Workshops and shoot opportunities in 2027
May 2027
Advanced Portraiture Workshop – Bergamo, Italy
Thank you so much for your interest in my Italy workshops. I wanted to share an important update and some exciting news.
Many of you were expecting these events to run this September. However, after considerable effort, I wasn’t able to secure the right venues for that timeframe. As you can imagine, the locations are absolutely central to the experience, so rather than compromise, I’ve chosen to move the workshops to May 2027.
There are a couple of reasons behind this decision. Firstly, I want to ensure we have access to truly exceptional places that elevate the photography and make the whole experience unforgettable. Secondly, the ongoing situation in the Middle East, with no clear resolution in sight, has made longer-term planning more uncertain than usual.
The good news is that things are now coming together beautifully. I’ll be travelling to Italy this June to inspect the locations and to produce a major video production to give you a real sense of what to expect. One of the highlights already on my radar is a magnificent 35-room palace, where the local mayor, who is wonderfully enthusiastic about my work, is helping facilitate access. There’s even a strong possibility I’ll be commissioned to photograph her during the visit, which would be a very special opportunity.
🇮🇹 The Italian Workshops, Bergamo – May 2027
Here’s the provisional schedule. Each event has its own flavour, so you can choose the experience that suits you best.
Event 1: The Grand Italian Experience
A five-day immersive journey of portraiture, luxury, and inspiration
Sunday 2 May – Saturday 8 May
A truly sumptuous five-day event. We begin with two days photographing in beautifully distressed villas full of character and history. Then a well-earned day off, with an optional boat trip on Lake Como and wine tasting. We finish with two further days creating fully styled portraits in lavish frescoed palaces.
• Two Italian models throughout
• Professional hair, make-up, and styling
• Top-class accommodation, meals, and transport included
• Non-shooting partners very welcome
Event 2: The Bergamo Portrait Intensive
Three days of refined portrait creation in remarkable locations
Monday 10 May – Thursday 13 May
A focused three-day workshop based in Bergamo.
• Two days in distressed villas
• One day in opulent frescoed locations
• A chance to create striking, Hollywood-style portraits
You’ll stay where you wish in Bergamo and explore its excellent dining options, while all shoot-day transport is included.
Event 3: The Distressed Villa Workshop
A two-day study in texture, mood, and timeless portraiture
Sunday 16 May – Tuesday 18 May
A classic two-day shooting experience dedicated to working in extraordinary distressed villas in Bergamo.
• Rich textures, natural light, and atmosphere
• Ideal for developing your eye and refining your style
• Accommodation and meals flexible to suit you
Event 4: The Fresco Portrait Workshop
Elegant, styled portraiture in some of Italy’s most lavish interiors
Wednesday 19 May – Friday 21 May
Two days focused on creating beautifully styled portraits in frescoed villas and palaces near Bergamo.
• A different Italian model each day
• Full professional styling (hair, make-up, wardrobe)
• A chance to produce truly portfolio-worthy work
Prices
I’ll be heading out to Bergamo to test shoot at the venues and to negotiate prices with the owners. While I am there I will select the accommodation for the first workshop and the restaurants for lunches. Once I have done that I’ll be able to put prices on the workshops and start taking deposits. Until then I don’t want to speculate on prices. If you have signed up for advanced notice, I’ll message you as soon as I have set the prices.
What Happens Next
For now, I’d simply encourage you to save the dates for any events that resonate with you.
Once I return from Italy in June with confirmed venues, sample images, and the rushes for a feature length training movie, I’ll be sharing full details, including pricing, itineraries and booking information.
This is shaping up to be something very special. I’ve been waiting for the right combination of locations, people, and timing and I believe this is it.
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to email me. I’d love to hear from you.
I took these photographs at recent workshops in Italy. It represents the principal style I will recreate in Bergamo.
On my trip to Bergamo in June, I will finalise my locations, test models, and check out the restaurants and accommodation.
I don’t arrange flights or transfers to and from the workshop. I leave that to my clients. Most of them extend their stay with sightseeing or other activities. Some stop off in Rome or Florence for a few days. Italy in September is a fabulous place to explore.
I will aim for us to shoot some classic Hollywood style portraits in the palaces and villas as well as the classical painting look.
Review by email from a recent workshop in Italy
I’ve been taking photos for decades and had nearly ten years in professional fashion and sports photography, so when I thought about attending Damien’s Orvieto workshop, the first thing that came to mind was, “what more can I learn to improve the photographs I love to do -fashion and sports – especially with the very disadvantageous exchange rate between Aussie dollar and Euro?” In short, I was cautiously doubtful about going. But I went anyway.
I learned a completely new dimension to photography, and lighting in particular; I learned to spend far more time setting up an image and far less time editing the usual thousands I used to take; I learned camera techniques I never had any concept were possible, and I learned that self education, whether for fun or business is not about cost – it’s about value, and I have never received more value for money from a course on any topic than I did from Damien’s Orvieto experience.
And by the way, the amazing beauty of the residential venue, the open friendliness of the people with whom you’ll share the time and the sheer photographic perfection of the shooting locations – not to mention the extraordinary beauty, skill and professionalism of the models, justified the price several times over. Getting a cover shot of one of the workshop models on a French fashion magazine a short time after the workshop, was the perfect icing on the cake.
This is a workshop not to be missed, run by a master photographer with inexhaustible knowledge and energy for his students. This is a bucket list item for every lover of taking beautiful photographs. Do yourself a favour…ENROL!. You won’t regret it.
ALAN PATCHING
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