On this 6-night trip we’ll be journeying through arguably one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe photographing a mixture of portraits, fashion, boudoir, figure-in-the-landscape, and the occasional exquisite landscape. We will be photographing three wonderful models throughout the trip. There will be five workshop (teaching) days with arrival and departure days either side.

The trip starts with three nights at our exclusive luxury villa near Volterra. We will venture out to shoot in local abandoned villas and countryside. We will also shoot in our villa, boudoir in the bedrooms, portraits by the pool and in the olive groves at sundown.  We then move onto our hotel in Siena where we will be based for a further three nights. We will shoot portraits on the ancient streets in both the evening and morning light. I’ve built in a half day for you to explore Siena. The last part of our adventure takes us to the area around Pienza to shoot portraits in lost locations full of character and charm. The sessions are relaxed and fun, instructional and inspirational.

There will not be many miles for us to cover on this trip. The emphasis will be on taking photographs under my guidance rather than traveling. Nearer the time we will create a private Facebook group so that you can get to know each other, ask questions about the lenses and equipment required and arrange car shares perhaps.

Lots of careful planning has gone into this trip to make it as relaxing, inspirational, educational and as fun-filled as possible. There will be great food, good company and excellent photo-making opportunities.

Tour Day 1 – Monday 9th September

Check-in at the villa from 4pm
Welcome drinks on the terrace as the sun goes down
Dinner

Tour Day 2 – Tuesday 10th September

Shoot at a hidden abandoned villa
Lunch back at our villa
Interior fashion shoot in our villa
Afternoon light shoot in the olive groves.
Dinner on our villa terrace under the stars

Tour Day 3 – Wednesday 11th September

Morning light shoot in the grounds of the villa
Lifestyle boudoir shoot
Lunch
Venture out to shoot at a nearby abandoned farm and outbuildings
Pool shoot at dusk
Dinner on the terrace of our villa

Tour Day 4 – Thursday 12th September

Check out of our first villa by 10am and drive to Siena (1½ hours)
Lunch in Siena
Afternoon photo shoot on the streets of Siena with our Italian model Michaela Bartolini (La Michi)
Check into our Hotel
Dusk/ evening light shoot with La Michi on the streets with a Lupo dual colour Superpanel
Dinner in Piazza Del Campo, Siena

Our first model for the sessions at the villa will be chosen by my team in August. We react to requests from guests. Sometimes guests want to work with models they have not shot with before. I am regularly testing new models to find ones with the right character and look for each event. If you would love to shoot with a particular model on this trip we will certainly consider that request. After all, your experience is everything on a Lovegrove adventure.

 

La Michi is a friend of mine who lives in Italy and will model for us in Siena. We first shot together in 2013 on a workshop in Rimini. She has that Italian verve and energy, is fun to work with and speaks wonderful English.

I have shot twice before with Martina and she will model for us in the Pienza region. Martina is a full time art nude model, speaks no English but comes with a translator. I direct in a very Italian way using arms and gesticulation so a translator is not always necessary. 

This Tuscany workshop has evolved to incorporate the best of our experiences over the past three years. You will love it. I have an honest approach to sharing my knowledge and skills gleaned over 35 years. Be prepared to soak up invaluable tips and information because these skills will give you the confidence to take your photography to the next level.

I am kind, sharing and patient. I take care to communicate in a way that reaches every level. I won’t leave you struggling if you are lost in camera menus and I won’t ignore you if you are quietly getting great photographs. What I’ll do is to show you how to build rapport and communicate with our three models to make structured poses look quite relaxed and natural. Nothing is left to chance. Everything has a purpose and I’ll share with you how I style each shot. I have a clear understanding of light and I’ll teach you how I find great light. Once you know what to look for everything becomes easier. When we are using the Lupo Superpanel we will be recreating a natural lighting style. This attention to detail will ensure you capture portfolio grade images from day one and feel empowered to capture fabulous photographs on your own after the workshop too.

My workshops are not just about learning, they are fun, creative adventures. I am supported by a great team back at the studio who manage the event planning and preparation. That leaves me to concentrate on delivering your learning experience.  You will leave this workshop a more confident photographer with images to be proud of and memories to last a lifetime.

Accommodation – a private Villa near Volterra and a Hotel in Siena
All breakfasts & lunches throughout the trip
Evening meals at our Volterra Villa (3)
Refreshments, – water (teas and coffee too where available)
Three professional models with shoots over the five days

Flights
Car hire & fuel
Travel insurance
Evening meals in Siena (3)
Evening drinks

Should you cancel this tour for any reason, no refund will be available unless your place is resold. If you would like to cancel your place on this event please contact us by phone or email as soon as possible.

As our costs for each training event remain the same regardless of how many clients attend, like any pre-booked tickets for the theatre, concert, flights, etc, we are unable to give a full refund in the event of non-attendance, regardless of the circumstances. The exception to this is if we have prior notice and are able to put a cancellation place back online AND your place is resold. In this event, we will, of course, make a full refund or credit to you.

We also reserve the right to cancel any workshop if there is insufficient demand, especially if it means that our costs would be higher than our income. Please, therefore, do not leave it until the last few weeks if you are interested in a particular date, as you may find that it has been removed! Please note that we cannot be liable for any other costs incurred by yourself, so please check with us before booking any non-refundable accommodation or transport.

Please take a look here for our full terms and conditions.

Have any questions? Give us a call: 01275 853204 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm GMT) or email us.