Come join me on the “A Way of Seeing” Photography Workshop in Genova, Italy - April 2012

When you travel, do you wish you could slip behind the scenes and into the world of the locals, without the restriction and limits of a guidebook? Do you like the idea of exploring the places the locals love? Do you wish you could talk with them, and capture their lives and experiences, in authentic and respectful ways photographically?

Would you enjoy seeing how pesto is made by one of Italy's best, in a shop full of sublime Italian product, deep in the heart of the ancient city in a location rarely found by tourists. Or exploring how the Genovese make chocolate … during a tour where you and your cameras are welcome.

Would you like to learn how to document these stories as they unfold in front of you?

For me, the most memorable travel moments have rarely been the ones the guidebooks prepared me for. Instead they have been the ones when something touched my soul, usually unexpectedly. Those moments when I connected with a place and its people, those moments are the moments of joy.

My photography workshop sessions will be about helping you to recognise the everyday moments and finding the reality behind the 'tourist' sights. For me, the value is in the journey ... the journey that leads you 'into' your destination. We will be searching for the small moments and images tucked among the obvious. Seeking out those details that define the place and an experience. The moments that connect people across cultures and beyond language.

There's no need to get stuck with the technicalities of photography -it's all about capturing those things that make your heart sing.  

So how about wandering with me? I can promise that we will be a small group of like-minded women travelers, all of us intent on the same objective. It won't be all about equipment and technical settings or the 'right way of doing it', this photography workshop series is about honing your inner vision and getting to the heart of your way of seeing. It is about learning to trust your own intuition and finding out what makes your heart sing, and then how to capture it.

I am now taking bookings for my photography workshop series in Genova, Italy, starting 16-20 April 2012 and I would love to invite you to join me on the road. As a photographer, traveler and passionate people person, I enjoy sharing the everyday reality of this beautiful Italian city I have come to love.

The tour program includes:

• Guided city tour and visits to delightful locations in and around Genova

• Photography shoots with a local cafe, artists and artisans. Tastings included.

• Mini-workshops on a series of subjects.

• Positive critique and feedback on some photographs taken during each day

• I am happy to provide recommendations when it comes to eating and drinking, moving around the city and etc.

• Free time is written in for individual exploration, shopping and assignments, although I am available to wander with you, if you have no desire to wander alone.

• On the last evening, we have a reception with those Genovese people we worked with, this will include a small exhibition of our photographs, framed and hung, taken over the duration of the workshop.

You will receive:

• our exclusive 14-module basic photography e-course (usually 75euro). This course is designed to gently guide you as you discover that your camera and its settings are relatively simple creatures to master.  Great preparation for our time in Genova too.
• a copy of David du Chemin's pdf book 'Vision is better'.  David duChemin is a world & humanitarian photographer.  He's the photographer I most admire.  You can't go wrong checking out his words on photography.
• a selection of exquisite Italian chocolates, in a beautiful memento box, from Romeo Vigonotti, chocolate-makers since 1865.
• A small gift selection of finest Italian food products from Francesca and Norma at Le Gramole,  where we will photograph and/or observe just how the famous Genovese pesto is made. Recipe included.

What you will learn:

• the basics of travel and documentary photography
• how to relax and be quietly confident when you're out in the world and using your camera
• to develop and recognise your own way of seeing and capturing the world.
• how to connect with the locals and get their permission to take their photographs
• how to take travel photographs discretely and with respect.
• Perhaps most importantly of all … you will learn to explore Genova, that ancient city I love so well

To continue the experience and to keep in contact, we will create our own photo-group on Flickr after the tour.

Prerequisites:

None – although I will be sending you my complimentary 14-module photography e-course which will allow you arrive in Italy, comfortable with your camera.

This workshop series is designed for everyone with an interest for travel and photography. It is not about the equipment so bring the camera you have.

Price: 795 euro.

Includes workshops, a workbook, city maps, reception and all tours, travels and visits within the program.

Not Included: Meals, accommodation, airfare, travel, health - all insurances, visas, travel to and from location not included.

Accommodation: I am unable to book your accommodation but I am more than happy to recommend and/or suggest various places that suit both your needs and place you in the best areas in the heart of the ancient city.  Please do not hesitate to ask me to help you with your accommodation.

Bring a friend and receive 40€ off.

Dates:

Monday 16 - Friday 20 April 2011.  If these dates are not convenient for you, please contact me about other upcoming dates.

Learn more:

Answers to FAQ about the tour, click here.

Book your place by contacting me at mackey.di@gmail.com

Come travel with me!

Looking forward to meeting you in Genova,

Di

What Workshop Participants Are Saying ...

Being a photographer is easy. Being a good photographer is a totally different case.
One needs to focus on the subject and simultaneously on a series of combinations of shutter speed and aperture. Furthermore correct measuring of the light and perfect timing are vital for a good result.
The first lesson was all about getting to know my camera and all its possibilities. Also how to use it in a proper and fast way.
Di is an excellent teacher. She taught me how to capture the images I see with my eyes on camera. She did this by allowing and encouraging me to be myself and to catch on camera whatever strikes me as a reflection of my world view. As a result, all those individual photographs became a bouquet of impressions of a wonderful group of persons.
Being a stimulating and creative guide she took us to special places and corners where we could meet friendly and photogenic people.
For me this course was perfect as it contains not only getting all the practical and technical know-how but also having the opportunity to practice the use of the camera in a professional way while exploring the city and enjoying all it has to offer. This unique combination truly offers the opportunity to learn in a beautiful and vivid setting how to become a good photographer.
Clara Vanuytven

I am new to photography so really appreciated the time I was able to spend with Di and her patience as I begin this journey. Di worked with me to ascertain which camera suited my purpose and after I purchased my Canon 50D, we explored Antwerp, Brussels and Paris.
Before and during our visits to these cities, Di provided tuition on how to use my camera effectively. She was able to explain the finer points of photography in a way I could understand and apply. Di supported me in applying my new skills and we critiqued the results together, discussing why the photo looked as it did and what I might do to improve this.
As a result, my photography has improved and I continue to refer to her advice. I would recommend Di because she is patient, is able to break down photography into easy to understand processes and excellent company on any journey.
Thanks for all your support Di!
Julie Madgwick, Jules Hikoi

Di took enough time to explain the purpose and the basics of photography to us. There was even a  work book which I didn't expect at all.
Di's enthusiasm and ideas can be very contagious, she is good at motivating people.
A patient teacher who takse enough time to explain over and over. On the other hand, Di also picks up moods very easily and so one doesn't feel pressed to 'work' all the time. People with a low energy level will love this.
Di showed us the beauty of different, looking back at the photos I see some I would never had thought of making myself.
Di is a very caring person and it shows in the timetable and checking if everybody is okay.

Meanwhile, Genova is a lovely city, very photogenic and small enough so people can easily find their way.
Judy

I met Di at a party and - after finding out she was a photographer - I started talking about my pictures and my camera and how much I loved taking photographs. Di smiled very sweetly and listened. Then I had to admit I didn't know much about the functionalities of my camera besides the 'automatic' button. Then she offered me her help. I took it. Over the next couple of weeks, Di introduced me into the amazing world of shutter speed, aperture, white balance, focal points, etc. It never became too technical or boring, she never ran out of patience with me.  But that was just the beginning. We set out in the world of Deurne (where I live) where she showed me different and more interesting ways of looking at common things. Furthermore, she encouraged me to be more confident in how I saw certain picture scenes, she even referred to it as artistic. Who wouldn't love her after being called that! The pictures I take don't even  come  close to  Di's magic, but I have to say that I have grown as a 'photographer' -  I even started my own business! - and it's all thanks to Di, her patience, subtle hints,  inspiring ideas and enthusiastic encouragement!

Ruth Aerts, of Aertshouse Photographic Memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What will I get out of this photography Workshop and/or Tour?

Let me just state that working with me is not about technical expertise. I'm not going to teach you more than the basics of your camera – everyone will have different cameras. These workshop photography tours are very much about developing, exploring and understanding your way of 'seeing' the world. They are about slipping in through the door of a different culture and capturing those things we are allowed to see someplace else ... someplace not our own.

What level of expertise should I have to join this trip?
I am putting these journeys together for amateur photographers and for people who love to travel. If you are a beginner or an enthusiastic photographer who needs some confidence, that is just fine - you are on the right course. You will be given the information you need to go out and take photographs in a variety of environments. There is also the possibility of a post-processing workshop, where you get to learn how to make the best of your images.

What will I get from this tour if I am an experienced photographer?
For you, it would be more about the experience of travel and slipping in the backdoor of life someplace else; friendship on the road and hanging out with like-minded people with a passion or interest in photography.

Is there an expectation that I will bring a professional camera, with extra lenses?
No, bring whatever camera you have, although digital cameras are preferred. We are working on developing your way of seeing the world, it's not about what kind of camera you use.

How many people will be attending your tours?
The groups will consist of no more than 4-6 people, with one-on-one courses available for solo travelers or those wanting to work on their photography alone. Some of the restaurant kitchens and other shoot locations are small. Also, the smaller size means that we remain unobtrusive as we wander – as in, I will not be carrying a brightly coloured umbrella and herding you through city streets. Never, not ever.

Accommodation?
I have managed to find hotels and B&Bs in the heart of the ancient city, hotels that have the ancient exterior with modern interiors. The workshops will take place in those hotels.   It's up to you, if you prefer to backpack or you are traveling on a tight budget, or conversely, you want to stay somewhere more exclusive, then do so. We can not wait for you to arrive but the itinerary will be clear, with departure points and times.

What about the weather?
Sometimes rain or cloudy weather simply offers another kind of light, another experience of a city however if the weather really turns nasty, I will have a Plan B.

How much does your photography tour cost?
5 days of workshops, wandering and photography for 795 euro. This price includes the 14 module photography e-course, as a pre-tour preparation.

How do I register?
Email me directly at mackey (dot) di (at) gmail (dot) com or use my Contact page.

How do I pay?
You can pay either by using Paypal or by making a bank transfer.

Any Questions Not Covered Here?
Please do not hesitate to contact me at mackey (dot) di (at) gmail (dot) com or use my Contact page.

The Details ...

The workshop fee includes: all photography shoots, guiding, course materials, and assistance throughout the course. A solid course book is included, with notes on all that we've talked about during the theory workshops.A reception/exhibition on the final night.  There are one or two gift surprises included - it has been fun planning it all. 

The workshop fee does not include: your airfare to Genoa, transfer services from the airport, nor your accommodation (although I am more than happy to work with you, personally recommending places I know to be good, and within the price range you require).

The workshop fee does not include travel insurance or a travel visa, should one be required. No meals besides those listed as included, nor personal expenses, are included. You need to arrive in Genoa no later than the 15 April, 2012, for the first workshop.

The workshop ends after the reception/exhibition on April 20, 2012.

Deposit: A deposit of 300euro secures your place in this photography workshop. If you let me know you are cancelling 60 days before 16 April, 2012, then you will get a 150euro refund.

The full fee is due 30 days before the workshop begins on 16 April, 2012.

Cancellation and Refunds: In the unlikely event of the workshop series being cancelled, 200euro will be refunded within 2 weeks of the cancellation. Once this is paid, I have no other obligations for things like costs associated with the cancellation of airline tickets and other travel reservations.

Accommodation: It is preferred that you stay in the old heart of the city, where most of our workshops will take place. I have a range of prices available, special deals for my clients included, depending on what kind of accommodation you prefer and/or afford. I recommend that you work with me on choosing your accommodation because some of the hotels forget to mention that reaching them at night can be an experience you might not enjoy. Your personal safety is important to me.

Travel Insurance: Please make sure you purchase your own insurances. Consider trip cancellation, emergency medical evacuation, baggage, accident and medical insurances. A photographer recently raved about this company after his experience with them: http://medjetassist.com/ and another travel group recommended looking through: http://www.insuremytrip.com/ but neither are personal recommendations.

I will leave that with you.

Eligibility: The group size has been set at between 4-6 participants. We will be a small group of women wandering in a city that is both ancient and kind of small. I feel that I am best able to personally assist a smaller group and that the experience itself will be so much more for the smaller numbers.

Itinerary Changes:  The itinerary described may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances however every effort will be made to avoid this.

My waiver of liability: You will be asked to read and sign a waiver of liability.

Important to Note: Please make sure your travel documents are valid and that you have a good travel insurance.