Santorini is one of the most magical islands of Greece. It is a barren,
rocky island just opposite a volcano, with black and red beaches and
towns situated on high cliffs offering breathtaking views and fantastic
sunsets. Santorini has a dramatic beauty as opposed to lush and green
islands. The volcano is still active, and the last eruption was in 1950,
causing an earthquake that destroyed many villages on the island.
The island's official name is Thira and its main town, Fira, is also the
capital of the Cyclades islands.

Approaching the island by boat the immediate impression obtained is
this is a Greek island unlike any other. The island of Santorini was
formed out of the lava from the volcanic eruption in 1660 BC.
The central part of the volcano sank into the sea leading to the
emergence of Santorini itself and the tiny neighbouring islands of
Thirasia, Palaia and Nea Kameni close by.
Today, Santorini is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron)
in the world. Unlike other islands in Greece, the towns and villages
sit densely on top of the massive cliffs of the Caldera and from a distance appear like snow capping the towering mountain tops.
The coloured strata of the volcanic rock of these cliffs are spectacular in themselves: chocolate brown, rust red, yellow ochre,
white and cream. The geological uniqueness however is not the only thing that makes Santorini a special holiday destination.

Photography tour in Santorini, Greece                                 07  Jun  2011 - 14  Jun  2011                                  Course price  £ 850
Pictures of the area
Most frequently asked questions
Everyone has read about the spectacular sunsets that occur on this island and the sceptic may question whether the setting sun can really appear differently here than from the neighbouring islands of Naxos or Ios. Nevertheless, the sunsets at Santorini, viewed from the Caldera, really are breathtakingly beautiful when seen as a backdrop to the volcano.
The colours that streak the sky change from lilac to deep purple, from yellow to orange to red, as the golden sun sinks and becomes blood red reflecting its light on to the sea and the surrounding little islands. The eastern slopes of the island are green and fertile, even in October. This is due to the copious vineyards that grow so well in the fertile volcanic soil. The terraced slopes of the mountains use every available part of this fertile land.
Santorini used to be a round island, but during an earthquake and volcano-outbreak in the 15th century BC the middle of the island sunk and gave it the shape it has today. This is one of the reasons why many believe Santorini really is where Atlantis once was. The island has changed names through history. Originally it was called Stroggyli "round" since that was the shape of the island.
When the Phoenicians came they named it Kallisti "the very best", and finally it got the name Thira after its first ruler. The Romans originally used the island as a place for exiles, but later helped in building up the island. The Christianization of Santorini took place between the 2nd and 5th century. The island was often ravaged and even destroyed by pirates and in 1204 it was conquered by the Venetians.It was about then the island got its current name.
The islands patron saint was Ag Irini (St Eirene) and the foreign sailors called her St Irini - thus Santorini. The island was destroyed by the Venetians in 1354, and once again in 1397, this time by the conquering Turks. In 1821 Santorini joined forces with the Greek revolutionists and the island was subsequently freed from Turkish rule.
We will be based near the center of the island (villa Manos in Karterados),
a perfect and easy location for our daily excursions. Although Fira is the capital of the island, Oia is where all the beauty lies and where everything is happening.
A few different factors have a lot to answer for that of course. The place is spotless, the way it’s been built is unique and of course and without any doubt, you get the best sunset views, although it gets extremely busy during that time with thousands of tourists.
Oia is a visitor’s heaven and it all comes down to that clean cut look and its amazing sunsets of course. The whole village (like most of the island) is built right on the cliff’s black rock, which creates a huge contrast when combined with the white houses and their colourful doors, windows and staircases.
Let’s not forget the white washed churches with their Mediterranean blue domes of course. Moving away from Oia and its own beauty, you get into a more reality stricken world, that of the local life, with the ordinary houses and patios, nothing fancy really, plain and simple world but with its own beauty signature.
All the way from the one side of the island to the other, all villages have something different to offer, they all have their own style. Imerovigli, Firostefani, Fira, Perissa, Megalohori, Akrotiri, Pyrgos and so on.
The locals are very friendly and wouldn’t stop to think twice for a pose in front of the lens. Colourful patterns, shapes, colours, abstract photography. This island is a glorious heaven for photographers. Plenty to photograph even after the sun goes down as the villages are well illuminated and during the night they have their own beauty however, so has the Greek cuisine with its tasty treats. Even if you try to get out for some late photo shooting, the glorious fragrances that come out of the local restaurants wouldn’t let you have a chance.

Who is this course for:
It does not really matter if you are a beginner or a well advanced photographer, you will find yourself that this island has something to offer for everyone. It is just gorgeous and with plenty of photo opportunities, plain and simple.
What you should bring with you:
Mainly cool clothes as it gets lovely and warm during June. The temperature is usually between 20 - 30 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 (see faq) 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: £850....Discount for 2 sharing room £ 100 each.
Seven nights accommodation, breakfast, lunch, transport to and from airport.
One to one and group tuition and all transport during the course.
Lightroom tutorial on image processing if needed and on one to one basis, 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 presentation of your own images made during the course. Dimitri believes that feedback from the whole group, improves the way you see photography in whole and makes you a much better photographer.
Extensive technical notes to take with you and also, after course advice via phone/email.
What is excluded:
Cancellation insurance, meals not mentioned above, drinks and flights.
Flights:
There are flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet, as well as flights from Manchester, Newcastle and London with Thomson and Thomas Cook. However,
do not try to book your flight just yet as there is none available. We will let you know in due time.
For a slideshow with music and pictures taken on previous tours from our participants, please click this link but allow time for it to load properly. You might be asked to download and install the free quicktime player, it is safe to do so. Alternatively, click this link.
For a
slideshow without music, please click this link.

This tour is ideal for couples even if your partner is not into photography, as we will be shooting 3 hours in the early morning and 3 hours in the evening so, the rest of the day can be spent relaxing, swimming by the pool, having lunch with the group and enjoy lovely walks during the evening, while others will be photographing the glorious 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 (some steps) but don’t panic - Earth’s Beauty do appreciate that this is your holiday after all so, 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 we do just that. However, the last evening we will have a presentation of the images taken during the course, accompanied with free of charge souvlaki and local wine.
Please, have a look at the page with images from the island, link at the top left of this page and prepare yourself for some stunning photography. We guarantee that you will go back home with some superb images, even if you use a point & shoot compact camera.
There is loads of potential on the island, even for black and white photography, a little bit for everyone.

Well, if you like what you see here and you are ready to take the tour, then just click the button below and book for this workshop.
You can pay by using your debit or credit card. If you would like to pay by cheque instead, please contact us and we will send you  the details.
A deposit of £100  is required for booking this tour, the remaining balance will be paid eight weeks before the tour date.
Digital photography courses, digital slr photographic workshops, photography tours, digital photo trips and holidays,  art photo training in Santorini in Greece.
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