Workshop: Corfu island, Greece, 31 August – 07 September 2012
Price: £ 995 (£90pp discount for room sharing)
Availability: Unavailable – This course will run again in 2013
Location introduction
Corfu is a piece of nature’s art. Green and fertile, with areas of unique beauty, from high ground to sea level.
The Ionian sea with its beautiful colours and full of life, that has travelled the locals for thousands of years, with the mythical ships of Feakes and bringing it to the present years as we know it.
Small and classic Greek villages, perched on the sides of the hills and surrounded by Cypress and Olive trees, resemble fairy tails from Greek mythology books.
An old city with narrow lanes and washing lines connecting opposite houses, small shops that attract tourists and a few old forts, not to mention the countless bays around its coastline. These are some of the things that complete a beautifully crafted picture, together with the awe inspiring view of the Panagia Vlaherna and mouse island from the kanoni, that have inspired artists through the ages.
The north side of the island is green and lash, with beautiful and rocky little bays. Starting from the west side and the gorgeous little village of Pelekas, with its stunningly panoramic sunrise and sunset views and continuing slightly north where we meet the cliff village of Liapades. This is where we will be based, at the villa Birlis, a small and modest but clean hotel, typical accommodation of a Greek holiday island.
Heading north, north/west, we follow the steps of beauty and the places of Arrilas, Paleokastritsa, Sidari and Peroulades. Sunrises and sunsets are the order of the day, together with a visit by boat to Paxos and Antipaxos islands, are some of the things we will have the pleasure to experience.
And of course, there is no complete visit to Corfu, unless you spend a full morning at the Achileon. The entrance there is at 8am and we will make sure to be there at 7.50am, to avoid the crowds. A visit to the old town, the kanoni, the old mill and fort is a must. There is so much Architecture there to be admired and photographed, influenced by Venetian and other Conquerors.
At this time of year, the weather is usually lovely and warm on Corfu. Together with the odd thunderstorm, we will hopefully have some very ideal conditions for exceptional and very interesting light. Take with you some Tshirts, suntan lotion, swimming suit, your hat but mostly some inspiration and escape the Autumn blues of your country. We hope you join us on this tour for magnificent photography and the experience of a lifetime.
Who is this course for:
All beginners entering landscape photography and could do with help. Intermediates looking to improve their skills. Advanced level looking for some inspiration or new and exciting places to visit. However, does it really matter if you are a beginner or a well advanced photographer? You will find yourself that this island, not only has something to offer to everyone but also, it can be an amazing holiday destination, this tour combines both, come enjoy Corfu with us.
What you should bring with you:
Mainly cool clothes as it gets lovely and warm during September. The temperature is usually between 18 – 28 Celcius. However, a light jacket is some times necessary as during the evening it gets cooler. Light walking boots is also a good idea as there is uneven terrain to walk to. Your photography gear (check with airline allowances for back packs) and a few prints or digital files of your previous work for constructive feedback and discussion within the group.
What is included in the price:
Seven nights full board accommodation on a non sharing basis and with no single supplement. Transport to and from airport and all transport during the course. Boat ticket for a full day excursion to Paxos and Antipaxos islands. Entrance ticket to Achileon. One to one and group tuition. Tutorial on image processing, for those with not much knowledge on the subject. This will give you an idea on how to best present the beautiful images taken during the course. Also, screen presentations of Dimitri’s own work and of your own images made during the course. Dimitri believes that feedback from the whole group, improves the way you see photography. Extensive technical notes to take with you and also, after course advice via phone/email.
What is excluded:
Cancellation insurance, drinks and flights.
Course times and flights:
I will meet all participants at Corfu airport on Friday 31 August 2012 around noon (depending on flights). There are usually flights from Manchester and Bristol with Easyjet, as well as flights from Manchester, Glasgow (and more cities) with other operators. For countries out with UK, please check with your travel agent.
Finally
This tour is ideal for couples even if your partner is not into photography, as we will be photographing 3 hours in the early morning and 3 hours in the evening. The rest of the day can be spent relaxing, swimming by the pool and having lunch with the group. Your non photographic partners, will definitely enjoy those lovely photographic walks with the group during the evening, absorbing the glorious sunset light. Main meal will be after the sunset shoot. In general, anyone can have a superb holiday with unforgettable memories.
There will be a small degree of exercise involved in some of the walks but don’t panic, we do appreciate that this is your holiday and we will allow plenty of time for these locations. We most definitely want to get any chance to photograph the island and the lovely weather will make sure of that. However, the last evening we will have a presentation of the images taken during the course and then, our usual goodbye supper.
Please, have a look at the images from the island and prepare yourself for some stunning photography. We guarantee you will go back home with some superb images, even if you use a compact camera. There is endless potential on the island, even for black and white photography, a little bit for everyone.