, Val di Funes
We’ll begin the day with an early sunrise shoot in either Val di Funes or Passo delle Erbe, depending on conditions. Morning mist and first light often create beautifully layered scenes here. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we’ll slow things down with time to rest, enjoy the surroundings, and participate in a post‑processing and workflow session.
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow. In autumn, the crowds thin and the landscape feels expansive and serene. Rolling hills, wooden huts, and golden larches provide endless compositional opportunities as we photograph through sunset, before returning to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel Cosmea, Ortisei (subject to change)
We’ll rise early again to photograph sunrise over Alpe di Siusi, capturing sweeping panoramas, glowing ridge lines, and dramatic silhouettes as the peaks catch first light. With favorable conditions, low clouds and mist may drift through the valley, adding atmosphere and depth to our images.
Later in the day, we’ll continue photographing in the region, including time around Baita Segantini, working with both intimate details and wide scenes as the light evolves.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D’Ampezzo (subject to change)
Our morning begins at Lago Fedèra, where calm waters often mirror the surrounding peaks at sunrise. We’ll focus on reflections, minimal compositions, and subtle tonal transitions as the light builds. After the shoot, we’ll return to the hotel for rest and image review.
In the evening, we’ll head to Rifugio Scoiattoli and the dramatic rock formations of Cinque Torri. This area, dotted with remnants of World War I fortifications, offers a powerful combination of history and landscape. We’ll photograph the towers as they glow in warm evening light before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D’Ampezzo (subject to change)
At sunrise, we’ll photograph Lago Antorno, one of the most recognizable lakes in the Dolomites, offering multiple compositions with reflections, leading lines, and changing skies.
After breakfast, we’ll make our way to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the most iconic trio of peaks in the region. We’ll hike beneath the Three Peaks in the afternoon and photograph through sunset, capturing the raw, sculptural essence of the Dolomites at golden hour and beyond.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D’Ampezzo (subject to change)
We’ll depart well before dawn for a sunrise session at Lago di Braies. Here we’ll photograph the emerald water, classic wooden boats, boathouse, and towering cliffs as first light illuminates the scene.
After returning to the hotel for breakfast and rest, we’ll spend time reviewing and editing images, with guidance on composition, processing techniques, and workflow.
In the late afternoon, we’ll head to Passo Giau, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Dolomites. From rolling foregrounds to jagged peaks, this location offers exceptional variety as the landscape glows in evening light. We’ll move between viewpoints as conditions evolve, finishing with twilight before returning for dinner.
Accommodation: Franceschi Park Hotel, Cortina D’Ampezzo (subject to change)
On our final morning, we’ll head out for one last sunrise shoot, making the most of our final moments in the Dolomites.
We’ll return to the hotel, check out by 11:00 am, and begin the drive back to Venice Airport, arriving shortly after 2:00 pm. From here, you can catch your flight home or extend your stay to enjoy time in Venice. For those departing home on this day, please schedule your flights for after 5:00pm, in order to accommodate for any possible delays.
