Question 1

Why should I take an Italy Photography Workshop with Paolo De Faveri?

Accepted Answer

Simple: because you will learn how to take better photographs. Consider a Paolo De Faveri's Photography Workshop as an invaluable add-on to your gear: a tool that will teach you how to take wonderful photos wherever you go. We make the art and technique of photography simple to understand by breaking it down into easy pieces of information that you will find useful to apply every time you will be in the field.

Question 2

What will I learn?

Accepted Answer

Well, a whole lot, you can be sure. Paolo De Faveri's workshops are designed to help take your creativity to a new level. Through a combination of both in-the-field image sessions and  class/lecture sessions on many different topics both technical and artistic, I want to get you to start thinking differently as an artist and spark your artistic vision.

key features always include:

- master the basics of landscape photography
- learn how to compose effectively no matter of the subject, from macro to grand vistas
- learn how to photograph with challenging lighting, such as at sunrise and sunset
- learn about when and how to use filters
- explore advanced photography techniques such as long exposures in broad daylight and image stitching for panoramic compositions

Check the lessons s(javascript:void(0))ection in this website for an exhaustive list of topics usually covered in my in-the-field and classroom sessions.

Question 3

What happens on an Italy Photography Workshop with Paolo De Faveri?

Accepted Answer

All of my workshops start with a brief Introduction, a presentation of the daily schedule and the technical and artistic goals of each day, followed by questions and answer session for getting to know each other, assessing the level of knowledge of the group, each person's goals and expectations.
On average we will spend from 8 to 10 hours a day in the field, every day in a different location, having big fun in chasing the best possible light and scouting the area looking for images that capture the innermost beauty of the amazing world around us.
My tours are a mix of adventure and teaching, and they are not intended as only formal teaching and instructions They are more about wandering in some of the best natural or urban environments I know and getting fully immersed in photography. A "learn by doing" kind of education, as I answer questions and solve problems as they arises, completed by a debriefing in the evening when we will thoroughly review and critique together the work done in the day, and we will analyze in details basic and advanced techniques of image processing.

Question 4

What will I learn in the classroom/webinars?

Accepted Answer

Check the lessons section (javascript:void(0))in this website for an exhaustive list of topics usually covered in my classroom sessions and webinars.

Question 5

Does the instructor shoot over the workshop?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I will be shooting during the tour/workshop, but in a limited capacity as participants needs come first of course. I often take pictures right along with the students inspiring them to learn to see an image the way I do. Much of my shooting over the workshop is meant as direct field demonstrations aimed to improve student's creative vision and technique.

Question 6

How advanced do I need to be?

Accepted Answer

Anyone, no matter of how advanced he/she is, will find my workshops to be a great learning experience. The majority of my students are usually somewhere between intermediate to advanced amateur up to semi-pro and pro, but many beginners attend too. You should in anycase be at least familiar with your equipment and its operation. Always bring your camera manual for quick reference in the field.

Question 7

What kind and how much equipment should I bring?

Accepted Answer

The essential photo gear you should have with you is listed here below. This gear is highly recommended for taking full advantage of the instructions you will receive in my workshops.

- tripod
- dslr camera
- a good quality zoom lens covering a focal range length of at least 28 to 100 mm
- enough storage cards for at least 16 GB
- extra camera batteries
- camera bag or backpack
- camera user's manual

Question 8

Will weather ever force us to change the workshop's schedule?

Accepted Answer

Bad weather always provide unusual and harsh conditions that contribute unique drama and mood to our images. So the answer is no, normally. We only stop shooting and/or move elsewhere if an element of danger arises.

Question 9

Is transportation included?

Accepted Answer

Usually yes, it's included, unless when stated differently in the workshop description. For group tours we will use vans/small buses for our daily transfers  from the hotel to the shooting locations and back. For private/small groups workshops I will drive my own car. Of course, you have to arrive on your own to the hotel/lodging.

Question 10

How should I dress?

Accepted Answer

I recommend to come prepared for anything and bring an extra layer of warm clothes with you. Here is a list of clothes/accessories you should always dress/have with you when shooting outdoor:

- trekking shoes if you shoot in a natural environment; a pair of very comfortable - and possibly water-proof shoes - if you shoot in a urban      context
- wind/rain proof jacket
- pile pullovers
- gloves
- headdress
- head lamp and batteries

Question 11

How do I register for a workshop?

Accepted Answer

Simply use the pre-registration form available in the pages describing each workshop and compile every field of it, letting me know about the workshop of your choice, the number of participants, the desired dates and duration, etc. I will be back to you right away for confirming the availability and with the instruction for booking. To validate your reservation, you will be asked to pay the 35% of the workshop price as a deposit.

Question 12

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

All my workshops are subject to the following Cancellation Policy:

- If you cancel within 30 days before the workshop start, you will be refunded the deposit minus 100,00 € as administrative fee.
- No refund will be issued for cancellations received with 30 days or less remaining before the workshop starting date.

Please note that there is no exception to this policy. 
For this reason it is strongly recommended to purchase refundable plane/train tickets only and endow yourself with a trip cancellation insurance. All cancellation request must be in writing.

Question 13

Details and Requirements - Key Features

Accepted Answer

Number of students per workshop: minimum 1, maximum 3 students 
 
Duration: minimum 3, maximum 7 days 
5 or, even better, 6 days is the recommended length, as it is indeed the ideal timeframe for putting together a very effective itinerary, there are long distances to cover as the Ardeche is quite a big region

Workshops Availability From March thru November

Difficulty Easy. Most of the shooting locations are directly accessible by car. A few of them require short hikings of no more than 1.5  kms one way, on easy trails with moderate elevation gain.  The trail along the Ardeche River Gorges is not difficult but long and demanding in terms of stamina required. It can be added as an option, just ask

What's included - full time in-the-field tutoring and instructions - at least one image processing class (min. 2 hours) per workshop
- all transportation during the workshop will be provided with a rented car/van. included in the price

What's not included - Travel costs for reaching the accommodation, hotels/B&B rates, meals and beverages are not included in the cost of admission unless specified.
- Excursion boats 
- Entrance tickets to archelogical sites. museums, etc.
- Lodging costs of the instructor

Insurance All participants must be in possession of a valid Health and Accident Insurance with repatriation cover.

Italy Photography Workshops

Frequently Asked Questions

Italy Photography Workshops with Paolo De Faveri